About the Music Department of St. Mary & St. Martha of Bethany

Hallelujah! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Hallelujah! –Psalm 150

Congregational singing of hymns is the root of our worship in music, and all worshipers are encouraged to lift their voices in song.

The Parish Choir

The Parish Choir of St. Mary & St. Martha of Bethany is made up of volunteers. No auditions are required, no prior experience needed. Though reading music is an asset, it’s certainly not a requirement. All that is needed is an ability to match pitch and a commitment to weekly rehearsals and singing each Sunday morning. New members are always welcomed with open arms.

The Choir sings an anthem almost weekly for the offertory and sometimes communion. In addition, the Choir chants Psalms and Canticles appointed each week using different forms ranging from Anglican Chant, Plain Chant, and Responsorial Psalms.

Rehearsals are held each Thursday evening from 7:00-8:30. We normally rehearse beginning the Thursday after Labor Day, through the Thursday before Trinity Sunday. During the summer, the choir does not rehearse but some members still meet on Sunday mornings to help lead congregational song.

All of our choir members are nurtured and trained in their personal musical growth while preparing for their liturgical role as leaders of worship.

The Parish Choir is the principal ensemble that sings weekly at the 10:30 Sunday Morning Choral Eucharist and occasionally Choral Evensong at St. Mary & St. Martha. The Parish Choir also sings for special Feast Services such as Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, etc.

The Chamber Singers

The Chamber Singers of St. Mary & St. Martha is a mixed ensemble partially made up from the Parish Choir as well as other Professional and Semi-Professional Musicians (some of who are also church choir directors) from the Atlanta Area. The Chamber Singers is a well-balanced group and an audition is required to join. This is a group who focuses primarily Early Music of the Church and sings Choral Evensong at various times of the year.

The Chamber Singers are scheduled to sing the following Choral Evensongs:

            December 5, 2011—Advent Lessons & Carols (with Parish Choir)

January 30, 2011—Feast of the Presentation

            March 6, 2011—Last Sunday of the Epiphany

            May 15, 2011—Eastertide/Good Shepherd Sunday

            August 14, 2011—Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Choirmaster-Organist

The Choirs of St. Mary & St. Martha of Bethany are under the direction of Choirmaster-Organist, Josh Duncan. If there are any questions regarding the music department, please don’t hesitate to contact Josh at the Church Office or via email at music.marymartha@gmail.com