St John's is a very special building! Completed in 1912, it has a wonderful acoustic for singing (one of the best in Surrey), a fine organ, and is regularly used for high profile concerts. Visitors over recent years have included King's College, Cambridge; The London Mozart Players Brass Ensemble; Farnham Youth Choir (Sainsbury Choir of the Year); Guildford Cathedral Choir; and Guildford High School.
Ian Church, Director of Music, comments: “It is a real privilege to be involved with music here. Whether playing the last verse of a rousing hymn with full organ, or conducting a quiet unaccompanied anthem, there is always a thrill about the resulting sound. Even the Choral Scholars from King's College, Cambridge were impressed."

Music plays an important part in the main 10 am Eucharist service, and at the monthly Evensong (Choral 3 – 4 times each year). We have a four part Adult Choir; a Junior Choir; and also run a scheme for Organ Students to learn the organ. Some of our singers also play instruments, and we use these occasionally to accompany anthems and worship songs.

The Adult Choir – around 18 young people and adults - sing a wide repertoire of music from the 16 th Century to contemporary works. We practise on Wednesday evenings in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, with lots of laughs – but we also work hard, and aim for a high standard. During the Eucharist service each Sunday, we sing hymns, a setting of the mass, and an anthem (often unaccompanied) during communion. At Evensong, we sing the psalm, canticles, and an anthem. For Choral Evensong, we sing a ‘cathedral style' service with settings for the responses and canticles. We usually make an annual visit to Guildford Cathedral to sing Choral Evensong.

The Junior Choir introduces the joy of singing to boys and girls from the age of 7. The Juniors practise on Tuesday evenings, and join the Adults for part of the Sunday Eucharist service. They usually sing by themselves during a service once a term.

Voice Coaching. To ensure we take care of our voices, and to fully develop each singer's potential, we employ a professional Vocal Coach - Mervyn Collins, a Vicar Choral at St Paul's Cathedral. Individual coaching is provided free of charge to permanent members of the Choir.

Learn the Organ. We currently have 4 students who are learning to play the organ. We provide lessons, practice facilities, and the chance to play under supervision during the services. A vacancy for a further Organ Student now exists, as one of our original students is leaving for university.

The organ is one of the finest in the area. Built originally by Norman & Beard and installed in 1913 shortly after the Church was consecrated, it was revised by Mander in 1979 to the current specification with 2 manuals and 24 stops. The console is historically important, having an almost unique stop control system originally devised by the blind organist, Alfred Hollins.

In addition to singing, the choir have a good time socially often meeting in the local club for drinks, celebrating birthdays at restaurants in West Byfleet and having an annual BBQ. Zoe's recent 18th birthday required more than one celebration, although we are not sure if she remembered any of them!

Ian Church (Director of Music and Organist) has been at St John's since 1990, and re-established the present Choir in 1996. He holds the Associate Diploma of the Royal College of Organists (ARCO), and is a member of the Association of British Choral Directors.

New Choir members, whether experienced or not, are always welcome!

For a full pack of information, please contact Ian Church phone 01483 564939. Email Ian Church