Music - Episcopal Church of St. Martin

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, June 30, 2024

Sunday’s opening hymn, “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,” is based on an original German hymn by Joachim Neander, published in 1680. Neander was an influential Reformation hymnist and theologian. For this hymn, Neander chose to adapt what was probably a pre-existing folk tune. Over the ages, the hymn and the tune (Lobe den Herren) have both undergone subtle changes, but remain what is arguably Neander’s best and most popular hymn. Our Offertory anthem is an arrangement by Keith McCutchen of the beloved hymn “Amazing Grace.” Keith McCutchen is a composer and distinguished educator, formerly of St. Olaf College and now of Kentucky State University, where he teaches Music History, Jazz Performance, composition, and arranging. The hymn tune, New Britain, first appeared in the collection Virginia Harmony in 1831. The hymn itself was written by John Newton, captain for a slaving ship company. In 1748, his ship miraculously survived a terrible storm at sea, and Newton had a profound spiritual conversion which would lead him at last to give up his involvement in slave trafficking. “Amazing Grace” sums up and expresses the journey of a soul from remorse and repentance, to acceptance and gratitude for God’s grace and unconditional love.

—-Stay tuned for our next installment!