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Music at St. James’ Church |
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“...Be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 5:18-20 (NRSV)
Worship at St. James’ Church seeks to praise God and offer thanks through the gift of music. We are a singing church, encouraging congregational participation in hymns and service music. We use two pew hymnals, The Hymnal 1982 and Lift Every Voice and Sing II, as well as other resources, such as Wonder, Love, and Praise, for our services.
Our musical leadership includes three choral groups: Adult Choir, St. James' Choristers, and Children’s Choir. New members are welcome – please see the description and contact information below. Our repertoire is varied, reflecting our membership and our desire to embrace the greater community. Instrumentalists occasionally provide music for Preludes and Postludes and to accompany the choirs.
Saint James’ is affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music, an international organization dedicated to the highest standards of church music. |
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Adult Choir (High School Youth and Adults) |
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Our dedicated Adult Choir provides musical leadership for the 10:15am service. From Gregorian Chant to Spirituals, the choir sings anthems each week and is occasionally joined by guests soloists and instrumentalists. In Lent 2010, the choir led Compline on Thursday nights as part of “doing church differently”, increasing our worship opportunities here at St. James’.
Optional Skills sessions as announced, Thursdays at 7:00 pm, are available for choir members and non-choir members who wish to improve their musical understanding.
Practices are held on Thursday nights at 7:30pm and we sing at the Sunday 10:15 am service from September to early June. All are welcome; no audition is necessary.
Contact the Minister of Music by clicking on "Contact Us" above or at 860-633-8333.
Schedule |
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St. James' Choristers (Grade 5 and older) |
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The choir is open to all boys and girls, grades 5 and up, regardless of religious affiliation or musical background. Choir participation builds self-confidence, inspires a love of great music, and rewards the chorister with a sense of achievement. Recently established, the choir is beginning to use the Sing for Life program of the Royal School of Church Music.
Practices are held on Thursday nights at 5:30pm as announced and we sing at the Sunday 10:15 am service (usually the fourth Sunday of the month), from September to early June, and the 5 PM Christmas Eve service. All are welcome; no audition is necessary.
Contact the Minister of Music by clicking on "Contact Us" above or at 860-633-8333.
Schedule |
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Children's Choir (Grade 5 and lower) |
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The choir is open to all boys and girls, grades 5 and lower, regardless of religious affiliation or musical background.
Practices are held on Sundays at 11:30am as announced and we sing at the Sunday 10:15am service as announced (generally the first Sunday of the month). We also lead the Christmas Pageant. All are welcome – no audition is necessary.
Contact the Children's Choir Director by clicking on "Contact Us" above.
Schedule |
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Gospeleers |
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The Gospeleers is a singing group formed to extend the enjoyment and appreciation of religious music. The group sings traditional hymns with the added flavor of Gospel music and spirituals.
During the summer they provide music for some of the 9 AM services. During the rest of the year, they sing at local events and nursing homes. The programs encourage audience participation and enjoyment.
Singers are welcome to participate. Rehearsals are held prior to a performance as announced. The members bring their enthusiasm and love of singing, and enjoy remembering the hymns from days gone by. The Gospeleers is accompanied by a talented and creative pianist who brings new vigor to the traditional music. Please contact the Gospeleers Coordinator to find out more about this outreach program and to get involved. |
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Instrumentalists |
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Instrumentalists of all ages are welcome to play for a Prelude or Postlude or by request to accompany choir anthems or service music. It is also our tradition to have singers and instrumentalists participate in our Christmas Pageant and Christmas Eve 4:30pm Prelude. If you are interested in playing, please contact the Minster of Music.
The St. James’ Brass play at Easter for the 8:00am and 10:15am services. Guest instrumentalists are also used at the Christmas Eve services and for special occasions, such as Worship on the Lawn, during the summer.
Contact the Minister of Music by clicking on "Contact Us" above or at 860-633-8333. |
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Organ |
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The Gress-Miles Organ Company installed the present St. James’ organ in 1966 at a cost of approximately $17,000. The organist-choirmaster at the time was The Reverend William Soule, a retired priest. A dedicatory organ recital was given in February 1966.
Click here for a specification of the organ. |
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