Music
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Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir leads hymns and takes an integral part in the Liturgy at the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Eucharist. This choir offers two anthems most weeks, utilizing a wide variety of music from traditional to contemporary. The membership of this choir is open not only to adults, but also to youth grades 7 through 12. Rehearsals are held Wednesdays at 7:15 PM throughout the academic year. While music reading skill is very helpful, it is not required. The Chancel Choir also prepares music for selected Feast days and Holy Week services, as well as occasional Evensong and other services. A Service of Lessons and Carols has become an Advent tradition. The Chancel Choir takes the summer months off, and members are often among those offering their talent as soloists and small ensembles during the summer.
Children’s Music
The Children's Choir combines vocal and choir chime music, and occasionally other instruments. Children of all ages are welcome. On a trial basis, rehearsals have been moved from Wednesday evenings to Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. The choir meets in the Chapel (basement level).
At approximately 9:45 a.m., children's choir rehearsal flows into the Sunday School gathering. This is a time for singing and moving to favorite songs from Vacation Bible School, camp, and even the hymnal.
During the school year, the children's choir presents a musical offering or anthem at one service a month, usually the 3rd Sunday.
Children also prepare music for the Nativity Pageant in December, and occasional other special music programs during the year.
Handbell Choir
Is an ensemble which, in addition to regular worship participation for Sunday morning 10:00 and festival services, often joins with other choirs in special works. Rehearsals are held immediately following worship on Sunday mornings at 11:30 and membership is open to youth, grades 6 through 12, in addition to adults.
Music reading is helpful for this group, but it is not required.
Instrumentalists
Believe it or not, church music isn't restricted to voice, organ and piano!
There are opportunties for those who play an instrument. Volunteers to play a musical offering as a prelude or anthem are welcome throughout the year. During the summer months, while the choirs take a break from weekly rehearsals, soloists and small ensembles are sought and scheduled for offertory and communion anthems.
Anthems for the vocal and bell choirs are also opportunities to include instruments.
From time to time, an ensemble is put together for a specific event, such as accompanying a children's musical. The ensemble is open to anyone who plays an instrument at an intermediate level and above. The rehearsal schedule is TBA.
If you have "undiscovered" musical talent you're willing to share, please let the music staff know, and become part of St. Matthew's music ministry.
McEvers Organ
Built in 1969-70 by James McEvers, now of the McEvers Organ company, this organ contains 58 ranks, 4 divisions plus pedals with a 3 manual console. One of the most unique features of the construction of this instrument was the active parish involvement in the actual construction of the instrument. The building of this organ was truly a community event! Another of the most striking features of this instrument is the Trumpet Rex which stands out in front of the Great Chamber. The design of the placement of this rank of trumpet pipes is unique to the St. Matthew’s organ. During the summer of 2003 the organ was renovated by Levson Organ Co.
Musical Offering
Preceeding each 10:00 service instrumentalists grades are invited to participate in the Muscial Offering. This may take the form of a solo work played with or without accompaniment, or a chamber ensemble of several players. If you would like to participate speak to the music director.
