Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Music Ministry Musings at St. Andrew's

Ann-Marie - Director of Music

The snow is melting and spring is in the air!

Throughout March and April the Lenten journey continues. The choir anthems include: Ah, Holy Jesu (a chorale from the Passion), Be Thou My Vision (based on the Irish tune 'Slane'), Agnus Dei 2020 (a sparse setting of the traditional Latin Requiem text built upon a melody inspired by a bird's simple three-note song), Jesu Grant Me This I Pray (Song #13, a text from the Song of Songs by Orlando Gibbons), Who Is This? (a simple reflection on Christ's crucifixion) and Hosanna! Blessed Is He (Palm Sunday).

The handbell ringers will be playing the prelude for the Palm Sunday and Easter (recorded) services. The music selections are "Palm Sunday Processional" and "Easter Triumph". These arrangements include several well known hymn tunes.

On Thursday April 10th at 7:30 pm and on Sunday April 13th at 2:00 pm the readers, sanctuary choir, musicians and tech crew will be recording the Good Friday and Easter services for the CTV broadcast. The congregation are invited to attend (perhaps you might be away on April 18 and 20).

The Good Friday service will be led by Rev. Wendy, narrators Lynda Berg and James Ingram-Smith and the sanctuary choir accompanied by cello, piano and organ. This service is a special offering titled 'Stations of the Cross'. It begins with the hymn "Teach me, O Lord, your way of truth” followed by the introduction and introit "For God So Loved The World" which is followed by the Stations that take us on a journey, the Via Dolorosa, "the sorrowful way". Traditionally there are fourteen Stations of the Cross. Our service takes us to seven Stations, each one leading us to pray and think about Jesus' last hours. There will be readings from selected Old Testament and Gospel passages; the story of the crucifixion, which includes prophesies from Isaiah and the Psalms. The scripture passages associated with each of the Stations are followed by anthems which illustrate them. Other song titles include "When You Prayed Beneath The Trees", "Let Him Be Crucified" from "It Is Finished", "Someone's Walkin'", "Father Forgive Them", "She Stood In Silent Love", "Thy Word" and "When Hope Fell Silent". The service ends with the hymn "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross".

The pattern of the service is shown in the display window to the right of the chapel door.

Easter Sunday will be celebrated with the anthem "Lift High The Cross" and familiar hymns.

As mentioned spring is on its way.

Mark your calendar as the Noon Hour Concerts return on Wednesday, April 30th.

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.

"Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent." — Victor Hugo

Ann-Marie
Director of Music