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Music
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"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
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Charles Snider
Marsha Webster, Music Associate for Children's Choirs
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Marsha Webster
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