"Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.

I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations."

-- Psalm 57: 7-9

St. James Episcopal Church has long regarded music to be an integral part of its liturgical expression. The principal Sunday services are always accompanied by organ and/or instrumentalists and singing leadership.

The Music Department Staff

Adult Choir

At the eleven o'clock Sunday service, music is led by an adult choir of professional and amateur singers, with a reputation for high standards and beautiful music making drawn from the Anglican heritage. The adult choir sings regularly at the Sunday Eucharist, Christmas Eve services, and special performances throughout the year.

All are welcome who are willing to commit to weekly rehearsals and 11:00 a.m. Sunday worship services, and who enjoy the great music of the Christian church. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays in the Choir Room from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. and on Sundays at 10:30 a.m., through the school year. During the summer, the choir rehearses only Sunday mornings at 10:15 a.m. (or 45 minutes before combined services). During July, guest musicians and soloists provide the anthem, and all who would like to vest and lead from the choir are welcome.

The singers not only participate in quality music-making, but also receive Christian as well as music education and the benefits of small group fellowship in a large parish. The adult choir typically has three or four social events per year, hosted off campus with a brief rehearsal, dinner and social time.

Choir schedules, social event information, and rehearsal links are shared via email list. Join the St. James Choir list here. The scheduled music for the choir can be found here (subject to frequent changes!).

Children's Choirs

For children, our choir program gives instruction in the basics of church music performance and history.

We have two children's choirs: Junior Singers for the younger children (up to and including first graders); and, Master Singers for those in second grade and older.

The groups alternate singing at the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Eucharist during the school year, with a combined group singing monthly. Master Singers are welcome to attend and assist during the Junior Singers weeks, which is a great opportunity for the Master Singers to mentor and teach the Junior Singers, and to build a strong community and sense of togetherness.

Rehearsals begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings. All children should be robed before entering the choir room. Parents pick up their children from the choir room at the conclusion of the worship service.

Parents are invited to volunteer as extra "shepherds." One or two volunteers each Sunday helps everything and everyone run smoothly!

Children's Choir announcements, scheduling and news is shared via email. Sign up for the St. James Children's Choir list here.

Contemporary Worship Musicians

The Contemporary Worship Service is held at 8:45 a.m. Sunday mornings in the Chapel of the Twelve Apostles. The service follows Rite II in the Book of Common Prayer with easily singable praise-type music led by the Contemporary Worship Musicians. The Contemporary Worship Musicians are Randy East - Music Director, Katherine Martin, Amanda Morato, Allen Paterson, BB Stirling, Marcelo Vieira, and Weldon Furr.