We accompany the hymns and worship songs on the first Sunday of the month, supporting the All Age Service. We also play reflective music during the communion and processional music at the end of these services. We take part in the St. James’s Young Musicians recitals and support 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 musical accompaniment for the congregation.

For some members this is our only opportunity to make music in a group. We have a run-through at 9.00 on the morning of each All Age Service. Sometimes we also rehearse following the Services, especilly if there are new pieces to learn. 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 is made up of people of all ages - the youngest is eight and the rest are as old as they feel! We encompass a wide range of musical experience.

There are currently over 20 players and the membership changes slightly as people come and go. We are sometimes known as an 'elastic band' because we manage, however many members turn up! We have a repertoire of about 80 religious songs and hymns and 30 other pieces.

There is no age limit, nor, in fact, many 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.

All our music is on the church website in pdf (Acrobat) format so that we can download it and print it out. When we join the Players we are told how to access the music website page. We are sent an email message a couple of weeks before the next service with the details of what we are playing.

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

What the children thought about one Young Musicians' Recital

I think it was a great idea. I was given the chance to play my instrument. Next year I would like to fill the church with more people. I think we should support it and be more active and talk to other people about it, so they know they can play their instrument, or come and see a performance. Ursula

I thought the variety of music and instrumental groups in the concert was very good. It was also nice to see so many different ages performing. I liked the way every one could perform without feeling they had to be extremely good. My favourite bit was the small singing group which was made up of the older children who had been singing for a long time. Once again there was alovely tea afterwards in the hall! Olivia

I really enjoyed it. I played in a lot of things. I really think they should keep the older children's choir going for next year. That was really good for us. Alice C-B

I liked the way that music brings us all together. I also think it is a wonderful thing for Martin and Susannah to give up so much of their time to run something we all get so much pleasure out of. Alice Calder

What I liked most about the concert was singing with the friends I have been with since I first started going to the children's choir when I was seven year’s old. Emma-Lee

I enjoyed playing my violin and recorder and was really pleased that I could play the parts. I was really excited on the day and looking forward to performing. My favourite part of all was the children's tea party afterwards! Lily-Ann