Music

Music plays a central role in worship at St. Andrew’s, from the singing of hymns, Psalms, and portions of the service to the presentation of anthems and other musical compositions. St. Andrew’s uses music to connect all who sing and all who hear more deeply to God and God’s creation and cultivates the gift of music in children and adults.

The Choirs of St. Andrew's

At St. Andrew’s, our choirs are made up of children and adults with a wide range of musical backgrounds and experiences, but with a similar passion for using the gift of music to enhance liturgy. Through rehearsals, singers participate in a close-knit community and build meaningful relationships, they enjoy fun and fellowship, they gain spiritual depth and understanding while learning wonderful music, they learn musical and vocal skills through the Voice for Life curriculum of the Royal School of Church Music, and they give back to the church in a unique way.

All choirs are open to anyone who wishes to better use their voice and better understand music and liturgy. No experience is required, just an ability to commit to regular attendance at rehearsals and on Sundays. Membership is open to both members and non-members of St. Andrew's.

The St. Andrew's Choir

The St. Andrew’s choir rehearses Wednesday nights from 7 to 8:45 PM in St. Andrew's House and Sunday mornings at 10:15 AM. The choir sings a variety of repertoire: ancient plainchant, Renaissance polyphony, Anglican cathedral music, modern music, spirituals and folk music, and most things in-between! Choir rehearsals consist of not only preparing music for services but also learning musical and vocal skills such as breathing, diction, music reading and musicianship. The choir also helps lead worship at a variety of other services during the year such as Christmas Eve and the many different services during Holy Week.

The Youth Choir

The Youth Choir is for children grades 6-12. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 7 PM - 8 PM. This choir regularly sings with the St. Andrew’s choir and shares part of its weekly rehearsal with the St. Andrew’s choir.

The Choristers Choir

Choristers Choir is for children in first grade through middle school and welcomes girls and boys with unchanged voices. Rehearsals are held  on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM in St. Andrew's House. Utilizing the Royal School of Church Music's Voice for Life curriculum, Choristers learn healthy vocal technique, aural skills, music theory and music history while gaining a deeper understanding of Episcopal liturgy and belief. Choristers sing in church approximately once a month and provide music and liturgical leadership on Christmas Eve and during Holy Week. Learn more in this interview with some Choristers members.

The Junior Choristers Choir

 Junior Choristers Choir is a training choir for children in first and second grade. Children learn fundamental musical and vocal skills to prepare them to lead liturgy with both the Choristers and St. Andrew’s choirs. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM in St. Andrew's House. Junior Choristers sing in church approximately once a month, on Christmas Eve, and during Holy Week. This choir also utilizes the Royal School of Church Music’s Voice for Life curriculum.

If you are interested in any of St. Andrew's choirs or have any questions, please contact Director of Music & Organist, John Kirk.