The Parish choir are always looking for singers and musicians to join in the Sunday morning group. We are always happy to make the commitment levels flexible according to the available time people have, so please do consider becoming involved.
We especially wish for people to join the choir rehearsals for the Christmas and Easter Vigil services.
Normal practices are Sunday mornings 9am to 9.20am. If you are interested in joining or just want further information, please contact Joe at kayabandyork@gmail.com

A little more about the Parish choir - The St Mary and St Joseph’s church choir has been singing together for just over ten years. It started with Joe, as a one-man band on his guitar, and has grown to include another six or seven singers and a violinist and flautist. The choir meets every Sunday for a quick run through before 9.30 Mass but arranges ad hoc rehearsals for special services at Christmas, Easter and for First Holy Communion and Confirmations.

The choir is led by Joe who arranges simple harmonies and accompaniments. He is always patient, positive, inclusive and approachable, and welcomes new members of whatever musical ability.

The choir can also be booked for weddings or other private occasions given sufficient notice. In the past, it has sung at the Bar Convent in York, in the ruins of Whitby Abbey and even travelled as far as Lumley Castle in County Durham. 

The choir and Kaya at Staxtonbury Music Festival, July 2017 

On a glorious Saturday in early July, Joe’s group, Kaya (Joe, Cal, Joska and Matt) and four church choir members – Brian, Catherine, Denise and Suzie - headed over to the Staxtonbury Festival; situated in a massive field, about 8 miles from Scarborough, near the ancient village of Staxton.
Playing for the first time on the main stage, in front of a diverse audience, relishing the warmth of the late afternoon sunshine, Kaya sang a few covers and two of their own compositions. The choir joined Kaya for the last three songs, providing extra, well-rehearsed harmonies, to complement the band members’ melodious voices.

It was a fun experience and exciting to sing up on the main stage, watching the audience, with some people dancing and singing along. Others were milling around, soaking up the sunrays and the relaxed atmosphere, all enjoying a variety of music throughout the day.
Suzie Clay, August 2017
 

  As well as enhancing Catholic worship, for the past two years, the choir has joined with the other church choirs in Pocklington to take part in the Big Sing. This is an ecumenical choir that, after a few months of rehearsals, performs to the public in Burnby Hall Gardens for an afternoon in June.
   It is a rewarding experience and an excellent chance to get to know people from the other denominations practising in Pocklington.
   Whether you are a regular member of the choir or not, the organisers of the Big Sing are always keen to embrace new participants, so let Joe or Catherine know if it’s something you would be interested in doing.
Catherine Greenaway, August 2017