St. Paul's Choir
Dedicated to creating an environment where we can find God, the St. Paul’s Parish Choir assists at the 9 a.m. service each Sunday from September through May, and sings Evensong on special occasions throughout the year.
The choir is made up of parishioners, community members, and several choral scholars. We are a warm and welcoming group, and while we work hard at rehearsals, we also laugh a lot! Potlucks and other social gatherings are a part of the choir's long tradition.
We sing in a variety of musical styles, drawing on choral literature from the Anglican tradition, 16th and 17th-century polyphony, chant, contemporary sacred minimalism, and spirituals. Highlights of the year include the annual Festival of Lessons and Carols, Christmas services, and the great liturgies of Holy Week and Easter.
The choir is made up of parishioners, community members, and several choral scholars. We are a warm and welcoming group, and while we work hard at rehearsals, we also laugh a lot! Potlucks and other social gatherings are a part of the choir's long tradition.
We sing in a variety of musical styles, drawing on choral literature from the Anglican tradition, 16th and 17th-century polyphony, chant, contemporary sacred minimalism, and spirituals. Highlights of the year include the annual Festival of Lessons and Carols, Christmas services, and the great liturgies of Holy Week and Easter.
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Rehearsals
The choir rehearses most Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and Sundays at 8:15 a.m., before the 9 a.m. service. We warmly welcome new members, high school age and older. Musical experience and ability to read music are helpful, but we are happy to teach you as well. Contact Todd Borgerding, Director of Music and Organist, at [email protected]. |
Our Instruments
St. Paul's is blessed with several organs and other instruments, all of which support our active music program.
gallery organ
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Stuart Organ Company, 1981 (St. Paul’s Church)
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chamber organ
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George Dallam, 1660 (Old Narragansett Church). Restored by Stuart Organ Company in 1983. This is believed to be the oldest organ in use for church services in the United States. Hear it played on NPR.
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continuo organ
Gyula Vági, 2019. This small portable organ can be moved to the Chapel for smaller services. In addition, we use this for Evensong and other services when the Choir sings from the front of the nave. It also comes in handy as a continuo instrument for performances of Baroque music.
harpsichord
Glenn Giuttari, 1991. We often use this instrument during Sunday services, and it sees much use in concerts at the church.
grand piano
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Schimmel (St. Paul’s Church). The piano lives in the Chapter Room at St. Paul's, where it sees much use in choir rehearsals and occasional recitals held there.
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Music & Celebration
There are many events throughout the church year that showcase other musicians. These include guest musicians and singers at some of our services, particularly during the High Holy Days of Christmas and Easter. In addition, the St. Paul’s Music Director plans Sunday afternoon concerts throughout the year that are open to the entire community, free-of-charge (though free-will donations to help support the program are always welcome). Visit our Events page for the latest programming.