Music & Choirs
Join us for one of many opportunities to not only enjoy music, but to let it breathe into your soul, and experience awe and majesty of God’s wonders through the gift of music.
For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands, I sing for joy.
– Psalm 92:4
“No created powers can mar our Lord Jesus’ music, nor spill our song of Joy. Let us then be glad and rejoice in the salvation of our Lord.”
– Samuel Retherford
As Episcopalians, we are inheritors of a rich Anglican Choral Tradition of exceptional quality. We embrace that tradition at St. David’s by offering music which has stood the test of time; we also champion the work of modern-day composers who prove that God continues to speak to musicians writing today. Our music selections are guided by the lectionary readings for the day as well as the liturgical season. We encourage all who desire to make music to have the opportunity to share their gifts in worship. Through a variety of ensembles and worship times, we provide opportunities to participate for all ages and a variety of experience levels.
The musical season is September through May. Small groups and soloists provide special music through the summer months.
St. David’s Pipe Organ, Austin Organ Opus 1868 (1934, 2016)
The organ at St. David’s combines the best of old craftsmanship and new technology. The original instrument, Opus 1868, was built by Austin Organ Company, Hartford, Connecticut in 1934. Fifteen years ago, St. David’s purchased this organ through the Organ Clearing House from a Presbyterian Church in Iowa. In 2016, Austin Organ Company built a new three-manual console and additional digital voices (ranks of stops) were added to the specifications. The organ now has 47 ranks and state-of-the-art SSL digital additions for multiple memory levels, registration settings, sequencer, recording, and MIDI capabilities.
Ensembles:
Ensembles:
St. David’s (Adult) Choir
Handbell Choir
Basement Band
Youth & Children’s Choirs
Youth Handchime Choir
St. David’s (Adult) Choir
(link to: St Davids choir schedule.pdf)
The aim of the St. David’s Choir is to glorify the Lord by bringing His word to others in song. We believe that in turn, He will use gifts of music as a means to strengthen, enrich, inspire and encourage His people. “Called” has a special meaning to each member of the St. David’s Choir. We believe that each member of the choir participates because they have answered a call to excellence in music for the Glory of God and the worship of the parish; they embrace singing music that lifts spirits and inspires peace in hearts. We believe each person in the pew is part of our church’s “great choir” and encourage all who have a song in their heart to fully participate in worship.
Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings, 7:30 – 9:30, September through mid-May. (Solos, ensembles and instrumentalists provide music during summer months.) This choir sings at the 11:15 am service on Sunday mornings, and at the 9am service on All Saints Commemoration, St. David’s Day and Easter. Evensongs are sung in the fall and during Advent and Lent. Our repertoire spans from 16th century literature through newly commissioned music. We have sung Requiem and Mass settings by Schubert, Fauré, Bach, Mozart and Rutter. St. David’s Adult Choir has sung for Reaffirmation of Vows, Confirmation and Ordination services for the Diocese of Atlanta. Contact Sue Mitchell-Wallace for details and a vocal range evaluation.
Contact: Sue Mitchell-Wallace, 770-993-6084, Ext. 107, or music@stdavidchurch.org.
Handbell Choir
St. David’s is pleased to have a 5-octave set of Schulmerich Handbells and 4 octaves of Malmark Handchimes. The bell choir consists of adults and students from the ninth grade up. We play music in Levels 1 through 4 (out of 6 levels). The group rings for the 9:00 a.m and 11:15 a.m. Masses about 4 times during the season (September through May), including Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve, and Music Appreciation Sunday, enhancing hymns, choral anthems, and/or ringing solo pieces. Previous ringing experience or music note reading, while helpful, are not necessary; bring a sense of adventure, a willing heart, and the ability to count to eight! We have fun together. Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings, 7:00-8:00 p.m. For information, contact Susie Clements, 770-993-1094 x131, susie@stdavidchurch.org
Basement Band
This ensemble provides contemporary Christian music at the 9:00 a.m. worship service approximately twice a month and for special social occassions. We will feature music contemporary artist like Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, Third Day, NeedtoBreathe, and Lauren Daigle, as well as contemporary settings for traditional hymns. This is a contemporary band with electric keyboard, drums, electric & acoustic guitars, bass guitars, saxophone, violins, whatever instrument you can play, and, of course, singers! This is a “teaching” band in that younger musicians are welcome to join us and “apprentice” with the more experienced players. Rehearsals are on Sunday evenings – 6:30-7:30 p.m. Call Susie Clements if you have any questions – 770-993-1094 x131.
Austin Organ Opus 1868 (1934, 2016)
GREAT *= Enclosed in Choir box
+Quintaton 16’
Double Diapason 16’
Open Diapason 8’
+Violone 8’
*Flute Harmonique 8’
Octave 4’
+Flute 4’
Super Octave 2’
+Flute 2’
Cymbal III
*Trumpet 8’
Festival Trumpet 8’
*Chimes
+Zymbelstern
SWELL
Gedeckt 16’
Geigen Principal 8’
Stopped Flute 8’
Salicionial 8’
Voix Celeste 8’
+Principal 4’
Chimney Flute 4’
+Principal 2’
Piccolo 2’
Mixture III
+Cornet V
Bassoon 16’
Trumpet 8’
Oboe 8’
Vox Humana 8’
Clarion 4’
Festival Trumpet 8’
Tremulant
CHOIR
Concert Flute 8’
Spitzflute 8’
Spitzflute Celeste 8’
+Gemshorn 8’
+Flute 4’
Gemshorn 4’
English Horn 8’
+Krummhorn 8’
Nazard 2 2/3’
Flautino 2’
Tierce 1 3/5’
Festival Trumpet 8’
+Harp
+Zimblestern
Tremulant
PEDAL
+Sub-principal 32’
+Contra Bourdon 32’
Open Wood 16’
Open Diapason (Gt.) 16’
Lieblich Gedeckt 16’
+Violone 16’
Octave 8’
+Violone 8’
Flute 8’
Choral Bass 4’
Flautino 4’
+Flute 2’
Rauschquint, II
+Contra Trombone 32’
Contra Bassoon (Sw.) 16’
Oboe (Sw.) 8’
Festival Trumpet 8’
+Chimes
99 Memory Levels; Piston Sequencer
15 General Pistons, 8 Divisional Pistons
Digital playback recorder
Manual Transfer (Great/Choir)
“+ “ Walker Digital Voices
Youth and Children’s Choirs
Music is a wonderful gift from God and a natural expression for children. What better way to glorify God than to give the children the opportunity to play and praise through music. Musical opportunities for youth and children abound at St. David’s.
Our singers give their best to God through their music, the witnessing of their faith and their commitment. Choirs for children three-years-old through twelfth grade rehearse weekly throughout the school year and provide special music for Sunday worship, festival services, and parish events. Every other year, our children and youth present a staged musical at a Sunday afternoon Messy Church service.
In addition to preparing special anthems, the children learn about the music of the church through the singing of hymns and liturgy. As they learn musical concepts through the music they prepare, they are also taught the biblical concepts behind the music. Through singing, playing instruments, and movement, the children learn to give their best to God through their music.
St. David’s is a member of the Royal School of Church Music in America (RSCMA) and utilizes its training program, VOICE for LIFE, to award medals and ribbons for different levels of expertise. VOICE for LIFE provides a framework for choral singers to develop their vocal skills, musical understanding, and knowledge of the repertoire. The four levels of ribbons are light blue, dark blue, red, and yellow, with additional advanced levels available if desired.
Cherub Choir: 3 years through 1st grade
Rehearsals: Sunday mornings 10:10-10:30 a.m. (before Sunday School).
Our first rehearsal is the first day of Sunday School in September. All children who attend the 3-year-old through the 1st grade Sunday School classes are in the Cherub Choir. We sing, play instruments, move to music, practice steady beat and solfege (do, re, mi), play early note and rhythm reading games, and learn to follow the director. (link to “Cherub Choir Schedule.pdf”)
Primary Choir: 2nd–3rd grade
Rehearsals: Sundays 1:15-2:00 p.m.
Through hymn singing, anthems, and musical games we learn solfege (do, re, mi) and how to find the choir voice. We’ll use age appropriate songs in a variety of styles to learn the basics of note, rhythm and lyric reading. The Primary Choir participates (about twice a semester) in the 9:00 a.m. Mass, joining the Junior Choir in singing the service music, hymns and a special anthem. They also participate in the various festival services and the spring musical. Our preparation for the RSCM medals begins in this choir and is called a “graded” choir as medals and ribbons will be awarded for increasing levels of expertise. Therefore, commitment and regular attendance at rehearsals is a must! (link to: “Primary Choir Schedule.pdf”)
Junior Choir: 4th–12th grade
Rehearsals: NEW SCHEDULE for 2018-2019!!!!! Sunday activities 4:00-6:30 p.m. for Junior Choir, EYC (Youth), and PALS (when meeting) will be during this time. Here’s how it works!
Time
4th – 5th Grade
Middle School
High School
4:00-5:00 pm
PALS (if meeting)
EYC @ Sinclair House
Choir rehearsal
5:00-5:30 pm
Dinner for all (usually pizza, cost $3) – Jeffords front half
5:30-6:30 pm
Choir rehearsal
Choir rehearsal
EYC @ Sinclair House
4:00-5:00 p.m. High Schoolers come to choir rehearsal (Middle Schoolers go to EYC) (4th-5th graders go to PALS if they are meeting).
5:00-5:30 p.m. Dinner with all (4th-12th graders)
5:30-6:30 p.m., switch! Middle schoolers plus the 4th-5th graders come to choir rehearsal while high schoolers go to EYC.
Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 p.m.: make-up rehearsal. However, come to both if you have time!
Sunday mornings: 8:15 a.m. rehearsal if we sing for the 9:00 a.m. Mass.
The Junior Choir is the service choir for the 9:00 a.m. worship service about twice a month. In addition, this choir participates, with the Adult Choir in special worship service, such as Evensong and Lessons & Carols. Every other year, this choir is the main choir for the spring musical. The singers continue the RSCM curriculum and learn more challenging treble music, to sing in harmony using a variety of musical styles, learn to sing with the “best voice,” and how to follow a director. As we continue as a “graded” choir, commitment and regular attendance at rehearsals and worship services is critical. (link to: Youth-Junior Choir Schedule.pdf”)
Youth Handchime Choir
This is a new group for St. David’s youth 6th-12th grades. Come, learn to be a ringer! This is a great way to learn to read music and keep moving at the same time! The only requirement is the ability to count to eight! We will play a variety of music from rhythmically challenging and contemplative hymn arrangements, to newly composed chime pieces, and maybe even arrangements of classic rock and pop tunes. Commitment and regular attendance are a must for those wishing to ring. We ring 3 octaves of handchime or handbell music. As the group gains expertise, we can venture into the realm of handbell ringing as well!
For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands, I sing for joy.
– Psalm 92:4
“No created powers can mar our Lord Jesus’ music, nor spill our song of Joy. Let us then be glad and rejoice in the salvation of our Lord.”
– Samuel Retherford
As Episcopalians, we are inheritors of a rich Anglican Choral Tradition of exceptional quality. We embrace that tradition at St. David’s by offering music which has stood the test of time; we also champion the work of modern-day composers who prove that God continues to speak to musicians writing today. Our music selections are guided by the lectionary readings for the day as well as the liturgical season. We encourage all who desire to make music to have the opportunity to share their gifts in worship. Through a variety of ensembles and worship times, we provide opportunities to participate for all ages and a variety of experience levels.
The musical season is September through May. Small groups and soloists provide special music through the summer months.
St. David’s Pipe Organ, Austin Organ Opus 1868 (1934, 2016)
The organ at St. David’s combines the best of old craftsmanship and new technology. The original instrument, Opus 1868, was built by Austin Organ Company, Hartford, Connecticut in 1934. Fifteen years ago, St. David’s purchased this organ through the Organ Clearing House from a Presbyterian Church in Iowa. In 2016, Austin Organ Company built a new three-manual console and additional digital voices (ranks of stops) were added to the specifications. The organ now has 47 ranks and state-of-the-art SSL digital additions for multiple memory levels, registration settings, sequencer, recording, and MIDI capabilities.
Ensembles:
Ensembles:
St. David’s (Adult) Choir
Handbell Choir
Basement Band
Youth & Children’s Choirs
Youth Handchime Choir
St. David’s (Adult) Choir
(link to: St Davids choir schedule.pdf)
The aim of the St. David’s Choir is to glorify the Lord by bringing His word to others in song. We believe that in turn, He will use gifts of music as a means to strengthen, enrich, inspire and encourage His people. “Called” has a special meaning to each member of the St. David’s Choir. We believe that each member of the choir participates because they have answered a call to excellence in music for the Glory of God and the worship of the parish; they embrace singing music that lifts spirits and inspires peace in hearts. We believe each person in the pew is part of our church’s “great choir” and encourage all who have a song in their heart to fully participate in worship.
Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings, 7:30 – 9:30, September through mid-May. (Solos, ensembles and instrumentalists provide music during summer months.) This choir sings at the 11:15 am service on Sunday mornings, and at the 9am service on All Saints Commemoration, St. David’s Day and Easter. Evensongs are sung in the fall and during Advent and Lent. Our repertoire spans from 16th century literature through newly commissioned music. We have sung Requiem and Mass settings by Schubert, Fauré, Bach, Mozart and Rutter. St. David’s Adult Choir has sung for Reaffirmation of Vows, Confirmation and Ordination services for the Diocese of Atlanta. Contact Sue Mitchell-Wallace for details and a vocal range evaluation.
Contact: Sue Mitchell-Wallace, 770-993-6084, Ext. 107, or music@stdavidchurch.org.
Handbell Choir
St. David’s is pleased to have a 5-octave set of Schulmerich Handbells and 4 octaves of Malmark Handchimes. The bell choir consists of adults and students from the ninth grade up. We play music in Levels 1 through 4 (out of 6 levels). The group rings for the 9:00 a.m and 11:15 a.m. Masses about 4 times during the season (September through May), including Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve, and Music Appreciation Sunday, enhancing hymns, choral anthems, and/or ringing solo pieces. Previous ringing experience or music note reading, while helpful, are not necessary; bring a sense of adventure, a willing heart, and the ability to count to eight! We have fun together. Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings, 7:00-8:00 p.m. For information, contact Susie Clements, 770-993-1094 x131, susie@stdavidchurch.org
Basement Band
This ensemble provides contemporary Christian music at the 9:00 a.m. worship service approximately twice a month and for special social occassions. We will feature music contemporary artist like Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, Third Day, NeedtoBreathe, and Lauren Daigle, as well as contemporary settings for traditional hymns. This is a contemporary band with electric keyboard, drums, electric & acoustic guitars, bass guitars, saxophone, violins, whatever instrument you can play, and, of course, singers! This is a “teaching” band in that younger musicians are welcome to join us and “apprentice” with the more experienced players. Rehearsals are on Sunday evenings – 6:30-7:30 p.m. Call Susie Clements if you have any questions – 770-993-1094 x131.
Austin Organ Opus 1868 (1934, 2016)
GREAT *= Enclosed in Choir box
+Quintaton 16’
Double Diapason 16’
Open Diapason 8’
+Violone 8’
*Flute Harmonique 8’
Octave 4’
+Flute 4’
Super Octave 2’
+Flute 2’
Cymbal III
*Trumpet 8’
Festival Trumpet 8’
*Chimes
+Zymbelstern
SWELL
Gedeckt 16’
Geigen Principal 8’
Stopped Flute 8’
Salicionial 8’
Voix Celeste 8’
+Principal 4’
Chimney Flute 4’
+Principal 2’
Piccolo 2’
Mixture III
+Cornet V
Bassoon 16’
Trumpet 8’
Oboe 8’
Vox Humana 8’
Clarion 4’
Festival Trumpet 8’
Tremulant
CHOIR
Concert Flute 8’
Spitzflute 8’
Spitzflute Celeste 8’
+Gemshorn 8’
+Flute 4’
Gemshorn 4’
English Horn 8’
+Krummhorn 8’
Nazard 2 2/3’
Flautino 2’
Tierce 1 3/5’
Festival Trumpet 8’
+Harp
+Zimblestern
Tremulant
PEDAL
+Sub-principal 32’
+Contra Bourdon 32’
Open Wood 16’
Open Diapason (Gt.) 16’
Lieblich Gedeckt 16’
+Violone 16’
Octave 8’
+Violone 8’
Flute 8’
Choral Bass 4’
Flautino 4’
+Flute 2’
Rauschquint, II
+Contra Trombone 32’
Contra Bassoon (Sw.) 16’
Oboe (Sw.) 8’
Festival Trumpet 8’
+Chimes
99 Memory Levels; Piston Sequencer
15 General Pistons, 8 Divisional Pistons
Digital playback recorder
Manual Transfer (Great/Choir)
“+ “ Walker Digital Voices
Youth and Children’s Choirs
Music is a wonderful gift from God and a natural expression for children. What better way to glorify God than to give the children the opportunity to play and praise through music. Musical opportunities for youth and children abound at St. David’s.
Our singers give their best to God through their music, the witnessing of their faith and their commitment. Choirs for children three-years-old through twelfth grade rehearse weekly throughout the school year and provide special music for Sunday worship, festival services, and parish events. Every other year, our children and youth present a staged musical at a Sunday afternoon Messy Church service.
In addition to preparing special anthems, the children learn about the music of the church through the singing of hymns and liturgy. As they learn musical concepts through the music they prepare, they are also taught the biblical concepts behind the music. Through singing, playing instruments, and movement, the children learn to give their best to God through their music.
St. David’s is a member of the Royal School of Church Music in America (RSCMA) and utilizes its training program, VOICE for LIFE, to award medals and ribbons for different levels of expertise. VOICE for LIFE provides a framework for choral singers to develop their vocal skills, musical understanding, and knowledge of the repertoire. The four levels of ribbons are light blue, dark blue, red, and yellow, with additional advanced levels available if desired.
Cherub Choir: 3 years through 1st grade
Rehearsals: Sunday mornings 10:10-10:30 a.m. (before Sunday School).
Our first rehearsal is the first day of Sunday School in September. All children who attend the 3-year-old through the 1st grade Sunday School classes are in the Cherub Choir. We sing, play instruments, move to music, practice steady beat and solfege (do, re, mi), play early note and rhythm reading games, and learn to follow the director. (link to “Cherub Choir Schedule.pdf”)
Primary Choir: 2nd–3rd grade
Rehearsals: Sundays 1:15-2:00 p.m.
Through hymn singing, anthems, and musical games we learn solfege (do, re, mi) and how to find the choir voice. We’ll use age appropriate songs in a variety of styles to learn the basics of note, rhythm and lyric reading. The Primary Choir participates (about twice a semester) in the 9:00 a.m. Mass, joining the Junior Choir in singing the service music, hymns and a special anthem. They also participate in the various festival services and the spring musical. Our preparation for the RSCM medals begins in this choir and is called a “graded” choir as medals and ribbons will be awarded for increasing levels of expertise. Therefore, commitment and regular attendance at rehearsals is a must! (link to: “Primary Choir Schedule.pdf”)
Junior Choir: 4th–12th grade
Rehearsals: NEW SCHEDULE for 2018-2019!!!!! Sunday activities 4:00-6:30 p.m. for Junior Choir, EYC (Youth), and PALS (when meeting) will be during this time. Here’s how it works!
Time
4th – 5th Grade
Middle School
High School
4:00-5:00 pm
PALS (if meeting)
EYC @ Sinclair House
Choir rehearsal
5:00-5:30 pm
Dinner for all (usually pizza, cost $3) – Jeffords front half
5:30-6:30 pm
Choir rehearsal
Choir rehearsal
EYC @ Sinclair House
4:00-5:00 p.m. High Schoolers come to choir rehearsal (Middle Schoolers go to EYC) (4th-5th graders go to PALS if they are meeting).
5:00-5:30 p.m. Dinner with all (4th-12th graders)
5:30-6:30 p.m., switch! Middle schoolers plus the 4th-5th graders come to choir rehearsal while high schoolers go to EYC.
Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 p.m.: make-up rehearsal. However, come to both if you have time!
Sunday mornings: 8:15 a.m. rehearsal if we sing for the 9:00 a.m. Mass.
The Junior Choir is the service choir for the 9:00 a.m. worship service about twice a month. In addition, this choir participates, with the Adult Choir in special worship service, such as Evensong and Lessons & Carols. Every other year, this choir is the main choir for the spring musical. The singers continue the RSCM curriculum and learn more challenging treble music, to sing in harmony using a variety of musical styles, learn to sing with the “best voice,” and how to follow a director. As we continue as a “graded” choir, commitment and regular attendance at rehearsals and worship services is critical. (link to: Youth-Junior Choir Schedule.pdf”)
Youth Handchime Choir
This is a new group for St. David’s youth 6th-12th grades. Come, learn to be a ringer! This is a great way to learn to read music and keep moving at the same time! The only requirement is the ability to count to eight! We will play a variety of music from rhythmically challenging and contemplative hymn arrangements, to newly composed chime pieces, and maybe even arrangements of classic rock and pop tunes. Commitment and regular attendance are a must for those wishing to ring. We ring 3 octaves of handchime or handbell music. As the group gains expertise, we can venture into the realm of handbell ringing as well!
