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, with 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, March 5, 2025
We have a tradition at St. Martin’s of singing the Great Litany on the First Sunday of Lent. This long, responsive prayer is one of the oldest in Anglican liturgy, compiled by Thomas Cranmer in 1544 as a national supplication during a time of uncertainty and the threat of war. Its structure is comprehensive, covering appeals for deliverance, confession of sin, intercessions for the church, nation, and all people, and requests for God’s mercy and guidance. The Great Litany’s emphasis on repentance and self-examination make it particularly meaningful as a preparation for Lent and Holy Week. The extensive scope of its petitions also reminds us of our dependence on God’s grace. At the Offertory, the choir will sing “O Sacrum Convivium” (“O Sacred Feast”), a simple chant and counter-melody composed in a medieval mode and style. The text, which was written by Thomas Aquinas, praises the Eucharist as a memorial of Christ’s Passion.
—-Stay tuned for our next installment!
