Falling Into Rhythm and Melody

There are many opportunities to share in the ministry of music at St. Mark’s.  During our summer period, several singers have participated in our summer choir.  Thank you to those who have continued to sing and help lead the music of worship.

It won’t be long, though, until the summer heat gives way to fall weather – and the fall schedule!

The St. Mark’s Ringers will hold its first rehearsal on Wednesday, September 9^th, from 5:30 -6:30.  This is so we can play for “God’s Work – Our Hands” Sunday on September 13^th.

On Wednesday, September 16^th, the regular Wednesday rehearsal schedule will resume:

St. Mark’s Ringers 5:30 – 6:15

Vespers Worship Service 6:15 – 6:45

Alleluia Ringers 6:45 – 7:25

Festival Choir 7:30 – 9:00

Following is a description of our musical ensembles.

Festival Choir – This group’s primary responsibility is to lead the hymns and liturgical music at the

Sunday morning 11:00 service.  In addition, we prepare a musical offering from a repertoire that spans nearly all periods of church music history – including music being written for the church today.  Rehearsals are on Wednesday evening from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. and Sunday morning at 10:30.  The ability to read music is helpful, but not required.

Matins Choir – This ensemble does not have a midweek rehearsal and provides musical leadership at the 8:30 service.  We meet at 8:00 to rehearse the hymns and liturgical music, and then we prepare an anthem for the musical offering.  The ability to read music is helpful, but not required.  Most of the music we sing is somewhat familiar and/or easily learned by anyone who can grasp a tune quickly.

St. Mark’s Ringers – Our advanced handbell ensemble has ringers who have played handbells for more than 20 years.  The repertoire varies, covering everything from classical repertoire to hymn-based selections.  The ability to read music is required and previous handbell experience is preferred.

Alleluia Ringers – Our entry-level handbell group focuses on building music reading skills and mastering handbell techniques.  We have plenty of space available in this group!  This is your chance to put those piano lessons from your childhood to use! If you don’t already read music, we will teach you how.  For complete newbies, we may need to schedule a couple of private lessons before rehearsals begin.  If you are interested in playing, please let Tony Cruz know.

LOL (Loving Our Lord) Choir – Our youth choir meets after the 11:00 service each Sunday.  We sing in worship a few times each year.  New singers, grades six through high school, are always welcome.  As we add singers, I hope that someday we will be able to take this group on tour.

 

Questions? Please contact Tony Cruz, St. Mark’s Cantor.

vespers@comcast.net

RareSong - Music from 16th Century Spain on Sunday, October 4 at 7:00 PM

At the beginning of Spain’s 16^th century, Charles, the grandson of Ferdinand and Isabel, was the

King of Spain and became the Holy Roman Emperor. Religious suspicion against converted Jews and Muslims, exploration and colonization in the New World, and difficulties with France were all part of Spain’s political and social identity.

In the midst of all of this, instrumental and vocal music flourished.  A reflection of Spain’s recent past when there were five separate kingdoms, the music is a mixture of moods and languages, sacred and secular, tempo and color.

Some of this music, including villancicos (secular and sacred Christmas carols), church music, and instrumental solos will be heard in a concert at St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on Sunday, October 4^th, at 7:00 p.m. 

Patricia DeWitt is the artistic director of RareSong, a group of musicians she has gathered to perform this early music.  Other performers include: Lynne Radcliffe, Tony Cruz, Lucinda Mosher, Barrie Mosher, Marcy Brenner, and Peter DeWitt.

Instrumental pieces include recorder ensembles, viola da gamba, the sackbut, harpsichord, and music for the pipe organ. Composers represented include Juan del Encina and Francisco Guerrero.

The concert is free and all are invited. St. Mark’s is located at 3976 Hendricks Avenue in Jacksonville.

This short video is a preview of the type of music you can expect to hear.

Top photo: A Young Charles V by Bernard Van Orley via Wikipedia
Second Photo: The Viola da gamba Player by Bernardo Strozzi (ca. 1630-1640) via Wikipedia