We have a number of efforts planned for the year ahead. You can see the full year and much more in our 2019-20 Music ministry brochure.
As you think back over the year, perhaps you remember a Sunday when you left the service invigorated and nourished by a choir anthem or a hymn. Maybe this is the year you’d like to add your voice to the mix and join us in the choir loft. The choir chairs are filled with singers of varying degrees of musicianship, from a Ph.D. in music to the little sister in a musical family who was told “she could not sing,” and everything in between. Some read music, others learn by ear, some have amazing voices, and others are starting on the ground level and learning how to produce beautiful sounds. Everyone’s contribution is essential. We are preparing for an exciting year, and we encourage you to join a choir this fall. Everyone is welcome. Give us a call 804-355-1779, ext. 323 or 324 for more information.
Cherub Choir (Kindergarten-Grade 2)
Children’s Choir (Grades 3-5)
In addition to learning anthems for services, the children learn vocal techniques and the fundamentals of music. The choir sings unison anthems for treble voices with emphasis on the hymns of the church.
Youth Choir (Grades 6-12)
The repertoire includes anthems for unison and two-part trebles, as well as four-part anthems performed with the Parish Choir.
West Gallery Choir
The West Gallery Choir is for everyone, including those who have never sung in a choir before. In addition to learning anthems for services, the choir focuses on the basics of choral technique and music reading. Repertoire includes music in a variety of styles, including shape-note, gospel and bluegrass music, spirituals, and alternative rock, as well as anthems from the traditional choral repertoire. In addition to singing at 9:00 a.m. services, the choir sings at the service of Advent Lessons and Carols, the 5:00 p.m. service on Christmas Eve, and the evening service on Ash Wednesday.
Parish Choir
The Parish Choir is for experienced singers. Continuing a long tradition of excellence in choral music, the choir presents anthems from the traditional sacred choral repertoire. In addition to singing at 11:15 a.m. services, the choir sings at the midnight service on Christmas Eve, at evening services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, and at two services on Easter Sunday. In addition, the choir presents a Choral Evensong service each year.
Singing Lessons
Class Singing Lessons (six-week session) are for those who cannot sing and would like to learn, or those who can sing but would like to learn to sing more effectively. Instruction is given on the fundamentals of singing, including breathing, resonance, and diction.
Guitar Ensemble
The Guitar Ensemble plays for the 9:00 a.m. service.
Virginia Home Sing
Members of the Guitar Ensemble, the choirs, and interested parishioners meet at the Virginia Home and lead the residents in singing.
Music, Mission & Outreach
Haiti Mission Trip – November 2019 Inspired by St. James’s motto, “Be ye doers,” the choir made its first mission trip to New Orleans in 2008. This year, the choir takes its twelfth mission trip, traveling to Jacmel, Haiti, to continue work on a new facility for Wings of Hope – a home for disabled and handicapped children and adults.
The Virginia Home – Led by members of the Guitar Ensemble, choristers and parishioners gather to sing hymns, bluegrass, Beatles tunes, and vintage rock & roll with residents of the Virginia Home. Anyone who likes to sing is welcome to join us.
Christmas Caroling – Each December, choristers carol at the Virginia Home, Westminster Canterbury, and the homes of parishioners who are home-bound. All are welcome to come share this joy of the season.
Enjoy more examples of our Music Ministry here:
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