St. James's Episcopal Church
West Hartford Center
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© 2012 St. James's Episcopal Church, 19 Walden Street, West Hartford, CT 06107
Music at St. James's
Music has been an important part of worship at St. James's ever since the founding of the parish. Our choirs offer opportunities for people of all ages to make a musical contribution to the liturgy.
In addition to the Sunday morning Eucharist, there are many services of special musical interest throughout the year. The Boys and Girls Choir offers Evensong monthly on Wednesday evenings. On Sunday nights during lent, Compline is sung. Other feast days are often celebrated with a festival Evensong. We also host concerts periodically.
In addition to the Sunday morning Eucharist, there are many services of special musical interest throughout the year. The Boys and Girls Choir offers Evensong monthly on Wednesday evenings. On Sunday nights during lent, Compline is sung. Other feast days are often celebrated with a festival Evensong. We also host concerts periodically.
Our Organist/Choirmaster
Jason Roberts is a graduate of Rice University and the Yale Institute of Sacred Music. He recently received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Manhattan School of Music. His teachers include Clyde Holloway, Martin Jean and McNeil Robinson. He is winner of the 2005 Albert Schwitzer Organ competition USA and 2008 AGO National Competition in Organ Improvisation.
Junior Choir
St. James's Junior choir is made up of children in 2nd and 3rd grades. The children learn the basics of vocal technique and musical notation through games and other activities. On the fourth Sunday of the month, the Junior Choir sings in church along with the chorister and the adult choir. Junior Choir is intended to prepare children to sing in the chorister program while having fun at the same time!
Boys and Girls Choir
In the middle ages and Renaissance, women were not allowed to sing in church. Instead, boys sang the very high parts in polyphonic music. A tradition developed, especially in England, of highly competent choirs composed of both children and adults. Although we welcome both girls and boys (and both men and women in the adult choir), we like to consider ouselves a part of this long tradition of children singing in church. The Boys and Girls choir at St. James's sings with the adult choir on Sunday mornings each week, as well as for Evensong and special occasions. Our repertoire is drawn from over six hundred years of very fine music.
In addition to vocal training, our choristers receive instruction in music theory. The boys and girls choir meets for rehearsal twice during the week and on Sunday morning. The Royal School of Church Music's "Voice for Life" program is used. The Boys and Girls choir will sing Evensong Wednesday, February 8 beginning at 6pm in the church. A summer camp for the boys and girls is also scheduled this year in the month of August.
In addition to vocal training, our choristers receive instruction in music theory. The boys and girls choir meets for rehearsal twice during the week and on Sunday morning. The Royal School of Church Music's "Voice for Life" program is used. The Boys and Girls choir will sing Evensong Wednesday, February 8 beginning at 6pm in the church. A summer camp for the boys and girls is also scheduled this year in the month of August.
The Parish Choir
St. James's Adult Choir is composed of volunteer adults as well as a core of professional singers. All four voice parts are welcome, and some experience with reading music is necessary. The choir has a very broad repertoire, from chant to contemporary music. The choir sings each week at the Sunday 9:30 service and special services throughout the year.
Music at St. James's
