Music Ministry at
St. Matthew’s
Music is a dynamic, transforming force that edifies and enhances our worship week after week. Music is nourishment for our spiritual lives. Through music, God’s word to us in worship is amplified, our fellowship is enlivened, and our learning is underscored.
Whether we listen to an instrumental voluntary or an anthem sung by one of our choirs, chant a Psalm, sing from our hymnals, or tap our foot at Jazz Vespers, music is a vehicle that brings us into a closer relationship with the Divine.
We invite you to experience the many musical opportunities offered here at St. Matthew’s. We strive to embrace the music of the Episcopal Church in the United States while maintaining a close connection to our Anglican musical heritage.
For more information, please contact Dr. Jason A. Wright, director of music.
Music and Worship Events and News
Music Offerings at St. Matthew’s
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Parish Choir
Rehearsals on Wednesdays from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm and on Sundays from 9:15 am – 10:15 am, during the academic year.
The St. Matthew’s Parish Choir is comprised of both volunteers and professional singers. The choir provides music for the 10:30 a.m. service, monthly Choral Evensong, Holy Week, Feast Day Services, and other special events throughout the year, such as Advent Lessons and Carols. The choir sings a wide variety of choral music ranging from the early Renaissance period to the 21st Century.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the choir, have experience reading music, can match pitch, and commit to the choir schedule, please consider joining us.
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Choral Scholars Program
The Choral Scholar program at St. Matthew’s is a scholarship program for students in a music department or a school of music, following a successful interview and audition. Alternatively, the scholarship may be given to a degree‐seeking student in a non‐music discipline, dependent upon demonstrable choral training and singing ability. Choral Scholars (one-two per section) are recruited to sing in The St. Matthew’s Parish Choir with the primary role of being the leader of the section.
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Junior Choir
3rd - 12th Grades
Rehearsals on Wednesday from 5:45 pm - 6:30pm. At certain times, the choir rehearses with the Parish Choir.
At various times throughout the year, the Junior Choir takes part in the 10:30 am service. We seek to musically engage older singers while preparing them to become active, contributing members of our Parish. The focus of the rehearsal is on developing young voices and musicianship skills through the preparation of sacred repertoire. The choir is affiliated with RSCM.
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Woman's Singing Circle
Meets on the last Sunday of the month at 3 pm.
We meet for a service of Compline, and mostly, a cappella singing. The Sunday Compline service is a monthly offering of fellowship and spiritual practice that is open to all interested women, whether members of St. Matthew’s or not. The singing time is both one of practice and process: the practice of a shared songbook of core material that has developed over the years; the act of worshiping God; and the work of building community through song.
Occasionally, the Women’s Singing Circle performs at St. Matthew's or at the invitation of other churches and community venues. Members are not required to perform. If you would like more information, please contact Mary Rocap.