Adult Choir
The music at St. James is rooted in the Anglican tradition. It's purpose is to enrich the corporate worship by the performance of outstanding choral and organ music, and to provide encouragement for the people's participation.
Our primary worship service is led in music by the Adult Choir. The choir is made up of dedicated musicians who love to sing praises to the Lord and share their gifts of music. The choir is responsible for leading the music at the 10:30 am worship service. The choir presents a choral offering reflecting the teaching and readings of the day and leads the communion music during the service. The choir also sings for all special services, in addition to Sunday mornings. The choral repertoire ranges from traditional anthems selected from the classical canon to contemporary settings of scriptures and Psalms. The Adult Choir is open to all persons interested in singing with the choir. There is no audition process - all are welcome.
If you are interested in getting involved, please contact the church office at 318-445-9845.
The music program at St. James is directed by Mr. Richard Gwartney, who joined the St. James staff in 1996. The organist for the 10:30 am worship is Ms. Marie Durham and also provides keyboard for the 8:00 am Chapel service.
ST. JAMES PIPE ORGAN: Comprised of approximately 45 ranks spread out through five divisions, the pipe organ of St. James Church was built by the firm, Garland Pipe Organs, Inc. of Fort Worth, Texas, in 1987. Additions made up of the gallery horizontal trumpet, chimes and the chancel organ stops were made in 1988, 2004 and 2007. The action (wind chests) is entirely electric with some electro-pneumatic wind chests for the large pedal pipes. All of the relay and switching equipment is solid state, including the combination action in the console. All of this equipment was built by Peterson Electro Musical Products, Inc. The new pipe work came from two sources, Aug. Laukhuff GmbH in Germany and A. R. Schopp & Sons in Alliance, Ohio. Organ Information
Bach Concert Series
In addition to regular worship service music, St. James offers an annual concert series called The Bach Concert Series. Established in 1986, this annual offering of concerts by regional, national and international artists is offered free-of-charge to the Alexandria and surrounding communities. Typically the concert series consists of four concerts in the winter & spring seasons, and four to five concerts in the autumn.
Episcobellians
The Episcobellians are a small, but dedicated group who meet on Thursday evenings from 5:15 to 6:15 pm to make a joyful noise to the Lord with handbells.Our goal is to enhance the beauty of the worship service with various introits in conjuction with the choir, as well as independent ensemble anthems.
We have had the opportunity to play during several services, including the Red Mass, which St. James had the privilege of hosting this year. Currently, we incorporate 3 octaves of handbells but have the capacity to expand to 5 octaves as well as several octaves of handchimes.
Look for us to participate in Lessons and Carols and Carols by the Fireside in December in conjunction with the 12 Nights of Christmas. If you like what you hear and would like to be a part of this ministry, please join us in the New Year! All are welcome!.
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