Memorial Services

Please note that in the past Finchley Chamber Choir has provided small choirs for funerals. However, it is not often that we are able to do so, as it is becoming increasingly difficult to arrange. We are happy to receive enquiries still, but we would be grateful if you bear the above in mind.

Memorial services are usually quite loosely structured to allow the family to make the occasion very personal one, with tributes and remembrances. There is therefore ample scope for music, both, anthems and also instrumental music, if appropriate.

This page describes the service which Finchley Chamber Choir can provide to add a very special touch to your memorial service. There are also details here which may help you plan the music for the service.

If you don't want to read through the whole page, skip to a particular question using one of the following links:

What music is there at a memorial service?

The format of a memorial service service is very flexible: frequently the service begins and closes with a hymn and also contains music interspersed between the readings and tributes.

This can be provided by the organist, friends, a soloist, or a group of singers or by playing recorded music if a sound system is available.

Do we need to hire singers?

This depends on whether the church already has its own choir, and whether you want choral or solo singing to be a feature of your ceremony. An alternative would be to have just organ music.

Having a choir will help a congregation to join in with the hymns (which is helpful as many attending may be unused to singing), and will help create a moving and memorable atmosphere to the service.

How many singers do we need?

A memorial service is an emotional occasion, and many people feel unable to sing. Most people respond well to music in the service, however, and find it to be a release or expression of the emotions they are feeling. To help you determine whether you need just a soloist, organist or a group of singers, consider the size of the church, the size of congregation and its willingness or ability to sing, and the type of sound you would like to have.

Much will depend on the particular pieces of music you choose. Some pieces simply require eight voices as a miminum. If the church is quite large, you may wish to have twelve voices.

How do we start to choose the music?

Memorial services can include a wide variety of music, but your preferences need to be discussed with the vicar or priest.

Choose hymns that are meaningful for you - check all the words, not just the first verse. If there are alternative tunes, discuss your preferred one. Bear in mind, of course, that music at a memorial services does not have to be solemn - music expressing hope and faith as well as sorrow can be included.

Below are some examples of popular hymns for memorial services:

Dear Lord and Father of mankind
The Lord is my shepherd
Lord of all hopefulness
I heard the voice of Jesus say
All my hope on God is founded
Christ, enthroned in highest heaven
God be in my head (can also be performed as an anthem)
Jesu, Son of Mary
Now is eternal life
Jesus lives! thy terrors now
Abide with me
O strength and stay upholding all creation

Does the music need to be hymns only?

Below is just a small selection of 'secular' music that has been sung at memorial services. However remember that there may be copyright and performing rights issues on more recent music (for example, if you plan to include the words in the order of service, or if you are recording the ceremony); some music, sung originally by a soloist, may need arranging for a choir. Again, discuss it first with the vicar or priest.

The long day closes (Sullivan)
Danny Boy
Amazing Grace

How many music items are there?

A typical memorial service needs the following:

• Two or three hymns, including (for example) a hymn version of Psalm 23
• Music to be played (or sung by the choir) as the priest speaks the opening sentences
• anthems or solos as appropriate
• music as the coffin leaves the church

How do we organise it all?

Whereas funerals are often arranged at very short notice, this is the case less often with memorial services. Some people plan in advance for their Memorial service and may have expressed certain preferences with regard to the music. If not, don't be tempted to include a hymn or piece of music solely because it was a favourite of the deceased. Such pieces can sometimes be very out-of-place, and even embarassing to friends and family present at the service. Memorial services should by no means always be dull and dreary occasions, but it is always best, if in doubt, to err on the side of dignity.

Once you have selected your music, you need to put us in touch with the organist and the vicar or priest to make sure of a few important things (e.g. everyone must use the same tunes and words). An early copy of the Order of Service is very helpful here. If you are using the church prayer books, we will need a copy so that we can prepare the right words.

Why contact Finchley Chamber Choir

We are a choir of talented amateur singers, some with trained voices, who are available at weekends and sometimes weekdays also. We normally cover the North London area, but on occasion travel further afield.

We can also normally provide or help you find a top class organist, if your local church doesn't have one.

What do we do next?

Email secretary@fcchoir.co.uk or call Richard Cox on 020 8815 9422 for further information on fees, availability and repertoire. Please include the time of day and date of the memorial service in your message.

We are very happy to help you with suggestions of music, and can liaise with your church and organist to ensure the memorial service goes smoothly and the planning is made easy.