Since the first choir was founded, music has filled this fine church of St Mary, Old Swinford. Choral singing is one of Britain’s richest traditions and a vibrant, living heritage which is often the preserve of our great cathedrals. The choir of this church is precious; it transforms and inspires worship and enriches the community of Old Swinford.
The English choral tradition remains central to music at St Mary’s Church.
St Mary’s Church is also a popular venue for a range of concerts and other events.
Join the choir and enjoy an outstanding, free musical education and be trained using the RSCM Voice for Life Scheme.
Could your son or daughter be a chorister?
Choristers come to St Mary’s from the local community and attend different schools in Stourbridge. Children do not need any previous experience, just an interest in singing and music and a clear voice with a good musical ear. Children normally join at the age of 8 or above.
What are the benefits of being a chorister?
- Performing music by great composers, with experienced adult singers led by specialist professional musicians
- Taking part in services, occasional concerts and cathedral visits.
- Developing leadership skills, personal confidence, self-motivation, self-discipline and a sensitivity to heritage and culture within a supportive environment
- Improving academic performance and gaining the health benefits of regular singing
- Enjoying being part of a team with a strong sense of identity and forming lasting friendships
- Receiving pocket money for singing
- A free, outstanding musical education; previous choristers have gone on to attain musical scholarships at university
- Having great fun!
Rehearsals and commitments
The children of the choir rehearse from 19:00 to 20:30 on Friday evenings. The adults of the choir rehearse from 19:30 to 21:00 also on Friday evenings. The choir sings each Sunday morning during school term, with the exception of choral evensongs. Members are not expected to make every service, but to try and attend as many as they can. The choir also sings at weddings and funerals, the dates for which will be told to the choir members in advance.
The friends of music at St Mary’s Church
The Friends of the Music at St Mary’s believe that music enriches worship and enables people to experience a deeper sense of the presence of God and the creativity of humanity. Our parish church music making has a long tradition which is evolving in many new ways.
We support our choir and musicians, encouraging children and adults to join, to enjoy and progress in their singing, as they lead regular weekly services and special celebratory events both traditional and contemporary.
Bells of St Mary’s
St. Mary’s tower dates from the late 14th century.
It houses eight bells rung from a ringing chamber above the west porch. Records exist of all peals rung at Oldswinford since 1894.
To join the bell ringers, visit our groups page for more details.
| Number | Founder | Place | Date | Diameter | Weight | Inscription |
| Treble | John Taylor | Loughborough | 1902 | 25 ins | 4-1-15 | To the Glory of God and to commemorate the wedding day of William Cochrane and Eliza Collis. May 11th 1859 |
| 2 | John Taylor | Loughborough | 1902 | 26 ins | 4-2-13 | To the Glory of God and to commemorate the wedding day of William Cochrane and Eliza Collis. May 11th 1859 |
| 3 | Matthew Bagley | Chacombe | 1687 | 27 ins | 5-0-1 | Mathew Bagley made mee. 1687 |
| 4 | Matthew Bagley | Chacombe | 1686 | 28.5 ins | 5-1-14 | Cantate Domino Canticum Novum M.Bagley 1686 |
| 5 | Henry Bagley | Chacombe | 1686 | 30.5 ins | 5-1-14 | Henry Bagley made mee 1686 |
| 6 | John Taylor | Loughborough | 1902 | 33 ins | 6-2-18 | Recast by John Taylor & Co Loughborough Leicestershire 1902 |
| 7 | Matthew Bagley | Chacombe | 1686 | 37 ins | 8-0-24 | Mathew Bagley of Chacom made mee 1686 |
| Tenor | Abel Rudhall | Gloucester | 1740 | 40 ins | 10-3-12 in F# | I To the Church The Living Call And to the Grave do Summon All A R 1740 |