Music Pro Tempore
Whether in a permanent or provisional worship space, St. James music ministry continues at full steam -- or nearly so, thanks to our choir and minister of music Charles Olegar, who describes the choir as "the equivalent of a fantastic pipe organ, in and of themselves!" In addition to leading a considerable variety of congregational song, St. James Choir provides weekly offerings that include a similarly-eclectic mix of choral music, ranging from Gregorian Chant to Spirituals, with a great many traditional choral classics included. Where else might you encounter "Ezekiel saw the wheel" and an early-Renaissance motet by Josquin de Prez in the same service?

Our unexpected hiatus from organ music has been providing Charles the opportunity to explore piano music offered as "windows on the Divine", focusing on the preludes and fugues from J.S. Bach's Well Tempered Clavier, as well as meditative movements from sonatas by Mozart, Beethoven, and others, played as communion voluntaries. On occasion some of the parish's outstanding youth are at the piano or other instruments, likewise enhancing our worship.

Those who welcome congregational song as an uplifting element of worship will not be disappointed at SS. James-George. Opportunities abound, including both newer settings and hymn classics. So, do not miss being be with us on Sunday mornings at Crissey Farms as we celebrate God With Us in song!


The St. James Choir
As one of the few traditional-type four-part choirs among Episcopal churches in the region, St James Choir comprises a wide variety of ages (from ten to eighty!), personalities, and experience, ranging from novice to professional, Our Choir's primary mission is to provide strong, energetic musical propulsion for regular corporate worship (10:00 AM, Sundays) by leading congregational singing, providing choral music during communion,and regularly enhancing services with anthems encompassing a wide spectrum of periods and styles within a traditional framework. Annually, St James Choir provides special music on Christmas Eve and Easter.

An all-volunteer organization, St. James Choir's door is always open to choral music enthusiasts who wish to participate in a spirited group noted for its energy and strong sense of community, as it serves a role central to the parish's music ministry. Choir rehearsals are held weekly at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays, prior to the 10:00 service, along with occasional Saturday-morning special practices. The choir sings year 'round, with a flexible approach to individual attendance situations.