Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Music Ministry Musings at St. Andrew's

Ann-Marie MacDairmid | Director of Music

"May is the month of expectation, the month of wishes, the month of hope." Emily Bronte

The Noon Hour Concerts continue with the Ambrosia Clarinet Quintet on May 21st. They will be performing Mozart's Clarinet Quintet in A major, K. 581. On May 28th, Darielle Chomyn-Davison and Jack Wyndham will once again treat you to a variety of music. June 4th, Luke Welch returns to perform on the Yamaha grand piano. Then on June 11th, a new group will perform; David Vanbiesbrouck (oboe), Nora Pellerin (violin), Kat Mrmak (viola) and Ben Bolt-Martin (cello). The final date will be a performance by ShorelineChorus. Choristers will be visiting from the Owen Sound and area towns. This spring the theme is 'Afrika: Story & Song'.

For the remainder of May we continue to feature gospel music. On May 18 the anthem will be A Shelter in the Time of Storm (Patti Drennan) and the offertory will be a solo by Amanda Jeffreys; Marchin' On Up (Mark Hayes).

On Sunday May 25th we welcome back Easton Page on percussion to accompany the service of special music. Rain Down will be the children's hymn. The anthem (Music Down In My Soul by Moses Hogan) and offertory Hold On To The Rock (Pepper Choplin) will both be presented by the Sanctuary Choir. The postlude, Festive Gloria (Jim Stanton) will be sung by a small group.

New Orleans gospel music composer and arranger Moses Hogan, who died suddenly in 2003 a the age of 45, in his short career arranged about 90 spirituals and gospel songs. Almost all of these pieces are a cappella choral pieces, there are only few with piano accompaniment. One such is the inspiring Southern Black gospel anthem, Music Down in My Soul. This is a well-known quote from Moses Hogan "I feel a sense, a responsibility, to carry on the wonderful mission of the unknown bards who created the spiritual, whom we are not privy to know their names".

Pepper Choplin is another prominent gospel music composer and arranger. He had this to say about Hold On To The Rock, "Often I reflect on how many people every day are hit by a personal earthquake when they receive a medical test result or a pink slip. Our faith would call us to Hold On To The Rock of Ages, and to carry on with confidence and trust. Sing this song from the depth of your voice and your soul. Minister to your listeners as you lead them to the Rock".

On June 1st, St. Andrew's Handbell Ringers will be joined by Knox Tonechime players. They are preparing to play Give Thanks and Hymn of Promise for the prelude and postlude on this communion Sunday.

The St. Andrew's Handbell Ringers have met to rehearse every week since September. They have played for several services and what a glorious sound they provide for worship.

Thank you to all!

June 8th is Pentecost and the choir will be singing Every Time I Feel The Spirit (Earlene Rentz).

Father's Day is June 15th. This will be the last Sunday for the Sanctuary Choir to sing. They will be sharing a new song called Use Me, Lord (Cindy Berry).

There is always room for choristers or ringers in the choir, consider joining one of these programs. If you are interested, leave your name and contact information at the church office.

A fitting quote for the season, especially related to music: "You make me feel so young, you make me feel so spring has sprung." - Frank Sinatra

Ann-Marie MacDairmid
Director of Music