393 N. Main Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-5068
               Phone: 630.858.1020 • Fax: 630.858.1035 •
Click for Map
                    Click to Return to St. Mark's Home Page

 

Music Home |  Parish Organ | Children's Music | Music Series |


"If we consider and ask ourselves what sort of music we should wish to hear on entering a church, we should surely, in describing our ideal, say, first of all that it must be something different from what is heard elsewhere; that it should be a sacred music, devoted to its purpose; a music whose peace should still passion, whose dignity should strengthen our faith, whose beauty should find a home in our hearts to cheer us in life and death; a music worthy of the fair temples in which we meet, and of the holy words of our Liturgy; a music whose expression of the mystery of things unseen never allowed any trifling motive to ruffle the sanctity of its reserve." -- Robert Bridges

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 we are 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. In addition to monthly Evensongs in a plainsong setting for congregational participation, full choral Evensongs are offered on occasion with more intricate and involved settings of the canticles and responses for the choir. These beautiful services are a unique part of our Anglican heritage.


CHILDREN’S MUSIC AT ST. MARK’S

The purpose of the children’s music program at St. Mark’s is to provide an opportunity for children to learn the value and joy of singing, not only in worship, but for everyday life. Through rehearsals designed with fellowship, games, and singing, young children can develop musical skills which will enhance their social, memory, and motor development. More importantly, ongoing participation in the music program will effectively complement religious education by instructing children on the elements of the liturgy and the stories of our faith as they are told through song.

THE CHERUB CHOIR
The youngest choir, our “Cherubs” is for preschool children ages 3 – 5. It rehearses on Sunday mornings for 15 minutes during the education hour, in the preschool classroom. The focus for this age group is on learning to sing simple songs as a group, learning rhythm basics through imitation, and becoming aware of the whole body in singing. The Cherubs will sing on Christmas Eve, Palm Sunday and Mother’s Day. This choir will be directed by Marsha Webster, Music Associate for Children’s Choirs.

THE CHORISTERS
The “Choristers”, for children in Kindergarten through third grade, rehearses on Wednesdays, from 4:00 to 4:45pm in the choir room, which is located down the hall from the narthex stairway. The Choristers will sing a simple anthem in worship once a month. Rehearsals will focus on learning to sing as a group, becoming aware of the body in singing, simple rhythms and basic music fundamentals. Marsha Webster will direct this choir as well.

THE TREBLE CHOIR
This group, co-directed by Marsha Webster and Charles Snider, includes grades four through high school seniors. They meet on Sunday mornings in the choir room, after receiving Communion, from 11:20 AM to 12:15 PM. Rehearsals will include learning to read music, understanding key signatures, scales, triads, developing aural skills for interval recognition, singing in other languages, and the basics of solfegge. The Treble Choir will sing in worship at least monthly.

Parent Involvement
Parent involvement in St. Mark’s music program is essential to the program’s effectiveness and success. Volunteers are needed to provide snacks between rehearsals and to assist with discipline, bathroom breaks and general order during the rehearsal, especially for the K – 3rd grade group. An opportunity to volunteer will be provided on the choir registration cards, or any interested parent may contact the Music Office.

THE 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. 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 Boston and an anthem by Malcolm Archer, formerly 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.

Charles Snider, Organist & Choirmaster
Click to email Charles Snider
Marsha Webster, Music Associate for Children's Choirs

Click to email Marsha Webster

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Click Shield for Episcopal Church USA   Click Logo for Diocese of Chicago