We have been frequently asked by young musicians if there is a chance to accompany the choir as an instrumentalist. We have a series of young soloists that we incorporate regularly. Luke Baxter, violin, and Hari Waterfield, flute and piccolo, have accompanied the choir on many occasions, and both have performed solo recitals. We have also invited musicians from friends and families of the choir to join us in our concerts. We try to include them at least once a year, to increase variety.

Pianists

Over the years we have had the experience of James Olsen, Michael Segal, Louisa Abraham, Serena Aylward, Tim Segal, Rebecca Segal and Tom Chapman. All have gone on to great things in their own spheres of interest: James and Serena have read music at Cambridge and Tom started doing so at York in the autumn of 2007.

We still have Rebecca Warren and since September 2007 we have had three new members to the team: Charlie Warren, George Godsmark, Elizabeth Godsmark and Sophie Kale, all of whom have been, or still are, singers with the Choirs.

Read about our Pianists here

Instrumental Ensemble

Our Instrumental ensemble ranging from flutes, oboes and clarinets to a bassoon, a cello or a saxophone.

The wind band has accompanied the choir many times. The Holly and the Ivy, arranged by John Webber, is frequently performed by the choir and band at Christmas time. The rich medieval sound of this arrangement is created by the flute, oboe, violin, bassoon, and a guitar.

Brass Band

With ever increasing numbers of trumpeters, the brass band is growing rapidly. The 10 trumpeters were joined by three cornet and two horn players to play a fanfare written by John Webber for our Spring Concert at Penge Congregational Church on Saturday 8th March 2008.

Strings

The string ensemble recently joined the woodwind ensemble to perform at our Christmas concert in St. James’ Church, which included cellos, violins, and a double bass.

Guitarists

The choir's first guitarist Chris Buckley - read about Chris here

Mark Edwards.

Mark had played a little guitar on and off for years, but never all that seriously. Eventually he was inspired to become involved with the Choir, by seeing what his daughter Zosia was gaining through her singing and by watching Chris Buckley having great fun playing guitar in rehearsals! He hasn't looked back since.

• More about our past pianists
• More about our history