Music at Saint James Church
Click here for the Music Ministry brochure.
The Music Program at Saint James is directed by Mark Douglas Frye, Director of Music Ministries. St. James maintains a choir program in the English tradition, affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music. "Singing is like praying twice." So wrote St. Augustine about this powerful element of worship. From the earliest times, music has been a vital part of the life of the church, a means of praise and prayer like no other. Music permeates virtually every aspect of the life of Saint James Church, from the liturgy to special concerts throughout the year offered as part of the Dunford-Ridenhour Memorial Concert Series. As Lutherans, we have a musical heritage that is one of the world's richest and most deeply spiritual. Music at Saint James is inextricably woven into the liturgy. For the vocal choirs, learning and singing music automatically reinforces the words that are sung and ministers to the choir by teaching the scriptures and by giving each chorister a vehicle to praise God. For listeners, music gives beauty and definition to the Word, much like a marble sculpture or a stained glass window can portray a biblical lesson. The music ministry takes very seriously the music it uses to form God's people. The Saint James Music Program ministers to parishioners of all ages--from 1 to 100! There is a place for everyone in the music program.
The Choirs are a worshiping body and continue in this regard by offering musical leadership during the Eucharist. The SAINT JAMES CHOIR is heard at the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Eucharist. The Saint James Choir is comprised of the The Parish Choir (an adult, volunteer mixed choir), and the RSCM Choristers (boys and girls in the RSCM Chorister Training Program). In sung services, this parish church draws upon a vast repertoire embracing chant, the motets of the Renaissance, the Full and Verse anthems of the Restoration through the rich English Cathedral tradition of the 19th and 20th centuries. The Saint James Choir performs choral music as it has always intended to be performed—as a part of the Liturgy itself. On major feast days and for special concerts or presentations, the Saint James Organ is augmented by players from the Charlotte Symphony, by timpani, or full orchestra. Whether you are directly involved in the music ministry or are a recipient, we hope that the music at Saint James will enhance and beautify your worship experience, uplifting you and bringing you closer to God.
Click here for the Music Ministry brochure.