Music
Dr. Alan Strong, Director of Music Qui cantat, bis orat!
The words “Qui cantat, bis orat!” (He who sings prays twice) were declared by St. Augustine (354-430) underlining the power that music has. Words by themselves can be profound but, when illuminated with music they can reach the mind and soul in ways that words alone cannot accomplish. At St. Andrew’s, there are a number of ways that each of you can be involved in “praying twice.”
Crusader Choir: For the younger members of the Parish, we have the Crusader Choir. The choir includes any children in the elementary grades and older. The only requirement is that the child be able to read (we have included children as young as first grade) and that they enjoy singing (but what child doesn’t?). Presenting one anthem each month, the Crusader Choir enhances each of the services in which they are involved with the sound of children’s voices. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 4:00 to 5:00 in the choir room. As well as working on upcoming anthems, we work on developing singing and music reading skills, and we end each rehearsal with a singing game, just for fun. Just ask any of the children who have participated in the choir and you’ll know that we learn a lot of music but have a good time, too.
Parish Choir: For those past Crusader Choir age, the Parish Choir provides an anthem for each 11:15 service from September through May, as well as special services throughout the year, and a group of anthems for a Service of Lessons and Carols during Advent. The choir meets on Wednesdays from 7:15 to 8:30. The Parish Choir doesn’t get to play any singing games, but we still have a good time, as well as preparing music from a broad choral repertoire spanning more than three centuries.
Bell Choir: While the Bell Choir does not produce music with words, they are still involved in the act of praying twice. Most of the pieces the Bell Choir presents are related to hymns or at least to texts that are then illuminated through the special sounds of bells. The musical prayers produced by the Bell Choir are unique in that they require the full cooperative effort of an entire group of people for the prayer (the music, that is) to be complete—it would be like having different people each speak a single word of a prayer. Those who would like to participate in this very special way of producing music are welcome to join the Bell Choir. With only so many bells to go around, and specific notes for each player to learn, it’s a little more difficult to work in part-time ringers, but let us know if you’re interested and we’ll help you learn to play and let you start out with some of the easier pieces at first. The Bell Choir rehearses on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:15 – you’re welcome to come to pick up a pair of bells and play, or just to observe a rehearsal. You’ll see how much fun we have, and how the pieces develop from the first reading to presentation level.
Hymns and Service Music: Those who are not a member of one of these groups can still lift their voices in musical prayer through the hymns and service music. I always like to remind people that worship is both a noun and a verb, and not to forget about the congregation’s role as active participants in a complete worship service. It is also good to remember that St. Augustine was commenting on the power of producing music, not just hearing it produced by others. As wondrous as the effects can be when beautiful music is heard, it cannot match what music can do for you as you produce it yourself, whether in a choir or as a member of the congregation.
Finally, it is always good to remember that the music we produce each Sunday morning is for the glory of God and, no matter what level of skill you bring to the effort, music that comes from the soul is beautiful to the ears of God. Let us help you find a way to pray twice each week at St. Andrew’s!
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