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, December 15, 2024
On December 15, our Communion hymns will include “Isaiah the prophet has written of old,” composed by hymn writer Joy F. Patterson (b 1931). An American hymnist known for her thoughtful and poetic contributions to modern hymnody, Patterson is a lifelong Presbyterian, with a background in both theology and education. Patterson’s hymn “Isaiah the prophet has written of old” reflects her gift for connecting scripture with contemporary Christian life. Inspired by Isaiah’s vision of peace and justice, the hymn draws on themes from Isaiah 2:1-5 and Isaiah 11:1-9, depicting the prophet’s hopeful vision of a harmonious new world. In our hymnal Wonder, Love, and Praise, this hymn is set to the American folk melody Samanthra, a shape-note tune found in the collection Sacred Harp. Our Offertory anthem, “There is a longing in our hearts” by Anne Quigley, is taken from our hymnal Voices Found: Women in the Church’s Song, and is a prayer set to music in which the petitions are in the form of verses and antiphons. The text expresses a deep yearning for God’s presence, healing, and guidance. With its themes of hope and reliance on God, “There is a longing in our hearts” resonates deeply during Advent, Lent, or other times of introspective prayer and intercession.
—-Stay tuned for our next installment!
