EALING ABBEY
LAY PLAINCHANT CHOIR
NEW MEMBERS
We always welcome new members, whether you are experienced in singing chant or a beginner. There is no need for you to be familiar with square notation; you will soon pick it up. You are welcome to attend one of our Wednesday evening rehearsals (see Calendar).
However, we do ask newcomers initially to sit at the back and just listen, and then later sing quietly until you are fully confident of singing accurately and in tune. If you wish to join the Choir, we would ask you to make an appointment with the Choir Director, Fr Peter Burns. That would enable him to assess your experience and training needs to help with your development, so that you will be able to make the maximum contribution to the Choir.
Once you are an established member of the Choir you will receive a loan copy of:
Gregorian Missal, published by the Abbaye St Pierre, Solesmes in France. This
provides the Ordinary chants (settings of texts used at Masses throughout the year) and Propers (settings of texts pertaining to a particular Sunday or Feast Day). The Missal contains the chants for all Sundays and major Feast Days. It provides English translations of the set Latin texts; and
The Parish Book of Chant, published by the Church Music Association of America. This contains a selection of hymns and chants.
These books are also available online, so those who do not yet have books can download scores of the chants we are currently singing. Audio recordings of these can be accessed via the Members' page. This will enable you to practise singing the chants at home.
For further information about the Choir, e-mail: gregorianchantealing@gmail.com


© Victoria and Albert Museum, London
© Victoria and Albert Museum, London