Music Ministries
“Those who sing, pray twice.” –St. Augustine
The Music Ministry at St. James is a comprehensive program encompassing musicians of all skill levels and ages. We believe that music in worship is an outward expression of our faith in God. It is our goal to produce the highest possible standard of music-making, music as a living sacrifice of time and talent to our Creator.
Music is an integral part of the worship of St. James and involves musicians of all ages and abilities. Whether it is by joining one of our excellent choirs, attending a service like Evensong or Compline, or supporting us in our 2025 residency at Worcester Cathedral, there is a place for you in this ministry!
Over the next two years, the choirs will be engaging in extensive rehearsals, preparation, and fundraising as we prepare for our July 2025 residency at Worcester Cathedral in the United Kingdom. Over a week-long residency, our choirs will serve as the Cathedral choir, offering daily Evensongs, exploring the English countryside, castles, and museums, and immersing themselves in the birthplace of our musical and spiritual tradition.
Choirs
St. James has three principal music ensembles.
St James Choir
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.
The St. James Choir rehearses on Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m.-8:45 p.m. and sings most Sundays, as well as on Feast Days and Evensongs.
St James Schola
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
Boys and Girls, Grades 5-12
Also known as “The Treble Choir,” this group is made up of 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 by audition.
St. Francis Choir
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.
Choir Sunday
September 10
As we kick off the program year, the choirs will resume their normal duties at the 10:30 am service after their summer break. Special music will include the beloved anthem “I was glad,” by C. Hubert H. Parry (used at every English coronation since 1902). Coffee Hour will be hosted by the choirs, with a special welcome for our new Associate Organist, Austin Clark.
In Concert: Shannon Gallier
Sunday, September 10
Join us at 3 p.m. as Director of Music Shannon Gallier presents an organ recital to celebrate the new choir season, with music of Alain, Finzi, Bach, Price, and Duruflé. Program notes will be read by St. Francis and St. Cecilia Choir members, and a free-will offering will be taken to help support the Choirs’ 2025 residency at Worcester Cathedral. A reception will follow in Coleman Hall.
Lenten Concert: “The Crucifixion” by John Stainer
Sunday, March 17
Enter more deeply into your Lenten journey with a candlelight concert featuring the timeless oratorio by Sir John Stainer, sung by the St. James Choir and who will be joined by the choir of First United Methodist Church.
In Concert: Austin Clark
Sunday, May 5
Join us at 3 p.m. as St. James’s Associate Organist Austin Clark, presents an organ recital displaying the versatility of our 2021 Goulding & Wood pipe organ. Program notes will be read by our St. Francis & St. Cecilia Choirs members, and a free-will offering will be taken to help support the Choirs’ 2025 residency at Worcester Cathedral. A reception will follow in Coleman Hall.
Choral Evensong
Evensong, one of the crown jewels of our tradition, is an evening service filled with sung prayer, candles, chants, and timeless music. Each service is preceded by a half-hour organ recital beginning at 4:30 p.m., with the service beginning at 5 p.m. All events are free and open to the public followed by a reception in Bishops Hall.
Evensong in observance of the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels
Sunday, October 1
Pre-service recital with Holden Miller, Associate Director First United Methodist Church, organist The St. James & St. Cecilia Choirs will begin the year by singing the Evening Office, with the music of Whittemore, MacDonald, Aston, alongside the festival cantata “Rejoice in the Lamb,” by Benjamin Britten.
Evensong in observance of All Saints’
Sunday, November 5
Pre-service recital with Austin Clark, organist
Join us for the second Choral Evensong of the season, as St. James and St. Cecilia Choirs offer music by Near, Sumsion, and Ireland. Special prayers will be said for those who have died since All Saints’ last.
Evensong in Observance of the Feast of the Presentation
Sunday, February 4
Pre-service recital with Austin Clark & Shannon Gallier, organists
Join us for a special service of Choral Evensong, featuring music of the Renaissance and Baroque, and music of Tallis, Farrant, and Purcell. Organists Shannon Gallier & Austin Clark will also offer a pre-service recital, featuring St. James’s beautiful portativ organ, performing an Organ Concert of G.F. Handel alongside other works of Byrd and Bull.
Evensong for Good Shepherd Sunday
Sunday, April 21
Pre-service recital, with David Summers, Director of Music at St. Joseph Cathedral, organist
Join us for the final Evensong of the 2023-2024 choral season, as we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday. The Choirs will offer music from Goodall, Stanford, and Howells.
Winter Season Offerings
Advent Lessons & Carols based on the Great “O” Antiphons
Sunday, December 3
- 4:30 p.m. Pre-service organ recital, Shannon Gallier
- 5 p.m. Lessons & Carols
This year, St. James & St. Cecilia Choirs will offer a service of Advent Lessons & Carols in place of our usual Christmas Lessons & Carols. With the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve 2023 being the same day, we will use this opportunity to explore the mystery of Advent as we prepare for the joy of Christmas. Using the ancient “O” Antiphons as a framework, we will journey in music from darkness into light and prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ Child. A champagne & shortbread reception will follow in Coleman Hall.
Downtown Christmas Pilgrimage
Sunday, December 11
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 18 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.