“…a sacred music whose peace should still passion, whose dignity should strengthen our faith, whose beauty should find a home in our hearts to cheer us in life and death; a music worthy of the fair temples in which we meet, and of the holy words of our Liturgy;
a music whose expression of the mystery of things unseen never allowed any trifling motive to ruffle the sanctity of its reserve.” from an essay of Robert Bridges
The Choirs of St. John’s, Laurel continue in a long tradition in choral excellence.
Choristers are a mix of professionals and amateurs, old and young, who work during the academic year to adorn and enhance the corporate worship of the church.
They:
+ are servants to the liturgy
+ make offerings of profound beauty
+ guide the faithful in making their song
+ walk through the calendar of the Church
+ teach the stories of the faith
+ remember the lives of the saints
+ teach skills of reading music
+ work to enhance the talent of singers and players
+ engage in the discipline of learning new music
The St. Cecilia Children’s Choir forms and trains new singers and musicians. It is open to children from grade 2 through middle school and meets weekly on Wednesday afternoons during the school year. In this choir, children learn all there is about being a chorister: to read music, the basics of ear training, and the care and good use of their voices. They are responsible for musical offerings at regular Wednesday Evensong services.
Music is a special gift of God and can be a powerful help on our individual spiritual journeys. I am grateful that, in all the work of the parish of St. John’s, we are encouraged to sing what we believe.
-Matt Woods, Organist and Choirmaster