Choristers sing at Goodwin House

n the afternoon of Sunday, November 13, 2o16 the Saint George's Choristers and I  presented a concert at Goodwin House (Bailey's Crossroads).   The concert was a part of the Organ Recital Series at Goodwin House's, The Chapel of All Saints.

The Choristers sang extremely well and represented the parish well.  It was a most wonderful opportunity for us to offer this concert which in return bestowed upon us many blessings. The Choristers received many accolades for their work, and throughly enjoyed the post-concert reception and ice cream. But more importantly, they experienced much growth in the preparation of the this concert, both spiritually and musically, and as both an ensemble and individuals.  For this, I am most grateful.

It was also an honor for the kids to sing for and meet Ray Glover, editor of our Hymnal 1982, and one of the organizers of the concert series.   As Ray pointed out in his concert introduction, our Choristers are our future leaders of the church, and the experience they have as a chorister is one that is invaluable.  One that not only provides life-long skills, but richly nurtures their faith.

It was much fun for me to hear the stories and memories from several in attendance of their early and formative years as choristers themselves, and how hearing our Choristers sing brought back many wonderful memories.

The Chorister's portion of the concert consisted of five of their favorite pieces from the past few years:

King of Glory - Gerald Near
Canticle to the Spirit = Eleanor Daley
Meditation for Lent - Michael Bedford
Ave Maria - Bach/Gounod
I will lift up mine eyes - Caleb Burhans

Rounding out the program were three organ pieces: Guillaume-Gabriel Nivers Suite on the 1st Tone was performed in alternatim with verses of the magnificat sung by chorister Maddie Boerckel; Chorister and flautist Owen Curtis introduced the chorale tune for Bach's ornamented setting of Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele; and Bach's grand Piece d'orgue concluded the program.

I am so grateful to the people of Goodwin House for the invitation to come and sing, and for the opportunity to share our ministry of music with its members, and to the parents, staff, and parishioners at St. George's who support our ministry of music on a daily basis. 

Soli Deo Gloria!
Ben Keseley

What is the purpose of a Choir?

I ran across this little excerpt from a sermon that was preached by Rev. John Andrew, Rector Emeritus at St. Thomas Church in New York at the beginning of August.  I think it speaks precisely to the heart of why we do what we do, and why our singing, rehearsing and leading worship together in community is an important, holy, and powerful responsibility not to be taken lightly.  I’m so thankful to be a part of this with you all who make music together at St. George's.

The Rev. John Andrew writes:
WHAT is the purpose of a choir? It’s not to perform difficult music before a silent and intimidated (or irritated) congregation. It’s not there to impress the faithful. It’s there to encourage the faithful to find their voices to praise God in his holiness. It is there to give the people their voice. It is what we call a ministry: it’s what St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians means when he says: “I entreat you then … as God has called you, live up to your calling … each of us has been given his gift, the due portion of Christ’s bounty.” You heard it read today (Ephesians 4:1-11). The ministry of music is to get the people’s imagination going, to offer God something they perhaps hadn’t realized they had in them. Music can take them out of themselves. It makes some people cry, when they feel overwhelmed by the sheer force of its beauty. I know it’s true. I confess to being vulnerable to this when a great hymn or its descant’s majesty sweeps me off my feet. Just ask the boy choristers. I don’t apologise for it. That’s not cheap emotion. It’s God’s people finding their voice, their response with their uplifted hearts.
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oli Deo Gloria!