Music
Music at St. Martin’s
St. Martins’ Episcopal Church recognizes the importance of music within the liturgy and appreciates the contributions of musicians, both instrumental and vocal, of all ages and abilities. Music at St. Martin’s is a fun and joyful experience that is comprised of learning different styles of music, singing in different languages, and improving musical skills. We have opportunities for all who wish to participate in the music at St. Martin’s. A brief description of our ensembles and special events are listed below.
Please note there is no music at the first service on Sunday mornings
Adult Choir
St Martin’s Adult Choir sings at the 11:00am service each Sunday from September through June and is open to all who wish to sing. The Adult Choir also provides the music at the 11:00pm service on Christmas Eve and well as the evening service on Good Friday. They perform a variety of repertoire that encompasses all periods of music from early music to today’s contemporary composers. Professional instrumentalist are brought in to add to the music on major feast days as well as other special occasions throughout the year. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 7:00pm-8:30pm.
*Individuals grade 9 and up are welcome to join the Adult Choir
Youth Choir (grades 6-12)
St. Martin’s Youth Choir performs at the 9:15am service and practices twice a month on Sundays at 8:30am. The youth choir sings primarily as an ensemble but also provides solo opportunities for those who would like to try. St. Martin’s encourages youth participation in the music liturgy and welcomes the chance to hear the youth and children’s choir at all services. Rehearsals are the on 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month at 8:30am.
Children’s Choir (ages 4-10)
St. Martin’s Children’s Choir also performs at the 9:00am serice and rehearses twice a month on Sundays at 8:30am. The Children’s choir sings primarily as an ensemble but also provides solo opportunities for those who would like to try. St. Martin’s encourages youth participation in the music liturgy and welcomes the chance to hear the youth and children’s choir at all services. In addition to singing, the Children’s Choir also plays handbells and boomwhackers! Rehearsals are on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month at 8:30am.
St. Martin’s Bells
St. Martin’s Bells is a three-octave bell choir that performs at both the 9:00am and 11:00am services throughout the church year. General musical skills are necessary to play but opportunities are available as a substitute for anyone wishing to learn or simply get their feet wet! Anyone interested in joining or substituting please contact Phaedra McNorton at (757) 229-1111. St. Martin’s Bells rehearses on Wednesdays from 4:00-5:00pm.
9:00am Instrumental Ensemble
St. Martin’s Instrumental Ensemble is an integral part of the 9:00am contemporary service. Contemporary music lends itself to acoustical instruments such as piano and guitar but we also incorporate instruments not associated with this style of music such as recorder and oboe. All instruments are welcome to play. Rehearsals are on Wednesday nights on an as needed basis.
Special Events
During the year, St. Martin’s will have special performances that are updated regularly on our website.
St. Martins’ Episcopal Church recognizes the importance of music within the liturgy and appreciates the contributions of musicians, both instrumental and vocal, of all ages and abilities. Music at St. Martin’s is a fun and joyful experience that is comprised of learning different styles of music, singing in different languages, and improving musical skills. We have opportunities for all who wish to participate in the music at St. Martin’s. A brief description of our ensembles and special events are listed below.
Please note there is no music at the first service on Sunday mornings
Adult Choir
St Martin’s Adult Choir sings at the 11:00am service each Sunday from September through June and is open to all who wish to sing. The Adult Choir also provides the music at the 11:00pm service on Christmas Eve and well as the evening service on Good Friday. They perform a variety of repertoire that encompasses all periods of music from early music to today’s contemporary composers. Professional instrumentalist are brought in to add to the music on major feast days as well as other special occasions throughout the year. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 7:00pm-8:30pm.
*Individuals grade 9 and up are welcome to join the Adult Choir
Youth Choir (grades 6-12)
St. Martin’s Youth Choir performs at the 9:15am service and practices twice a month on Sundays at 8:30am. The youth choir sings primarily as an ensemble but also provides solo opportunities for those who would like to try. St. Martin’s encourages youth participation in the music liturgy and welcomes the chance to hear the youth and children’s choir at all services. Rehearsals are the on 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month at 8:30am.
Children’s Choir (ages 4-10)
St. Martin’s Children’s Choir also performs at the 9:00am serice and rehearses twice a month on Sundays at 8:30am. The Children’s choir sings primarily as an ensemble but also provides solo opportunities for those who would like to try. St. Martin’s encourages youth participation in the music liturgy and welcomes the chance to hear the youth and children’s choir at all services. In addition to singing, the Children’s Choir also plays handbells and boomwhackers! Rehearsals are on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month at 8:30am.
St. Martin’s Bells
St. Martin’s Bells is a three-octave bell choir that performs at both the 9:00am and 11:00am services throughout the church year. General musical skills are necessary to play but opportunities are available as a substitute for anyone wishing to learn or simply get their feet wet! Anyone interested in joining or substituting please contact Phaedra McNorton at (757) 229-1111. St. Martin’s Bells rehearses on Wednesdays from 4:00-5:00pm.
9:00am Instrumental Ensemble
St. Martin’s Instrumental Ensemble is an integral part of the 9:00am contemporary service. Contemporary music lends itself to acoustical instruments such as piano and guitar but we also incorporate instruments not associated with this style of music such as recorder and oboe. All instruments are welcome to play. Rehearsals are on Wednesday nights on an as needed basis.
Special Events
During the year, St. Martin’s will have special performances that are updated regularly on our website.