Choral music enriches worship at St. Martin’s.
St. Martin’s parishioners include an abundance of gifted musicians who love to incorporate others into their midst. The choir sings at the Sunday 10am service, w
ith accompaniment by organ, piano and occasionally guitar, string bass, praise band, violin, and flute (and we’re open to other instruments too). Anthems range from Renaissance motets to contemporary Christian music. On the first Sunday of the month, we have more interactive service, designed to be accessible to a wide variety of ages. We also have a Pop-Up Choir on First Sundays, which means anyone can join the choir to sing the anthem; just show up at 9:15am to learn the song.
Jeffrey Jubenville leads the program as Music Director and organist. He works with Choir Director Suzanne Jubenville.
Our sanctuary also includes a Baldwin grand piano and an organ built by the the Bond Organ Company.
♫ CLEF NOTES ♫
Notes from our Music Directors for Sunday, January 12, 2024
“Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day” is a popular English folk carol sometimes associated with the Christmas season, though its theological themes extend into Epiphany, Easter, and Pentecost. The text narrates the story of Jesus’ life in the first person, presenting it as a dance; in fact, the earliest versions include a refrain in which the narrator is referred to as “Lord of the dance.” This joyful metaphor expresses Christ’s incarnation and sacrifice as reasons to celebrate, inviting humanity to join in. The origins of the text are somewhat obscure, but early versions are examples of syncretization between Christian and pagan folk beliefs, in which the symbols of each are interpreted through the lens of the other. Other carols in this category include “Down in Yon Forest” and “The Holly and the Ivy.”
John Gardner (1917–2011) was a prominent British composer, conductor, and teacher known for his accessible and engaging music. He composed works across various genres, but he is particularly celebrated for his choral works. Gardner’s arrangement of “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day” was composed in 1965 and has become one of the most widely performed versions of the carol. His setting is lively, rhythmically intricate, and richly harmonized, embodying the jubilant and celebratory spirit of a text that expresses God’s own divine joy.
While “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day” is not explicitly tied to any one feast, its narrative of Christ’s life and its central theme of love resonate throughout the liturgical year. We offer this anthem to celebrate the Baptism of Christ, an event in Jesus’ life that marked the beginning of his ministry and a significant step in the dance of his life.
—-Stay tuned for our next installment!
