Choir Week at Bury St Edmunds – July 2004 (Part 2)

But there was a serious side to the week and the programme was as always quite a marathon, especially for the younger Trebles, some of whom were experiencing their first Choir week. Culminating with three services on the Sunday, the Choir sang a Choral Evensong every day (save Thursday) without duplicating any of the music. This required a lot of practice and rehearsal some in the School, some in the Choir Room at the Cathedral and some in the actual Choir Stalls. The latter were conducted whilst the Cathedral was open to the visiting public and it was noticeable towards the end of the week that people were coming in and staying to listen to the rehearsal. There was also a learning curve to go through to comply with the accepted entering and exiting of the pews - no cutting corners, all turns must be right angles, follow the red tiles in the paving, keep the correct distance from your partner, stay in step etc etc. (All part of the fun!)

I mentioned the ‘team bonding’ earlier in these notes. It is an understated yet vital part of the week and serves us well throughout the year. In a Cathedral there is no hiding place and everyone is required to give of their best. For Evensong the congregation was in the pews next to and behind us. For the Communion Service there were close on 400 worshippers in the congregation. At these times there is no differential between ‘old hand’ and ‘novice’ and everyone experiences the same nerves, anticipation, and exhilaration. Equally everyone is focussed on their own performance as part of the team which of course keeps the adrenalin flowing.

In this atmosphere, the awareness and feeling in singing praises to God is heightened. There is a unique sense of purpose and understanding. The feeling of involvement and fulfilment is brought forth in the music and every setting seems to amplify the mood.

Throughout the week we enjoyed the company of the Dean and his clergy. At every service there was a good congregation and the numbers grew as the week progressed. Of course we were also delighted to see family and friends who made the long journey to Bury to share our worship. We also made new friends and the atmosphere and camaraderie with the Clergy and staff of the Cathedral was excellent.

A lot of people work hard to make a Choir week successful and the contribution from David Jaques in arranging the venue and accommodation deserves special mention. Similarly our organist for the week, Andrew Cummings, a former Deputy Director of Music, now working and playing in Buxton but prepared to take the week off to join us, excelled in his playing and commitment. On two occasions Andrew drew spontaneous applause from the congregation and visitors to the Cathedral for his performance at the end of the Service.