Choirs and Musical Groups
The music program at St. Michael’s comprises four singing groups and four instrumental groups.
The program is directed by Andrew Walker, B. Mus. He received his training at Portsmouth Cathedral and London University. The music used at St. Michael’s is taken from a wide variety of periods, styles, and countries. The ability to read music at some level is definitely a “plus”, though not impossible to learn “on the job”. To join one of the first three Singing Groups, simply show up at a rehearsal, and see what we do. If you like what you see, commit for a month, and then decide whether or not to stay. To join one of the Instrumental Groups, please contact the Director of Music.
The Singing Groups
Adult Choir
A committed group of singers who rehearse one time during the week and sing each Sunday during the Music Dept. year. The choir is made up of High School singers thru retired folks, with a wide variety of musical experience and knowledge represented. This choir also offers Scholarships to High School and College age students in the area. Retreats are held twice a year.
Youth Choir
A group of children, boys and girls together, aged first/second grade (good readers) thru middle school. The choir rehearses twice a week, sings each Sunday of the Dept. year, and also sings the service of Evensong one Wednesday each month, Sept. thru May. Private training is offered to each member using the Voice for Life Chorister Training Scheme of the Royal School of Church Music. Medals and ribbons are awarded as the choir member passes the various levels. Two retreats a year are organized for this choir.
Intercessors and Lectors
Angels Choir
A choir for children aged birth thru first grade. They rehearse once a week for half an hour, and sing once a month in church before a Sunday Service. The accent is on the fun and enjoyment of singing together, including Christian songs, action songs, traditional children’s songs, and even songs from other countries!
If you would like to serve in this capacity, please contact the church office.
Chamber Singers
A group of singers from the Adult Choir who desire to sing more challenging material. Entrance is by audition. The group sings mainly “a cappella” (unaccompanied) music of the 16th, 17th, 20th, and 21st centuries. They rehearse once a week, and sing once or twice a month during communion. Occasionally they will be the choir for a whole Sunday service.
The Instrumentalist Groups
Band/Orchestral Instruments
Open to all members of the parish skilled and brave enough on guitar or on an orchestral/band instrument to play along with hymns and other items during church services.
Carillonneurs
Open to all members of the parish of all ages, who can, at the minimum, read and “one finger” a melody on a keyboard. We have an electronic carillon, controlled by a standard piano-like keyboard.
St. Michael’s Band
There have been many “permutations” of the St. Michael’s Band over the past many years. At present we have a guitarist, electric bass player, and drummer who occasionally play for the 10:15 service. We have occasionally had these same instruments, except (due to space available) the percussion is “hand percussion” as opposed to a drum-kit, for the 6:00 Sunday service in the chapel. We are always looking for new folks to join either of these groups – including additional lead-singers at the 6:00 service.
Greeters and Ushers
Keyboard Quartet
This group is not in operation at the moment, but may well be revived in the future. It was formed to occasionally provide additional instrumental sounds for the 10:15 services, and at festival services such as All Saints, and Pentecost. Using a standard Yamaha type electronic keyboard, and players who, whilst they may not be able to play two hands at once, do have the skills to play ONE hand, we have been able to produce a brass quartet and timpani, a string quartet, and there is the potential to have a wind quintet, plus whatever other acceptable sounds there are on the keyboards. It is another opportunity for members of the parish who may have had a little piano training in their youth, to experience the joy of making music with others.
If you are interested in serving in this ministry, please contact the church office.
Acolytes
The Acolyte Guild ministers at the altar on Sundays and special occasions. Our crucifers, torchbearers, bells and other altar servers provide an indispensable service to St. Michael’s. Young parishioners from grades 3 through 12, who feel a called to serve in this ministry, are encouraged to become an acolyte.
We are always in need of acolytes to support the beautiful Episcopal services at St. Michael’s.
If you are interested in participating in this ministry please contact the church office.
Alb Ministry
This ministry cares for and cleans the white robes (Albs) worn by the acolytes and lay ministers during the worship service. This is an extremely important ministry at St. Michael’s and is well-suited to those parishioners with limited time availability. The garments are washed three times per year … Advent, Lent and summer. No ironing necessary!
If you are interested in participating in this ministry, please contact the church office.