Music Ministry
“Those who sing, pray twice.” –St. Augustine
The Music Ministry at St. James encompasses musicians of all skill levels and ages. Music at St. James is an outward expression of our faith in God, and it is our goal to produce the highest possible standard of music-making as a fitting sacrifice to our Creator.
Whether it is by joining one of our choirs, attending choral services, there is a place for you in this ministry!
Choirs
St. James has three principal choirs.
St James Choir
St. James Choir
Rehearsals Wednesdays | 7-8:45 p.m.
This semi-professional adult ensemble sings most Sunday services throughout the year, as well as Evensong, Compline, Lessons & Carols, and other special concerts. Made up of volunteers who sing alongside the St. James Schola (our paid staff singers), this group sings music spanning nearly 1,500 years, from Gregorian chant to Spirituals. Membership is open to anyone with a basic understanding of how to read music, who can match pitch, and can commit to the schedule of rehearsals and services.
St Cecilia Choir
St. Cecilia Choir
Rehearsals Thursdays | 4-6 p.m.
Also known as “The Treble Choir,” this group is comprised girls and boys with unchanged voices in grades 5-12. Using the curriculum of the Royal School of Church Music in America (RSCMA), these choristers undergo serious, formal musical training, and typically sing two Sundays a month during the academic year, as well as special events like Evensong, Compline, Lessons & Carols, and special concerts. Members may be eligible for an end-of-year scholarship of up to nearly $500. Membership is limited and by audition.
St. Francis Choir
St. Francis Choir
Rehearsals Thursdays | 3:30-4:30 p.m.
This choir is where our youngest musicians, grades 2-4, dip their toes in the musical pool. Using the curriculum of the Royal School of Church Music in America (RSCMA), these choristers undergo basic, formative musical training, and typically sing one Sunday a month during the academic year. Contact Shannon Gallier at sgallier@stjamesbr.org to sign up or for more information.
Choral Services
The choirs of St. James offer several regular choral services throughout the year.
Music Ministry Sunday
Sunday, September 13 | 10:30 a.m.
Celebrate the return of the full choir to the 10:30 a.m. service with Choir Sunday, when they will offer their traditional first Sunday of the program year anthem, C. Hubert H. Parry’s beloved “I was glad”, a staple of English coronations since 1902.
Downtown Christmas Pilgrimage
Sunday, December 13 | 5 p.m.
Experience the diversity and beauty of downtown churches, as each offers a short concert of holiday music in their own style. Join the walking pilgrimage and enhance your holiday experience.
A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
Sunday, December 20 | 5 p.m.
4:30 p.m., Pre-service recital, Austin Clark, Organist
5 p.m., Glory in the music of Christmas Lessons & Carols as we celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season in this beloved annual service.
Choral Evensong
Evensong, one of the crown jewels of our tradition, is a beautiful evening service filled with sung prayer and timeless music. All events are free, open to the public, and followed by a reception in Bishops Hall.
Sunday, September 13
4:30 p.m., Pre-service recital
5 p.m., Choral Evensong Music Ministry Sunday
Sunday, October 4
4:30 p.m., Pre-service recital
5 p.m., Choral Evensong
Sunday, November 1
4:30 p.m., Pre-service recital
5 p.m., Choral Evensong All Saints’ Day
Sunday, December 20
4:30 p.m., Pre-service recital
5 p.m., Choral Evensong A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
Winter Season Offerings
A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
Sunday, December 20
- 4:30 p.m. Pre-service organ recital, Shannon Gallier
- 5 p.m. Lessons & Carols
Glory in the music of Christmas Lessons & Carols as we celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season in this annual service. This event is free and open to the public. A champagne & shortbread reception will follow in Coleman Hall.
Downtown Christmas Pilgrimage
Sunday, December 13
Join the wider community as we celebrate the season with a Downtown Christmas Music Pilgrimage. Walk between downtown churches for a brief program of seasonal music, reflecting each church’s style and tradition. The combined choirs of St. James will offer music for Advent and Christmas in a preview of their December 20 service of Lessons and Carols.
The Nativity of Our Lord: Christmas Eve
Sunday, December 24
The 5:00 p.m. service, with organ, brass, and choir, will be preceded by a carol-sing beginning at 4:30, with members of the congregation joining their voices with the choir in favorite carols from the Hymnal 1982.
The 7:30 p.m. service will be a Choral Eucharist, with organ, brass, and choir, and will be preceded by a prelude of choral and organ works beginning at 7:10 p.m.