MUSIC AT ST. GREGORY'S
MUSIC. Just the word conjures up all kinds of meanings. Music is an artform which impacts our daily lives in such a way that is indescribable, as it affects us not only individually, but worldwide. We have our likes and dislikes when it comes to music, and everyone has their favorite genre, style, vocalist, choir, band, orchestra, conductor, soloist, or instrumentalist. Art is a highly objective and individual form of expression about which we all have our judgments, and music is no exception.
Within the Church, indeed within our own church, opinions vary widely as to likes and dislikes. Music within the Church has changed over the years and indeed throughout the centuries, from the earliest Gregorian Chants to modern-day sounds with the Episcopal Church having strived to maintain traditional and historical ways of making music while embracing new and modern ideas within the framework of our Liturgical life. And while dealing with all the various tastes and opinions, we have kept our focus on one aim—to make our music to the Glory of God.
As I lament the passing of summer, I also anxiously await the Fall season as we welcome back The Choir of St. Gregory’s to the 10 am service and restart our Chorister program for children. The Choir returns on September 20 and if there is anyone is interested in singing in the Choir, please contact me! An audition is required, and I would be most eager to hear you sing! If you’ve ever sung previously in a choir and miss learning and singing with other like-minded musicians, then you will certainly want to consider talking with me as we maintain one of the finest church choirs in South Florida!
Our Choristers, children from grades 3-8, will return this Fall and if your child is interested, please contact me at tbrumfield@st-gregorys.com. The Children not only have fun singing together, but they learn theory and the rudiments of music as well. Does your child show a desire to sing? Does your child play an instrument such as the piano or a band instrument? Do they sing in a school choir? If so, he or she would be a perfect candidate for the Choristers! Our official “sign-up” and first rehearsal will be held on Wednesday, September 16, at 5:45 pm in the choir room located on the second floor of the educational building.
Music at St. Gregory’s makes a difference not only within our own church community, but it makes a difference throughout the larger South Florida community as we welcome premier organizations such as the Boca Symphonia, Candlelight Concerts, Master Chorale of South Florida, and Seraphic Fire, all of whom make St. Gregory’s one of their places to call home for performances.
Maintaining the quality of our own music is a top priority of mine and of the musicians and singers who make up our music department. Through quality, we can more readily experience those moments of sheer divine inspiration. Even if you don’t sing, or play an instrument, or actively participate in making music at St. Gregory’s, you can help those of us who do by lending your support financially! You could help fund a choral section leader, a guest musician, or make a gift to our special Christmas and Easter music fund. I’m very grateful to all the individuals who continually Make a Difference by supporting our music ministry so generously!!
In Gratitude,
Tim Brumfield
Director of Music Ministry, Organist, and Choirmaster, Coordinator for Liturgy and the Arts