The music ministry at St. Paul’s is known for its fine choral music, grounded in our beloved Anglican tradition. We are committed to excellence, and because of the diligence of our musicians, we help invite the parish to engage in richer worship and to experience the transcendence of God in and through music.
The Choirs
St. Paul’s Choir – Rehearsal Thurs 7:30-9:00 PM & Rehearsal/Service Sunday 9:00-11:15 AM
The St. Paul’s Choir, made up of dedicated volunteer voices and a professional octet of section leaders, provides musical leadership during Sunday’s 10:00 a.m. service. While the ability to read music is not required, it is an asset. Most members do read music and the pace of rehearsals is geared to singers with that skill. Rehearsals begin in September and continue through early June on Thursday evenings as well as warmups on Sunday mornings prior to the service. The St. Paul’s Choir is joined by a professional orchestra in their annual spring performance of “Masterworks at St. Paul’s.” High school aged singers and older are invited to sing.
St. Paul’s Children’s Choir
Children ages 5-12 are invited to participate in special services throughout the year, including the annual Christmas Pageant and Easter Sunday. Rehearsals take place on Sundays at 11:30 a.m. for 3-4 weeks prior to the performance. If your child is interested in singing, please contact Mark to find out about the next opportunity to join!
St. Paul’s Handbell Choir – Rehearsal Wednesday 6:00-7:00 PM
The bell choir performs several times each year during Sunday’s 10:00 a.m. service and on holidays. No experience or ability to read music is required, just the ability to count! It is a great opportunity for both adults and children.
The Summer Choir – Rehearsal/Service Summer Sundays 9:00-11:15 AM
Membership in the Summer Choir is open to all members of the parish. The Summer Choir provides musical leadership at Sunday’s 10:00 a.m. service during the month of July. The choir meets each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. to rehearse a simple anthem. Attendance is “come when you can.”
“Sometime Singers”
Sometime Singers are members of the parish and community who would like to sing in the St. Paul’s Choir for a choir concert, Evensong, or on specific occasions such as Christmas and Easter. No long-term commitment is required to be a “Sometime Singer!”
All rehearsals take place in the Choir Room.
To learn more or join a St. Paul’s choir, contact Mark Hyczko, Director of Music, at mhyczko@stpaulswestfield.org.
Friends of Music
Friends of Music at St. Paul’s was established in April 1993, to enhance the musical experience at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church – above and beyond the parish program. Their financial and volunteer support allows us to maintain and to expand our musical offerings to the parish and community. The support of over 160 members of the parish and community allows us to present the Steeple Concert series and to provide additional funding for instrumentalists to join us for other musical events and recitals throughout the year. More information can be found at SteepleConcerts.org.
