Introduction and Congregational Singing
Praising God through song has been an integral part of Episcopal/Anglican tradition and we continue that tradition today at our 10 a.m. service and on the major holidays/feast days. We sing a variety of hymns and songs including traditional American and British hymns, African American spirituals, Taize chants and songs, and praise songs. Most hymns are accompanied by the organ or piano. Guitar, percussion, flute, trumpet, oboe, and recorder are also used to enrich our worship.
The Celtic service, the second Saturday of every month, 5:00 pm, from October through June, incorporates hymns and songs accompanied by piano and is lead by a cantor.
The St. Andrew’s Choir
The church choir’s primary role is to support and enhance the congregation in the singing of worship songs, guiding them in prayer and praise through song at the weekly 10:00 am service. The adult choir also offers weekly, special music as either an introit or offertory. Music in the form of spirituals, folk songs, 18th century hymns, praise songs and classical compositions are sung.
St. Andrew’s choir is an all-volunteer, intergeneration ensemble, welcoming all, beginning at the age of 18 years old. All sections (SATB) are represented, and are frequently enhanced by instrumentalists either from within the choir or by guest musicians. Singers commit to singing for the year, but there is also an opportunity for joining for a designated church season. The choir rehearses weekly on Thursdays, September through Trinity Sunday, 6:30-8:00 pm.
The Handbell Choir
For the past decade, St. Andrew’s has enjoyed musical offerings by our Handbell Choir. This dedicated group provides prelude and offertory music several times a year. Furthermore, the Handbell Choir has opened hymns on Christmas and Easter with a festive peal. Although the group typically plays two to three octave pieces, the group has played four octave pieces on occasion. We are very excited about this year’s incroporation of young people, making the Choir intergenerational. The Handbell Choir is open to anyone from the fourth grade on up. No music reading is necessary! Karen Gladwin serves as the director. The Handbell Choir rehearses weekly on Thursdays from 5:30-6:30.
The Recorder Ensemble
Presently, St. Andrew’s has a recorder ensemble quintet which consists of the following recorders: soprano, alto, tenor bass and great bass. They play for the prelude, offertory and communion throughout the year, rehearsing Wednesdays at 4:00 pm. The ensemble is open to anyone whether you own your own instrument or not. Sue Riley serves as the director.
The Piano
In August 2018, we were blessed with a gift of a 7’ Ritmüller grand piano. The Ritmüller piano tradition started in 1795 in Germany where important piano innovations by Ritmüller became standard features in all pianos including the modern soundboard which produced the first pianos with a long sustaining tone. The rich and vibrant timbre of this instrument fills our worship space before, during, and after services on a regular basis. In addition, we also use our 2018 Yamaha Clavinova, a digital keyboard, in both the choir room and the sanctuary.
The Organ
Our Southfield Pipe Organ has enriched our worship since 2003. Our pipe organ is cherished by many in our parish and beyond.
Specifications
GREAT:16 Gemshorn; 8 Principal; 8 Gemshorn; 8 Harmonic Flute; 4 Octave; 4 Koppelflote; 2 Flachflute; IV Fourniture; 8 Trumpet; 8 Clarinet; Tremulant; Great 4; Swell 16-8-4
PEDAL: 32 Untersatz; 16 Principal; 16 Subbass; 16 Gemshorn (Gt); `16 Rohrbourdon (Sw); 8 Octave; 8 Gedeckt; 4 Super Octave, 16 Trombone; 16 Bassoon (Sw), 8 Trumpet; 4 Hautbois (Sw); Great 8-4; Swell 8-4
SWELL: 16 Rohrbourdon; 8 Geigen Diapason; 8 Rohrflute; 8 Viola; 8 Viola Celeste; 4 Spitzprincipal; 4 Zauberflote; 2 2/3 Nazard; 2 Octavin; 1 3/5 Tierce; III Mixture; 16 Basson; 8 Hautbois; 8 Trompette; Tremulant; Swell 16-4
The chamber and console are equipped to accommodate a choir division. Upon completion, it will including the following stops: 8 Cor de Nuit; 8 Erzhaler; 8 Erzhaler Celeste; 4 Spitzflote; 2a Principal; 1 1/3 Larigot; 8 Clarinet; 4 Rohr Schalmei
OTHER FEATURES: wind pressures – Great 3 1/2′; Swell 4′; Pedal 4 1/2′; three-manual terraced console in solid cherry and walnut; 8 divisional pistons, 12 generals; multiplex relay, with 99 levels of memory; programmable crescendo pedal