Music is a vital ministry to the parishioners of St. James’. With a powerful organ and the voices of believers echoing through the sanctuary, it’s hard not to feel connected to our Lord. We have a dedicated Chancel Choir that sings at the 10 AM service on Sundays, as well as many special services throughout the year. There is also a 3 octave handbell choir which rings during worship approximately 6-8 times per year. St. James’ has an historic carillon in the bell tower—the first complete carillon forged in the United States! There is a Carillon Concert Series every summer where we host local and international Carillonneurs.
Praise the LORD.Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Psalm 150:1-5
Chancel Choir: High School - Adult
This choir is the main choir for the 10:00 AM service on Sundays. We practice choir anthems as well as the hymns for worship. The Chancel Choir vests each week and joins the processionals. Basic music reading is a plus, but not a requirement.
Rehearsals: Sundays 9:15 AM and Thursdays 7:00- 8:30 PM during the September-June program year.
This choir is the main choir for the 10:00 AM service on Sundays. We practice choir anthems as well as the hymns for worship. The Chancel Choir vests each week and joins the processionals. Basic music reading is a plus, but not a requirement.
Rehearsals: Sundays 9:15 AM and Thursdays 7:00- 8:30 PM during the September-June program year.
Summer Choir: High School-Adult
This choir is informal and meets during the months of July and August. Visitors are welcomed to join sporadically as their schedules allow. This is not an "every week" commitment. The Summer Choir does not vest nor does it join in the processionals.
Sunday Warm-up Rehearsals on the Hymns of the Day:20 minutes before worship.
This choir is informal and meets during the months of July and August. Visitors are welcomed to join sporadically as their schedules allow. This is not an "every week" commitment. The Summer Choir does not vest nor does it join in the processionals.
Sunday Warm-up Rehearsals on the Hymns of the Day:20 minutes before worship.
St. James' Ringers: High School - Adult
Our hand bell choir rehearses weekly during the September-June program year and plays at the 10 AM service about 6 times a year.
Rehearsals: Sundays following worship (approximately 11:15am-12:30pm)
Our hand bell choir rehearses weekly during the September-June program year and plays at the 10 AM service about 6 times a year.
Rehearsals: Sundays following worship (approximately 11:15am-12:30pm)
Musicians and Vocalists
Throughout the year there are many opportunities for instrumentalists, soloists, and groups to share their talents. Please contact Joanne Archibald if you would like to contribute your talents!
Throughout the year there are many opportunities for instrumentalists, soloists, and groups to share their talents. Please contact Joanne Archibald if you would like to contribute your talents!
The Bulkley Memorial Carillon at St. James':
The First American Carillon
In 1927, Ella Bulkley left money in her will to St. James' for the purpose of installing a chime (less than 23 bells). 15 bells were installed in 1928 and played for the first time on Easter Sunday,1928. In the summer of 1928 the Bulkley Chime was enlarged to 23 bells, thus completing the first American-made Carillon. 2 more bells were added as a gift in 1936 by Melvin C. Corbett of Darien,CT who played regular carillon concerts at St. James' for many years. Presently, the St. James' carillon has 25 bells. The bell founder was Meneely and Company from Watervliet, NY and the current console is by Tim Hurd. St. James' hosts summer carillon concerts each year which are funded by an anonymous donor and attract carillonneurs from around the world.
The First American Carillon
In 1927, Ella Bulkley left money in her will to St. James' for the purpose of installing a chime (less than 23 bells). 15 bells were installed in 1928 and played for the first time on Easter Sunday,1928. In the summer of 1928 the Bulkley Chime was enlarged to 23 bells, thus completing the first American-made Carillon. 2 more bells were added as a gift in 1936 by Melvin C. Corbett of Darien,CT who played regular carillon concerts at St. James' for many years. Presently, the St. James' carillon has 25 bells. The bell founder was Meneely and Company from Watervliet, NY and the current console is by Tim Hurd. St. James' hosts summer carillon concerts each year which are funded by an anonymous donor and attract carillonneurs from around the world.