All Saints' and Salutation Choir

All Saints has a thriving robed choir, currently numbering thirteen adults and twelve children. We have been affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music for many years.

The choir sings at the Parish Eucharist at 10:30 on Sunday mornings, Festival services and Choral Evensong on Sunday evenings once a month, and occasional additional services - not forgetting Midnight Communion at Christmas. There is an extensive catalogued music library.

Practice is on Tuesdays from 6.30-7.30pm for trebles, who participate in the RSCM Voice for Life Scheme, and from 7.00-8.00pm for the adults with a half hour overlap for the whole choir to practice together.

Over the last thirteen years we have been fortunate to have had three music directors and the choir has increased in size and ability. Eric Campling ably led the choir for over ten years and on his retirement Sarah Buxton returned from Cambridge to pick up the baton. She had been a treble as a child and alto with the choir as a teenager. She completed her Ph.D in Durham in Spring 2010.

In 2006 Nick Bennett took over until he was tragically killed in June 2007. In that short time he gave an impetus to the choir from which we still benefit, and his family still play an active part in the church and choir.

Our present Director of Music is Jeremy Maritz. Jeremy is a South African who came to England to join Harrison and Harrison, the Durham organ builders, where he is now a senior tuner. Shortly after joining us he had to cope with a complete rebuilding of the church: his skills as an organ builder were invaluable when we moved into the new building. Jeremy is supported by a team of three organists, and has already overseen encouraging developments with the choir that is attracting a growing number of both adults and junior members.

There is a small music group which plays several times a year for more informal Parade Services and we are keen to encourage young instrumentalists. A successful rota of organists has operated for many years and the church has a three manual Viscount Sovereign organ. There is great potential for expanding the range of music available to help lead the Worship at All Saints' Church and also to the wider community.

Anyone interested in joining the choir or requiring further information should contact Jeremy Maritz via the Parish Office.