Choirs
St. Mark’s provides numerous opportunities for people of all ages and ability levels to sing in the choir, ring handbells, perform vocal solos or duets, or play an instrument for Sunday services.
Chancel Choir
Do you love to sing? You are welcome to join us! The Chancel Choir is composed of approximately 45 adults ranging in age from early 20’s through early 80’s. Some singers are relatively new to choral singing while others could be considered semi-professional. We have cradle Episcopalians as well as those who don’t necessarily identify themselves as Christian. Regardless, the wide variety of music we sing and the way we rehearse provide singers of all skill levels an opportunity to experience the joy of choral singing within a friendly community.
Choir rehearsals are held in the nave on Thursdays from 7:30-9:30 pm September through early June. Members typically choose to sing at either the 9:00 or 11:15 am service on Sundays. The choir sings as a combined group at the 11:15 am service approximately once per month and for special services – some with instrumentalists – including an annual Advent Lessons & Carols service, two Evensong services, a sung mass during Lent, and Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday services. The group occasionally sings other large choral works (most recently the Faure Requiem) about once per year.
The types of music the Chancel Choir sings are rather diverse: 16th and 17th century Latin motets, mass settings by composers such as Mozart and Haydn, a variety of 19th century works, a wide range of anthems from the Anglican choral tradition, works by 20th century and many living composers, African-American spirituals, and other contemporary music that incorporates elements of jazz and gospel styles. Some repertoire is a cappella and much is accompanied with the organ or piano. The music’s level of difficulty varies from week to week but is always manageable.
Singers vary widely in age and experience. Although the ability to read music is helpful, it is not required. The group regularly works on developing fluency in reading music notation and improving musicianship in general.
Please note that new members may join at any time! If consistent attendance at a weekly evening rehearsal is too big of a commitment but you are still interested in singing, please let us know. It is possible to make special arrangements.
Questions? Please e-mail the Director of Music Jeff Kempskie or Chancel Choir President Nick Rogers.
Boys & Girls Choir
The Boys & Girls Choir includes children ages 5 and up and sings for most Family Services (9:00 am every fourth Sunday of the month) September through early June and for other special services throughout the year. No prior musical experience is required. The group rehearses every week from 11:00 am to 11:45 am downstairs in the Elders’ Room. Note that children whose families do not formally belong to St. Mark’s are entirely welcome to participate. Contact director Judith Rautenberg if you are interested in having your child sing.
Handbell Choir
St. Mark’s has a 3-octave Handbell Choir that rehearses in the Elders’ Room every other Wednesday from 6:45-8:00 pm. No prior experience is necessary, although the ability to read rhythm is helpful. This group is self-directed by parishioners Sarah Headley and Katherine Anderson. The Handbell Choir thinks of itself more as a club and a way for people to come together and have fun ringing handbells than as a performing ensemble, though it does play at the morning and 5 o’clock services a few times each year. There are additional opportunities for small groups of 2-4 to ring with the Chancel Choir. New members are always welcome!
Interested in performing at St. Marks?
E-mail Director of Music Jeff Kempskie if you would you like more information or if you wish to be added to our mailing list so that you can find out about future music-related events at the church.