It continues to accompany the hymns and worship songs on the first Sunday of the month, supporting the All-age Service and also plays reflective music during communion and processional music at the end of these services. It takes part in the St. James’s Young Musicians recitals and supports the music in some special services, such as the Carol Services and Confirmations.

The group has to strike a balance between 'making a joyful noise unto the Lord' and providing an acceptable accompaniment for the congregation.

For some members this is their only opportunity to make music in a group. The fellowship engendered cannot be underplayed. We have a run-through at 9.00 on the morning of each All-age Service. We also sometimes go through a new piece immediately following this service for about ten minutes. The limited rehearsal time and the need to be ready with the right hymn at the right time in the right key develop useful transferable skills!

The group have a repertoire of about 80 religious songs and hymns and 30 communion pices and playouts. It is made up of people of all ages, the youngest is eight and the rest are as old as they feel! They encompass a wide range of musical experience. There are currently over 20 players and the membership changes slightly as people come and go.

There is no age limit, nor, in fact, any limits at all, although it does help if a member can play a musical instrument! Instrumentalists need to be able to read the appropriate notation for their instrument.

St. James's Players welcome new members at any time. They can accommodate more or less any instrument at more or less any standard.