Music at St John's

St John’s Church, Ranmoor has a musical tradition which dates back to the church’s consecration in 1879. Central to this tradition is the Parish Choir of men and boys which remains a key feature of the church’s musical ministry. St John’s is one of only three churches in the Diocese of Sheffield that retains a choir of boys.

A new venture was the formation of the Parish Girls Choir in 2010. The girls sing Evensong on a Thursday. In addition they take a turn in the singing of the two or three choral services that are offered every Sunday. Boys and girls attend a wide variety of schools in Sheffield and the surrounding areas and attend regular rehearsals after school.

The alto, tenor and bass parts are provided by the skilled and committed Gentlemen of the Choir who give of their services regularly and freely, along with Choral Scholars who are usually students at one of Sheffield’s Universities.

The third of St John’s choirs is the Chamber Choir. This is a mixed-voice choir comprised of talented adult singers that usually sings at three or more services per month as well as giving occasional concerts.

The choirs of St John’s have widely toured the British Isles, singing at Durham, Wells, Chester, Ripon and Brecon Cathedrals. In the summer of 2012 the choirs embarked a tour to France, with a further tour to Germany planned for 2014. Radio appearances include a Christmas broadcast on BBC Radio Sheffield.