MUSIC at St. James

Refiner's Choir

This group of women, men and teenagers leads worship from the choir loft every Sunday from September through June.  They do a mix of traditional and contemporary anthems, accompanied by the piano and organ.  They are trained in improvisation and are always interested in a new challenge.  Most of the members have intermediate to excellent music reading skills, and if they don't, they soon will!  They meet on Thursday nights from 7:00 to 8:30 or 9 directed by Mark Turner.
Junior Refiners This group of teen musicians accompany the Refiner's choir every Sunday morning.  They are led by Mark Turner  and rehearse on Thursdays from 3:30 - 5:00.
   
Musical Style We use a blended style of worship at St. James’: traditional well-loved hymns from the Anglican musical heritage mix with contemplative chants from the Taize and Iona communities. Spirituals and  southern gospel segue into contemporary hymns..   Piano and organ are played together at the 10:30 service.  Often there is also flute, guitar and/or bass.  The music is primarily acoustic, enhanced by the warm sound of the building.  We use as much music from new and local composers as we can, and in the last year have featured music by Elizabeth Beklolay, Angie Tysseland and Kerry Anne Kutz.
Cantors Our soulful cantors lead in call and response singing, solos, and the Psalms. 
Liturgy The liturgy for the Eucharist effectively melds contemporary and classical traditions.  From the Book of Alternative Services the Psalms are sung in a new setting written by Angie Tysseland called “Psalms and Spiritual Songs".  Other service music such as the Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei is regularly workshopped by the choir and congregation.  Quiet piano or organ music or humming underscores the prayers. 
Hymnbooks

Common Praise

Lift Every Voice and Sing II

The Worshiping Church

Songs for A Gospel People
New Music Resources

St. James’ supports the creation of new musical work. 

·         The Refiner’s Fire (1997) is a contemporary cantata commissioned by St. James’ Church for its 90th Anniversary.

·         The Rev (2000) is a rock opera based on the Book of Revelations. 

·         “Angel on the Roof” and “Children Go Where I Send Thee” are children’s anthems. 

·         All are available on CD and sheet music at   Angel on the Roof Music Shops

Concerts The Symphony Orchestra, Composers’ Society & Camerata Choir regularly perform concerts in the acoustically beautiful nave of St. James.   Several commercial CDs have been recorded in the space, using the Baldwin 6’ grand piano and Allen organ.