Home > Worship > Music Ministries | | | Music Ministries | | | | |
Music, a universal language, is one of our most ancient ways of worshipping God, expressing our sorrow, penitence, joy,
and thanksgiving in ways often greater and deeper than the spoken word. Music sets the stage for our liturgy and extends and
colors our expression of spiritual things. At St. Stephen’s, we call upon musical traditions
of all Christian ages. Our instrumental and sung music is a blend of traditional hymns, contemporary pieces, classical compositions,
and ancient chants and anthems. At our 10:30 a.m. Sunday service, we use the Episcopal Church’s 1982 Hymnal and Lift Every Voice and Sing (II). | |
| | Director of Music Our
music ministry is led by Rick Waynick, organist and Director since August, 2007. Under his guidance St. Stephen’s is
served by the Chancel Choir, the Handbell Choir, and several instrumentalists. We are alway happy to welcome singers and musicians to our music ministry.
If you would like to learn more, contact Rick or call (757-595-5521) or e-mail the church office. | | back to top | |
| | Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir augments the worship at our 10:30 a.m. Sunday services, as well as special services throughout the year.
During the school months, rehearsals are held every Wednesday evening 6:30–7:45 p.m. in the church. In the summer, rehearsals
occur at 9:45 a.m. each Sunday.
Superior vocal or musical skills, while desirable, are not a prerequisite for participation. Our choristers take seriously
the responsi-bility and commitment required. The choir leads congregational singing and enhances
the liturgy through anthems, psalms, mass settings, and hymns. Each voice that proclaims God’s love is beautiful,
but no single voice communicates it all. The choir strives, through its leadership and skill, to gather many
voices into one symphony of praise, proclaiming the inclusiveness of God.
New singers are always welcome! Please consider joining the Chancel Choir and sharing your musical talents in Christian stewardship. | | back to top | |
| | | Handbell Choir | |  The Handbell Choir, under the direction of Rick Waynick, performs beautiful and festive music during
the liturgical year. It rehearses on Wednesdays 8:00–9:00 p.m. in the church from September to June.
If you’d like to be a bell ringer but are hesitant because you don’t know how to play, forget your worries and
“come on in!” It is simple to learn to play English handbells — no prior musical training is required. In
rehearsals, you will learn to hold, ring, and dampen the handbell. You will also learn to read music, as well as many handbell
techniques and styles. | | back to top | |
| | | Instrumental
Music | |   Do you play an instrument? We’d love to have you join our instrumental music program. You will find many opportunities
to play in solos, ensembles, and as an accompanist. We can incorporate any instrument, and rehearsal schedules are
very flexible.
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| | | This page last updated January 4, 2012. | |
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2009–2013 St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Newport News, Va. All rights reserved.
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