An Overview of the SsAM Music Ministry
Please check out the sub menus above for more detail on each area of ministry.
SsAM has a rich and diverse music ministry that reflects the mission and vision of the parish as well as the personality of the congregation. Although strongly rooted in the Anglican tradition, music at SsAM frequently includes Negro Spirituals, World Music, Chant, Gospel, Drumming and the full spectrum of classical music from Renaissance to Contemporary.
At SsAM, we view the primary musical ensemble as THE CONGREGATION! Many who come to visit are impressed with the enthusiasm and beauty with which the SsAM congregation sings. On most Sundays, being in the congregation is like being in the midst of a choir. Not only does the congregation sing in parts, but they frequently sing a cappella (unaccompanied), psalms in Anglican chant, and sometimes in other languages.
Not only does the congregation sing beautifully, but their commitment to musical excellence is demonstrated by the fact that since the beginning of the parish in 1996, the main parish liturgy has been led by a professional-caliber choir of highly skilled volunteer singers with a core of professional singers (called the Choral Scholars). The SsAM Adult Choir and Choral Scholars can be heard most Sundays at the 10:30 a.m. service and at special feast days and choral services throughout the year.
SsAM is currently in the process of expanding it’s choral program for young folks. Beginning with a Children’s Choir that sings periodically in church, SsAM also has a graded choral program for children and youth based on the RSCM curriculum. The Chorister Training Program is quite extensive and involves learning how to read music as well as learning a wide range of choral music of diverse styles. More advanced choristers have an opportunity to sing frequently in worship, either in collaboration with the SsAM Adult Choir, or alone as a separate ensemble.
For those who prefer the “rhythmic” approach to music making, the SsAM Drumming Circle, let by our Artist-In-Residence Jonathan Whitney is an exciting and inspiring way to participate in the musical life of the parish. Performing frequently in the community as well as in liturgy at SsAM, the drumming circle becomes a spiritual practice that transcends barriers of both culture and age.
To explore music at SsAM in greater detail, click on one of the following links.
MUSIC AND LITURGICAL DESIGN – This document articulates our approach to liturgical design and our philosophy with regard to music within the context of worship.
CHOIRS AT SsAM – Learn more about each of the choral ensembles of the parish.
CHORAL SCHOLARS – Learn more about our professional choral ensemble. Individual bios of each singer are included.
DRUMMING CIRCLE – Learn about this special ministry that unites folks of all ages and cultural backgrounds through rhythm and community!!!
ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE at SsAM – Learn how our parish has developed relationships with individuals and ensembles that enrich our parish as well as the community.
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT – Learn more about this annual tradition on Christmas Eve.
ORGAN RENOVATION PROJECT – Learn about the project to renovate our church’s pipe organ.
DAVID CHRISTOPHER – Organist, Director of Music and Associate for Liturgy
