Music

My life flows on in endless song;
Above earth’s lamentation
I hear the sweet though far off hymn
That hails a new creation:
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing;
It finds an echo in my soul —
How can I keep from singing?
— Robert Lowry, 1860

Music and choirs have always played an important part of worship at Saint Andrew’s. The church has a long history of choral music as an integral part of the worship services. There are two regular choirs that sing.

The Adult Choir

The Adult Choir of Saint Andrew’s, an unauditioned volunteer group open to everyone from high school age on up, sings year-round. Members sing at the 10 a.m. service and for special services such as the Easter Vigil, Ash Wednesday, etc. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings from September through mid-June in the sanctuary. During the summer months the choir meets to rehearse 45 minutes before the 10 a.m. service and sings the service of Choral Evensong the first Sunday of each month from October to May. All who feel a calling to sing for God and God’s people are welcome and encouraged to join. Social activities such as potlucks and other outings are also a part of the choir’s activities.

The Youth Choir

The Youth Choir of Saint Andrew’s is open to children ages 7 to 16. They rehearse regularly from September through mid-May on Wednesday evenings. The children sing for the 10 a.m. service on the first Sunday of the month from October through May and at special services during the year.

Saint Andrew’s is a member of the Choristers Guild, which seeks, through education and training, to support and enhance the best use of music of many styles in our liturgy and worship. By using the resources from this organization we encourage music making in general and singing in particular. Our goals are:

• To provide basic vocal and musical skills for young singers, including sight-reading and rhythmic skills.
• To encourage young people in singing
• To develop understanding of music in ministry and worship
• To encourage music by fostering outreach from the church into the community

The Cherub Choir

The Cherub Choir, based on the Musikgarten curriculum “God’s Children Sing,” is open to children age 2 to 6 and is led by certified Musikgarten teacher Betha Christopher. The children meet each Sunday after the 10 a.m. Eucharist for 30 minutes of singing, dancing and music making, providing young children with a fun activity while their parents enjoy socializing during coffee hour. They occasionally sing during the 10 a.m. service and children are welcome to join any time throughout the year. 

The Resurrection Choir

The Resurrection Choir is a group of volunteers who sing for funerals. They do not rehearse on a regular basis but meet 45 minutes before the service.

The Five O’Clock Musicians 

The Five O’Clock Musicians perform during the contemporary worship service at 5 p.m. on Sundays. Anyone who plays an instrument and would like to use their talents in the music ministry are encouraged to do so. Contact Steve Hopkins, soh10@psu.edu.

The Schantz Organ

The organ at Saint Andrew’s was built by the Schantz Organ Companyof Orrville, Ohio, and was dedicated in 1981. It is a two-manualinstrument, constructed in three Divisions: the great, the swell andthe pedal. The organ has 1,161 pipes, arranged in 19 ranks with 26stops.

For more information, please call the church office or contactWalter Wells, waltermolly@gmail.com, or Gwen Catchen, gxc6@psu.edu.