ST. GREGORY'S CHOIR

One of the greatest joys of my life has been the blessing of being a choral director. In all, I believe I’ve worked with 7 church choirs during my career as a Choirmaster and Organist and each one has left a mark of love on my heart. I’ve been truly inspired by the dedication and commitment on behalf of all the choir members with whom I’ve worked through the years. Choir singers are fiercely dedicated to the art and craft of choral singing and our Choir of St. Gregory’s is certainly no exception.

One of the hallmarks of church music, in my opinion, is that it should inspire without being obvious. Music in church should be excellently produced without the congregation being aware of the production involved. It should be artistically crafted like a fine painting. Music should just be.

Ironically, this can only be achieved through much hard work, practice, and discipline on the part of the musicians making the music. The congregation often isn’t aware, and rightly so, of the amount of work that goes into producing the music each week. The hours of preparation spent by musicians and singers are astounding and our Choir of St. Gregory’s works incredibly hard to provide excellence in music so that those in the congregation can experience Divine inspiration during every choral service of worship. The choir members give of their time every Thursday for 2 hours of intense rehearsal, preparing not only for the coming Sunday but also for the Sundays which lie ahead. Extra rehearsals for Evensongs, Christmas, Lenten, and Easter services also take much time and work, often occurring on separate weeknights and Saturdays. 

They rehearse intensely, for the reward is great. When the time comes to sing and make music at a service, they also receive a Divine blessing for there is no greater joy than to sing the great music of our faith with integrity, artistry, and excellence which inspires both the singers and those listening. 

So, I want to give a Shout-Out to our wonderful Choir of St. Gregory’s whose hard work and dedication inspire all of us each Sunday. They truly make a difference in how we worship and how we receive the Divine in our hearts and minds. As you sit in the pew and listen each week, just let the music wash over you. Just close your eyes and let it be. 

I hope everyone will plan to be at our next Choral Evensong on Sunday, October 30 at 5 PM when we will remember Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Featured music will include works from several royal occasions including her coronation.  

I’ll see you in church and online!

Blessings,

Tim