LANESFIELD METHODIST CHURCH CHOIR
Organist and Choirmaster: Barrie Shinton

Following the closure of Parkfield Road Church on 1st December 1991 I was appointed organist at Lanesfield on 1st June 1992, and subsequently asked to form a 'Mixed Church Choir'.
A list of interested people was obtained and the choir was formed.

The first rehearsal was on Friday 2nd October 1992, when about 24 members began the task of learning the Cantata 'Love Transcending' by John Peterson.  Maybe a bit ambitious, a Cantata, but nevertheless it was sung on 13th December 1992.  It went very well - and we were on our way.

We are a mixed choir, and meet at 8pm on a Friday evening.  Our numbers have fluctuated over the years from 42/40, and unfortunately and sadly losing losing members this year our present choir has 37 members, consisting of 17 sopranos, 8 altos, 5 tenors and 7 bass.

We sing throughout the year at the following special services:
 
Palm Sunday The Flower Festival Harvest
Remembrance Sunday The Church Anniversary The Carol Service
Along with other occasions if asked

Over the year we learn and sing approximately twenty new pieces of music which we hope are enjoyed, and also enhance the church services.

A lot of the music that we use is written by the Salvation Army (who seem to be the only people who write any decent music nowadays!!).  another source over the years has been our own choir member Audrey Wigg who has a brilliant talent for writing lyrics to which I have put music.  Many other items are arranged by myself for the choir.

We have sung many anthems over the years and also many cantatas which include:

     
Easter Celebration Night of Miracles Behold Your King
Born a King          Hallelujah What a Saviour

All by John Peterson
c    

The Nazarene - by John Witty
c

'The Glory of the Manger'  -  'The Garden to the Cross'

and in 2004 'A Crown of Thorns'
These being written by Audrey Wigg and music by Barrie Shinton
 

Stainer's 'Crucifixion' and Maunder's 'Olivet to Calvary' (twice) are the more well known works that we have performed
 

We could do with more sopranos, altos, tenors and bass.
You do not have to be able to read music - but be able to sing in tune.

Barrie Shinton - October 2005