Thursday, December 12, 2024 - Ann-Marie MacDairmid, Music Director

Music Ministry Musings at St. Andrew's

The fall season is soon to end and the music has been wonderful!

St. Andrew's Sanctuary choir have prepared music for the regular Sunday services. Every week the choir attends rehearsals and spends time learning new hymns. Choir rehearsals are a great way to work together and create a beautiful sound. Advent started on December 1st and the choir sang a new song ‘Sacred Feast.’ On December 8th, another new selection ‘Advent Hymn’ was introduced to the congregation. And there is more, still two weeks until Christmas!

St. Andrew's Handbell ringers are rehearsing for their next appearance which will be on December 15th. The songs will be played for the prelude, offertory and postlude. ‘Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne,’ ‘What Child Is This’ and ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.’ On Christmas Eve, the ringers will be playing in the 7:00 pm concert. And will join with one of the choir anthems ‘I Saw Three Ships.’

The Noon Hour Concerts continue weekly. Advent began with the Waterloo County Carollers and will end with the Cambridge Girls’ Choir. There will be a couple of sing along carols on December 18th.

The annual recording for the CTV Christmas Day broadcast will be here very soon. ‘What Sweeter Music - A Festival of Carols’ will be performed at this service. Please mark your calendars to attend on Sunday, December 15th at 3:00 pm. We invite everyone to hear the program in person. A reception will follow downstairs in Iona Hall.

On Christmas Eve, plan to attend the evening service. There will be a concert starting at 7:00 pm. Musical offerings will be by the choral scholars and the handbell ringers. At 7:30 pm the music will be led by the choirs of St. Andrew's and St. Peter's. Myself and Vlad Soloviev will be accompanying on organ and piano. Several carols and anthems have been selected for this special night!

There is always room for one more chorister or ringer in the choir, consider joining one of these programs. "Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent."

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and all the best for a Happy New Year!

Ann-Marie
Director of Music
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Kitchener