St Joseph's Church Music Group

A History of the Music Group

St Joseph’s Church has had a music group for many years. We meet about once a month to play at 11 o’clock Sunday Mass. The line-up changes constantly, reflecting the comings and goings of the parish. Sometimes, 20-30 people have been to known to come along, whereas on other occasions, the number may be more like 3 or 4. Mark Craig has been leading the music group since 2001. We have fantastic instrumentalists supported by a wonderful choir. Over the years we have had guitars, violins, flutes, oboes, bassoons, cellos, recorders, accordions, clarinets, horns, saxophones, triangles, djembe, timpani, mandolins, trumpets, cornets and tin whistles! Hymns are arranged to reflect the range of instruments and may be sung in harmony. We welcome singers and instrumentalists of all ages. Some of us play in the St Francis de Sales music group in Wash Common and in turn, some St Francis parishioners play in our group. The two parishes of St Joseph’s and St Francis have supplied the musical backbone for confirmation and pastoral area Masses at Douai Abbey with around 40 people involved in choir and orchestra at these memorable celebrations. Music group members have twice sung in Portsmouth Cathedral: in September 2012, at Bishop Philip’s inauguration, and in May 2015, for the pastoral area confirmation Mass. For more demanding pieces, much rehearsal is clearly needed to perfect the 4-part soprano, alto, tenor, bass harmonies and challenging instrumental parts. However, we all lead busy lives and time is at a premium. Typically, for a Sunday Mass, we rehearse for about one hour beforehand, although music is circulated the week before to allow home practice. In 2008 and 2009, under the guidance of Stephen Spain, the group formed the Academy of the Combined Churches of Newbury to play part of J S Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, and part of the Gloria from Bach’s B minor Mass. Sadly, Stephen and his musical family departed back to their Melbourne roots. Rumours of their return to Newbury are constantly circulating but to date have not materialised. Mark and Stephen co-directed Christmas concerts in St Joseph’s Church with a broad selection of seasonal offerings.

The music group is always on the look-out for new members. Recently, many people have moved away or started university and have been greatly missed. Anyone who enjoys singing or playing an instrument and would be happy to join us for 11 o’clock Mass once a month would be very welcome. The music group provides a sense of community and an opportunity for like-minded people of all ages and denominations to make music for the glory of God.

We are greatly indebted to all who have taken part in St Joseph’s Music Group.

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St Joseph’s Church website

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A History of the Music Group

We are greatly indebted to all who have taken part in St Joseph’s Music Group.

Site Navigation

External Sites

St Joseph’s Church website

Website designed and created by

A History of the Music Group

St Joseph’s Church has had a music group for many years. We meet about once a month to play at 11 o’clock Sunday Mass. The line-up changes constantly, reflecting the comings and goings of the parish. Sometimes, 20-30 people have been to known to come along, whereas on other occasions, the number may be more like 3 or 4. Mark Craig has been leading the music group since 2001. We have fantastic instrumentalists supported by a wonderful choir. Over the years we have had guitars, violins, flutes, oboes, bassoons, cellos, recorders, accordions, clarinets, horns, saxophones, triangles, djembe, timpani, mandolins, trumpets, cornets and tin whistles! Hymns are arranged to reflect the range of instruments and may be sung in harmony. We welcome singers and instrumentalists of all ages. Some of us play in the St Francis de Sales music group in Wash Common and in turn, some St Francis parishioners play in our group. The two parishes of St Joseph’s and St Francis have supplied the musical backbone for confirmation and pastoral area Masses at Douai Abbey with around 40 people involved in choir and orchestra at these memorable celebrations. Music group members have twice sung in Portsmouth Cathedral: in September 2012, at Bishop Philip’s inauguration, and in May 2015, for the pastoral area confirmation Mass. For more demanding pieces, much rehearsal is clearly needed to perfect the 4-part soprano, alto, tenor, bass harmonies and challenging instrumental parts. However, we all lead busy lives and time is at a premium. Typically, for a Sunday Mass, we rehearse for about one hour beforehand, although music is circulated the week before to allow home practice. In 2008 and 2009, under the guidance of Stephen Spain, the group formed the Academy of the Combined Churches of Newbury to play part of J S Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, and part of the Gloria from Bach’s B minor Mass. Sadly, Stephen and his musical family departed back to their Melbourne roots. Rumours of their return to Newbury are constantly circulating but to date have not materialised. Mark and Stephen co- directed Christmas concerts in St Joseph’s Church with a broad selection of seasonal offerings.