Jubilate Deo omnis terra: Servite Domino in lætitia!
Introite in conspectu ejus in exsultatione!
THANK YOU for your interest in Music at St. Dunstan’s. The Music Program of St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church exists primarily to:
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EDIFY the liturgies of our regular worship;
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ENJOIN and EDUCATE the congregation; and
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ENHANCE the cultural life of the community through music’s unique language of EVANGELISM.
Throughout most of its 400-year history, the worldwide Anglican Communion (which includes the Episcopal Church in the United States) has promoted a tradition of rich and glorious worship as primary in life. If worship is to be authentic and valid, then it must be able to lift hearts to the knowledge and love of God and to the glories of God’s kingdom. It is then that we as Christians are empowered to offer a transforming ministry to a needy world.
The Anglican Communion has always considered music a vital component of worship. In one of his many sermons on music, Basil the Great, Bishop of Cæsarea (c. 330–379), declared that “God mingles the sweetness of harmony with the divine Truth.” Certainly, this wonderful mingling continues to be felt week after week at St. Dunstan’s, where all regularly lift their varied talents in praise of the Glory of God. The Music Program not only belongs to, but also consists of, the entire congregation of St. Dunstan’s, whether they be active singers and instrumentalists, or quiet listeners who are silently uplifted.
Central to the Music Program at St. Dunstan’s is the St. Dunstan Choir, an all-auditioned adult ensemble which provides support and leadership to the congregation in the singing of hymns and service music. Consisting of fifteen thoroughly dedicated parish volunteers, the Choir also provides the carefully prepared anthems and motets which grace our Sunday services. In addition to regular Sunday morning worship, this season the Choir will continue its function of outreach through special Services of Music. Indeed, as we seek to more fully live and honor our Parish Mission Statement as “a witness to the world through serving others,” the Choir will continue to expand its ministry through exploration of the fine choral heritage of our Anglican tradition. Additional Services of Music this season will include Choral Evensong, the candlelight Advent Procession with Carols, and the beautiful Lenten Meditation with Carols.
The St. Dunstan Schola is a small ensemble of four to six singers selected from the Choir which sings for various Sundays and special events throughout the year. Although originally founded to explore the complex polyphonic music of the Renaissance, the Schola has recently expanded its repertoire to include eclectic vocal works of more recent times.
A new and thrilling addition to music life at St. Dunstan's was inaugurated on Palm Sunday 2008, when the Choir premiered a large-scale anthem for chorus and organ based on the old familiar hymn, "In the Garden," a favorite of parishioner Charlie Yates, in whose memory the piece was commissioned. This magnificent new work by the young, energetic, and award-winning composer James Stephenson is the first in an annual collaboration with The Charles and Dorothy Yates Family Foundation for the creation of new music, not just for St. Dunstan's, but for the Church world-wide. With this commission, St. Dunstan's continues the wonderful and vitally important 2,000-year tradition of the Church as birthplace and cradle of the arts.
St. Dunstan’s offers two choirs for children and young adults, both of which enjoy the spirit of learning and praise exemplified by the Royal School of Church Music motto, “I will sing with the spirit and with the understanding also.” The Senior Choirsters for those ages 8 and up (formerly the St. Cecilia Choir) meet to rehearse every Wednesday from 4:30-5:15pm during the academic year. Our program is based upon the Chorister Training Program developed by the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM), founded in England in 1927 by Sir Sydney Nicholson, Organist of Westminster Abbey, with the goal of raising the quality of music in the local parish church. The plan combines musical training with Christian education to enable children to reach their full potential, offering their musical gifts in our regular Sunday worship services several times throughout the year.
The Junior Choirsters for children ages 4-7 (formerly the St. Julian Choir) also meet every Wednesday during the academic year from 5:30-5:55pm . We have a great time learning simple songs, dances, and games, all combined with music fundamentals. Rehearsals always include time for a little play and are followed at 6:00pm by our Wednesday evening Holy Eucharist and Village Suppers.
St. Dunstan’s is indeed blessed with thriving ministries and an enthusiastic congregation, one which regularly finds solace and inspiration in the worship of this parish. All are welcome to participate in the worship, educational offerings, music, and fellowship of St. Dunstan’s: I encourage you to extend this invitation by sharing this brochure with family and friends, so that together we might glorify Christ, be lifted up in the Spirit, and go forth in witness to God’s Word, joyfully following the instructions of the Psalmist:
O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands! Serve the Lord with gladness
and come before his presence with a song!
Please feel free to contact us at any time!
email or 404-266-1018
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