Music

Methodism sings its theology and all our services include congregational hymns and songs.

We are fortunate in having a fine, well-preserved pipe-organ in our church which is usually used for morning worship and for festival services. Built by Wadsworth Bros of Manchester in 1902 and enlarged by Henry Willis of London in 1957, it is a 3-manual tracker-action instrument in a pine case.

The organ comes into its own when accompanying congregational hymn-singing from “Singing the Faith” and “Hymns & Psalms” (the current Methodist hymn-books) and is indispensable at weddings and funerals. It is particularly suitable for the extensive repertoire of English organ music but works by J S Bach, Widor and Franck are also regularly heard as voluntaries.

The more reflective evening services in the transept are accompanied by the Woodchester piano and music during communion is sometimes provided by solo instruments and the piano.

All-age worship services on the third Sunday morning of the month are more informal, often with worship songs chosen from “Let’s Praise”. They are usually accompanied by an all-age band of strings, woodwind and brass with piano and keyboard.

Rather than have a regular choir, additional choral music (eg introits and anthems, vespers and carols) is provided on occasion by the Sunday Singers or the Hooley Singers.

Concerts

The church is regularly used for concerts given by visiting orchestras, choirs, ensembles and bands. Ticket income from these normally benefits our current church charities.

Choral Events

Occasionally, singers from the church combine with those from other local churches to sing larger-scale works. These have included modern musicals like Roger Jones’ “Saints Alive!”, “Jairus’ Daughter”, “David” and “Greater Than Gold” (published by Christian Music Ministries), and traditional oratorios and cantatas like “Olivet to Calvary”.

Christmas

At Christmas, the Carol Choir tours Beeston and Chilwell with its traditional carols.

We share an annual Carol Service with Beeston Parish Church, alternating between the two church buildings.

Rehearsal Rooms Available

The Guild Room with its upright piano is regularly hired by choirs and other musical groups for rehearsals. Enquire at the Church Office.

History

The Church History section gives further historical background to music at Chilwell Road Methodist Church.

For Reflection and Review

A more reflective section gives you opportunity to think about your own responses and opinions on our “vision” for music at Chilwell Road Methodist Church. See “Music at Chilwell Road Methodist Church – a review” for a review, including a summary of responses.