Music

Led by three extremely talented musicians, St. John’s has active music programs for adults and children.  This parish has long been known for its high standards of musicality and its strong congregational participation.  We keep alive a tradition of beauty and grandeur harder and harder to find in our secular world. 

Several hymnals are used in worship services including The 1982 Hymnal; Wonder, Love and Praise, and Lift Every Voice and Sing.  Special programs in the past have included Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb and Ceremony of Carols, Mendelsohn’s Elijah, excerpts from Handel's Messiah and masses by Haydn, Mozart, Schubert and Charpentier.  African music and Dixieland jazz are also featured from time to time.

Chancel Choir

Under the direction of Ernest Fredric Knell, organist and choirmaster, the Chancel Choir sings at 10:00/10:45 a.m. Sunday Eucharists.  Rehearsals are held Sunday mornings and on the first Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. (with some exceptions).  Additional rehearsals are scheduled prior to special services.  There is no audition to join, and interested singers should contact Mr. Knell. Previous choir experience and some sight-reading ability are recommended.

High school and college students are encouraged to participate in the Chancel Choir – especially during the summer – and often come back to sing in the Excelsior Choir on Christmas Eve.

Chancel Choir schedule Fall/Winter 2009

9:00 a.m. Service Music

St. John’s is fortunate to have pianist Cindy Cox, a tenured UC Berkeley professor of composition, on its staff. Cindy selects and performs all the music at the 9:00 a.m. service.

See also Youth Choir