Kingston Parish Church has a long and remarkable history and has supported a choral tradition since the 16th century. The choir is known nationally for the quality of its music making and sings an extensive repertoire. As well as contributing to the worship of the church, the choir has made broadcasts and recordings, has excellent connections with local schools and has regularly produced choral scholars at Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

Traditionally, the choir was made up of about twenty boys and twenty men. From Autumn 2004, a young women and girls choir was introduced to contribute to the music programme. The choirs are now actively recruiting new boys and girls from the area and wish to develop further relationships with local schools as a way of promoting music education in the area.

The main benefits for boy and girl choristers at kingston parish church are: Musical training from professional musicians Exposure to a wide repertoire of choral music Social interaction with other choristers Training in self-discipline and performance Development of self-confidence A modest payment, with good pay for weddings Fun and many, many memorable occasions Of course, all these benefits come free of charge!

No specific musical experience is required to join the boys or girls choir. More important is enthusiasm, intelligence and a willingness to commit to the choir and learn. The choir relies on the dedication of its members to maintain its high standards and excellent reputation.

The boys and girls rehearsal and service times

• Wednesday, 5.15-6.15pm
• Friday, 7.00-8.00pm
• A service on Sunday at 9.30am and occasionally at 6.00pm
• Occasionally additional rehearsals and services/performances, for instance at Christmas and Easter

If you would like to find out more about Kingston Parish Church Choir, please contact our Director of Music, Simon Toyne, on 020 8549 6925, or music @ allsaintskingston . co . uk (please note that you need to remove the spaces - this is an antispam device!)

Singing is thirsty work

An army may march on its stomach, but it is well known that choirmen sing on their beer. The pubs in Kingston are not up to our exacting standards! Now that it has been converted into a 'respectable' hotel, the venue is The White Hart, Hampton Wick. This is a pre-conversion photo, but you'll recognise it.

• Kingston Parish Church Music Lists
• The Frobenius Organ in Kingston Parish Church
• Some photographs from the Choir Archives