Singing a new song
A junior choir at Great Yarmouth Minster has brought fresh experiences for those joining and for those already at the Minster.

Great Yarmouth Minster’s massive wooden door bursts open, and in dash children, with parents and carers in tow. It is a Thursday at 4.45 and the Choristers Club gathers to sign in. Volunteers – trained adult choir members – are ticking registers, serving simple refreshments and taking contact details from parents of newcomers. The air is full of excitement and enthusiasm.
At 5pm a chord strikes up on the piano, parents leave and the young teams of Cantoris and Decani dash into their places in the stalls to sing. It may be a church anthem or a pop hit from the musicals. Whatever it is – they pick up the music and dive in with enthusiasm, learning as they go.
The Choristers’ Club was set up by the Minster’s Director of Music Outreach, an experienced teacher and choirmaster, Martyn Marshall, after a year of ministry in the parish:
“We wanted to offer a regular social music club in the Minster for local youngsters – partly based on the existing work of the Minster’s Music Outreach project. I also hoped it might also bring in new singers for special events and re-invigorate the Minster choir.
“I took the plunge and personally visited several local primary schools, explaining what the Minster had to offer their young people in the way of music and community opportunities. I took assemblies at each school and left flyers for them. We had a few keen takers – 10 in the first week, and since then it’s really spread by word of mouth as young people and their families realise what a great opportunity it is.”
“I’m just amazed at how much my daughter has grown,” smiles one mum, “She’s really come into her own through singing.” One of the volunteers, Ian Dracup, echoes the sentiment with a grin, “I’m so impressed at their growing confidence – they all volunteer to sing solos now – it’s an example to the adult choir!”
This growth in confidence is due in large part to the care and kindness that are a foundation of all the club activities. “The leaders and volunteers work hard to make this a safe place for children to flourish and find their voice,” says Team Vicar, Jemma Sander-Heys. “There is only encouragement in the rehearsals, and the children work hard but also socialise together regularly, which is really important, and we couldn’t do any of it without the support of the young people’s families.”
Perhaps most important for this new beginning has been the support of the existing Minster choir members as volunteers. Rosemarie Brown describes what it has meant to her:
“After my career as a midwife was cut short by a serious back injury many years ago, I lost all my confidence; singing gradually gave me a new lease of life. And though this was a challenge – being brave enough to come and help as a volunteer – it is such a joy to see the children’s delight in music, their focus, and how they grow in confidence. It’s been lovely, feeling of use again – a new beginning for us all!”
This article is from...
Articles in this issue...

With: a new youth prayer community at the convent
James Fawcett is part of a group of Christians who work with young people that have a “crazy story” about taking over a convent in Norfolk. He shares this exciting new beginning at a venue familiar to many Magazine readers.
More
A fresh start at Emmaus: Janine’s story
Janine shares her personal story of a fresh start at Emmaus.
More
Beginning in Reader ministry
In September 2019, four new Readers were Licensed and five who have recently transferred to this Diocese were welcomed in a Readers’ Day Eucharist that highlights the importance of this essential ministry. The new four share some of their journey.
More
A new-found faith and community
Surya Teja Reddy Vajrala shares his everyday faith story of a move from a village in India to a new community in Thetford, discovering his faith as part of that journey through embracing new experiences.
More
Book reviews
A selection of books on the theme of new beginnings, reviewed by Steve Foyster.
More
Embracing change
Rosie Sexton reflects upon the experience of new beginnings and handling change.
More
New shoots and fruits
The Revd Karen Hutchinson, Archdeacon of Norwich, highlights the often necessary endings before the new can begin.
More
A new chapter in a longer story
The new Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher, shares his thoughts on new beginnings, a few months into his arrival in the Diocese.
More