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MUSIC MINISTRIES

O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.

Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.

- Psalm 96:1-2

Organ stops
Choir
George Stevens Organ

PARISH CHOIR

The music program at St. Alban's is a central part of our liturgical life. Our adult choir performs every Sunday during the 10:30 service and puts in lots of extra time during the Christmas season, Holy Week and Easter. 

 

Music complements and enriches our common worship experience through its scope and diversity. The Parish Choir exists to help lead the people’s worship of God at St. Alban’s and to make musical offerings during the liturgy. All music is offered to God, for his glory and for the edification and inspiration of his people. The choir is open to adults and high school-age youth. No audition is required; the only requirements are a willingness to attend rehearsals consistently and the possession of a teachable spirit. Generally, the choir is present to lead worship September- May.

 

The choir meets for rehearsal Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. in the music room downstairs and Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. upstairs in the nave. Please email our Organist & Choirmaster, John Bailey, with any questions you might have.

Children's Choir

ST. ALBAN'S CHILDREN'S CHOIR

 

Hearing children’s voices in worship is a joy and a blessing! The St. Alban’s Children’s Choir rehearses weekly and sings in church periodically. Rehearsals are held on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the preschool area downstairs. The goals are to learn some music fundamentals, to build confidence, and to have fun, while also cultivating a love of singing in our youngest parishioners. All children with a willing heart and a commitment to regular attendance are invited to participate, regardless of age. Please reach out to Matt Presson to sign up, or for more information.

THE GEORGE STEVENS ORGAN

 

The history and craftsmanship of this magnificent 19th century organ is highly noteworthy.  Upon initial completion, the organ had 686 pipes of various shapes and sizes.  Since then, many additional “ranks” or sounds have been added and today the organ has more than 900 pipes.  Each pipe ranges in size; some are as small as a pencil stub while the largest is a nine-foot cylinder big enough for a child to crawl through.  Its case, which is six feet deep and 15 feet high, is finished with tiger-striped white oak, the console is black walnut and the keys are hand-carved from elephant ivory.  The stops also are ivory, with ornate calligraphy carved into them in order to identify each sound or action.

George Stevens Organ

The organ was originally designed and crafted in Boston, which in the 1800s, was the hub of organ building. In 1835, George Stevens, a highly regarded craftsman and a member of the prominent Boston School. The Boston School, a group of shops that worked together to create premium organs, were known for their high quality workmanship. St. Alban’s acquired the organ from the owner; a Methodist church in Hope, Rhode Island, in 2000.

 

To prepare the organ for its new home, it was taken apart piece by piece and carefully wrapped and shipped to John Farmer, of Winston-Salem, NC, one of the nation’s top organ restorers. Farmer was responsible for restoring the organ to its full 19th century sound and appearance. The restoration process included replacing and repairing individual parts, adding pipes, refinishing the case and adding the gold leaf trim to the molding.

 

The organ was installed in the sanctuary in March, 2003.

 

“There simply is no way to replicate these materials and this type of handwork today,” said John Farmer.

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