It is a great pleasure and privilege to serve as Director of Music and Organist at
St. John’s, and I look forward to working with Father Towers, the Vestry and all
the members and musicians of the Parish in the months ahead.
The transition to new music leadership provides an opportunity to review the
program’s role in our shared worship life, evaluate its strengths / weaknesses, and
consider its future. I sincerely welcome insight, advice, and questions from all who
worship with us.
Change is inevitable at a time like this. You already may have noticed one: I have asked
that our weekly choir in worship be called the Chancel Choir, not the adult choir. That is
because I believe membership should be open for students in middle and high school to
sing alongside dedicated adults. I know from experience (and the testimony of my
former singers) that inclusion in such a group can be an enriching, empowering, even a
life-changing experience for young musicians in the early stages of their faith journey.
In addition, we’ve begun calling the casual July - August “come and sing” a Summer
Choir, since a pick-up group working with minimal rehearsal can offer easy anthems
enhanced by part-singing, bells, free organ accompaniments, and a cappella harmony.
You can see that nomenclature is important to me! We’ve also started listing hymn tune
names in our weekly bulletin, in part so that the musical and scriptural connection to
some of the organ literature offered in our liturgy can be recognized more readily.
Elsewhere in this newsletter you will find a survey for parents to enable me to gather the
information necessary to begin structuring a children’s choral program. But let me say
here and now: Chancel Choir warmly welcomes new members this fall beginning with
rehearsal on September 4 at 7:00pm. Please speak with me if you have questions
about joining us, and check the music program webpage at https://sites.google.com/
site/stjohnithacachoir/ for up to date information about our activities and plans.
I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to all the singers and ringers who support the
music program with their prayers, presence, and participation. You are a wonderful
group of people, and I feel blessed to serve among you. Thank you.
Also, I would like to express my gratitude to Parish Administrator Sarah Richtmyer,
Warden Susie Backstrom, Treasurer Mary Arlin, Organ Technician Fr. Richard Strauss
and Choir Librarian Elizabeth Fleming-Larratt for the many kind things they have done
to smooth my path in these first few months on the job. Oh, and to Warden Brett Oakes:
who knew that removing a frightened bird (safely!) from a large organ pipe was a part of
his job description?
Finally, I want to share my sincere appreciation for the ministry of Father Rich Towers
that first brought me here to worship, then motivated me to apply for the music position,
and now helps me to feel at home at St. John’s Church.