Music Department Overview
The music program at St. Mark's consists of four separate
choral groups which provide sung music for a variety of services held
in the parish during the liturgical year. As a part of the Anglican communion,
much of the choral music offered is drawn from the rich tradition which
comes to us through the Church of England. A wide variety of other styles
of music are used as well, from early monastic chant and Renaissance composers
to contemporary American works and spirituals. In addition, there is regular
use of the music of Taizé, a French monastic community known for
its simple and beautiful repetitive chants. On several occasions during
the year, full choral Evensongs are offered - truly one of the most beautiful
services of the church.
The choral groups of the parish are divided into the following:
Children's Choir - this group of our youngest singers includes
those in grades 1 through 3. Under the direction of Carlyle Jacinto, the
children learn the basics of rhythm and pitch as well as the beginnings
of the solfegge system. The children sing for Sunday services at least
once or twice a month. Please contact the Music Department for rehearsal
times and schedule.
Treble Choir - the members of this group include those who are in the 4th grade and above. Their musical education includes a deeper exposure to solfegge singing as well as understanding key and time signatures, note reading, sight-singing, and recognizing scales and chords. The boys and girls are also expected to sing in other languages, such as German and Latin. There is also the opportunity for discussion and exploration of topics relating to the church such as bible study, saints, and liturgics. This group sings for services about a dozen times each year, and also participates in occasional diocesan festivals. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays from 5:00 to 6:00pm.
Adult Choir - the members of this ensemble provide the
majority of choral music sung for services in the parish. Beginning with
an annual retreat in mid-September, this group keeps a very busy schedule
of singing almost every Sunday of the academic year, as well as additional
services such as Lessons & Carols, Christmas Eve, Holy Week, and various
Evensongs. There is an emphasis on a cappella singing, in addition to
anthems accompanied by a variety of instrumental ensembles, as well as
organ. As with any of the choral groups, new members to the Adult Choir
are always welcomed, and previous singing experience is expected. From
time to time the group sponsors various social events in the parish for
fundraising purposes, and has so far commissioned two works: a new hymn
tune by Richard Webster of Chicago and an anthem by Malcolm Archer of
St. Paul's Cathedral, London. Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings
from 8:00 to 9:30pm, as well as Sunday mornings an hour before the service.
