Choir season begins

An exciting and uplifting choir season is about to begin for Saint Philip’s adult choir members!

Have you been thinking about getting involved with a ministry at Saint Philip’s? Are you looking for community and an outlet for creative activity? Do you love singing? The choir may be the perfect place for you! We have a variety of abilities represented in our adult chorister group—from beginners to highly experienced vocalists. Together, we produce a beautiful sound and a joyful noise in services throughout the year.

The choral tradition is decades old at Saint Philip’s, and the parish approaches choral singing at services very seriously. Volunteers demonstrate a high level of commitment—which is good for everyone because it means the level of singing is high. This makes participation more satisfying and challenging—in a good way!

It also means the choir can sing repertoire that is substantial and beautiful. Dr Campbell and I take great delight in selecting repertoire. Our goal is to bring the finest and most appropriate material to church services, as well as to the singers.

Quality is a high priority, although the choir sings material from many periods, including medieval chant, Tudor-era polyphony, and modern works. You can be sure the music you sing in choir will be worthwhile.

While the standards are high, you needn’t be an expert to participate. Saint Philip’s employs eight lay clerks (professional singers) to support the choir so there is a lot of help available to volunteers. This means that you will learn valuable skills and make improvements while singing in choir.

Saint Philip’s is also blessed to have substantial musical projects throughout the season. This next year, there are several more ‘ambitious’ events, including the premiere of a new mass setting by Ēriks Ešenvalds, a double-choir mass by Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Bach’s glorious Magnificat. The choir will have the opportunity to sing substantial works in the company of experienced instrumentalists, both during services and in concert for the community.

If you would like to participate in this choir season, please email me at Justin.Appel@StPhilipsTucson.org.

The choir events calendar starts next week with an adult choir retreat and you would be most welcome to join us!

—Justin Appel, Director of Music