Music at St. George's Episcopal Church
Mission
It is the mission of the music program to create quality choral and instrumental music that praises God and inspires the listener in worship. Primarily, we want to make a joyful noise unto the Lord! St. George’s recognizes the magnificent gift of music given by God to the Church and to all of God’s people in the world. The power of music to connect heart and mind and to elevate the spirit cannot be denied. To encourage growth in faith, one must be continually challenged and involved in the pursuit thereof; like-wise, a similar approach is taken with music.
Music plays an integral role in the life of St. George’s – from worship, liturgy, to fellowship, to formation. Our choirs and instrumental ensembles give participants the opportunity to share their musical gifts with other musicians, with the parish and with all of our neighbors, while being part of a loving and supportive community in which they continue to grow as musicians and as Christians. Our Music Committee and Friends of Music provide support to our ensembles and our Director of Music Ministry, and help to keep us mindful of our ministry to the greater community.
At St. George’s we offer many different options for music ministry. Our choirs and music ensembles for all age groups vary from traditional to popular styles.
Choirs
St. George’s offers the following four choirs to include all ages:
Coventry Choir a choir of dedicated adults, the Coventry Choir consists of approximately 30 voices, including paid section leaders. Rehearsing weekly and singing for the 10:30 am service, the Coventry Choir also sings for festal services and offers a wide variety of other special events, including Choral Evensong. Although there is no audition to join this group, the ability to read music is strongly encouraged and helpful.
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 7 – 9 p.m.
St. Cecilia Choir is our children’s choir. Children develop an understanding of basic musical concepts and their role in the liturgy. Rehearsals: after the 10:30 a.m. service.
Please contact Stephen Karr, Interim Organist & Director of Music at music@stgeorgesgermantown.org for more information.
Music Ensembles
St. George’s has the following music ensembles:
Exultemus! is our folk and vocal ensemble which provides music for special events such as picnics, parties and special church services including healing services and the annual Blessing of the Animals.
Please contact Tom Fields at 901-674-0652 or tgfields1@hotmail.com for more information.
Sanctifica. If you have a band instrument sitting in your attic, and you haven’t played in years, Sanctifica is for you. With an emphasis on instruction and fine music, Sanctifica plays regularly at special services and events.
Please contact Billie Moore at 901-486-0417 or scooter.red@hotmail.com for more information.
Recorder Ensembles. Experienced players play in the St. George’s Consort Ensemble.
Please contact Angela Saunders iguanamom3@aol.com for more information.
The Organ
Goulding and Wood Organ.
Our pipe organ was designed and built by Goulding & Wood organbuilders of Indianapolis. The first portion of the instrument was installed upon completion of the new church building. The final phase of installation was completed in 2022. The organ is comprised of 57 ranks and is of eclectic tonal design. This design accommodates a wide range of literature while serving as an ideal accompanimental vehicle for worship services. The casework (installed in 2022) reflects the contemporary spin on traditional design found in our sanctuary’s architecture. For more information on the organ, visit the Goulding & Wood website.
