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, ages high school thru retired, who rehearse once a week on Wednesday for approx. 90 minutes and sing each Sunday during the Music Dept. year. Choral anthems from many genres, styles, and varying musical demands are sung September thru May. In the Summer, those in town sing at the morning service, using hymns and other songs not often used with the congregation. Retreats are held twice a year. Within this group, depending on the year and the need, are Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass Choral Scholars – college students from the local area who receive a monthly scholarship.
Chamber Singers
A select group of singers taken from the Adult Choir. Entrance is by a further, more demanding audition. The group sings mainly “a cappella” music of the 16th, 17th, 20th, and 21st centuries. They rehearse on Wednesday for approx. 30 mins following the Adult Choir Rehearsal, and sing once or twice a month. Any Choral Scholars are automatically a part of this group.
Family Choir
A group of children, ages 1st/2nd Grade [good readers] thru middle school PLUS ANY of their parents, grandparents, or other relatives who sing! The choir rehearses on Wednesdays and Sundays, and sings each Sunday of the Dept. year, September thru May with the Adult Choir (approx. 90% shared material, also items on their own) – also in the Summer, if in town. Private training is offered to each member using a syllabus based on the Voice for Life Training Scheme of the Royal School of Church Music. Two retreats a year are organized for this choir also.
The Instrumentalist Groups
St. Michael’s Band
Open to all members of the parish skilled and brave enough on guitar, on an orchestral/band instrument, or on a keyboard [even if it’s one hand at a time] to play along with hymns and other items during church services. We have a bass guitar, drum set, large bongo set, in addition to multiple hand percussion instruments. The St. Michael’s Band plays for the Sunday 10:15 service, 4-8 times a year – generally when the congregational and choral music for that Sunday contains more contemporary items.
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.
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.
To join any of these groups please contact the church Music Office, 407-843-8448, or email