COLYTON MISSION COMMUNITY

THE MUSIC AT ST. ANDREW'S

The Choir has 48 choristers under the direction of Organist and Choirmaster Nicholas Brown. The choir was chosen to sing at the Queen Mother's 100th birthday celebration. The choir made a CD of favourite hymns and anthems for the millennium celebrations.


Carillon
The bells are sometimes rung by an electrically operated carillon. This electric carillon replaced a chime barrel (now exhibited in the Pole chapel). The old chime barrel enabled one man to ring all six bells (the two later bells were not linked to the chime barrel). The teeth of the barrel operated hammers which struck the bells. Chime barrels are rare and this one dates from the early 1700s.

CONCERTS AND INSTRUMENTS

Concerts
Summer concerts given by soloists, ensembles, and orchestras. During the year, evening and lunchtime concerts are provided by local musicians, the Church choir, and visiting groups.

The Bells
Housed in the octagonal lantern tower, the eight bells are renowned for their quality of tone and the style in which they are rung. The bells were re-hung on metal headstocks and the oldest (1611) recently had a crack repaired thanks to a millennium grant.

The Organ
Framed on English 18th century lines, the magnificent organ was completely re-built in 1974. Works from all schools of music can be performed with authenticity on this fine instrument.