Choirs
Music at St. Helena's
Music is and always has been an integral part of the life of the Church from early times to the present. It is a means of praise that lifts our spirits upward to God. Music at St. Helena’s is inextricably woven into the liturgy. For congregation members, hymns, canticles, Psalms, and spiritual songs lead us to a more profound worship. For choir members, learning and singing music reinforces the words of scripture sung, not only teaching scripture but also giving each chorister a vehicle with which to praise God.
For listeners, music provides beauty and definition to the Word, much like a stained-glass window might portray a Biblical lesson. St. Helena’s Music Ministry strives to provide beautiful music that helps to form God’s people. Texts are very carefully chosen to reflect the lessons of each worship service.
All musicians who serve God need and covet your prayers. Please keep us all in your daily prayers, asking that God direct us in all we do for His glory.
For more information regarding any aspect of the Music Ministry Department, please contact Patricia (Pat) Gould at 522-1712, ext. 214, or email her at patgould@islc.net.
Adult Choral Ensembles at St. Helena’s
The Parish Choir
The Parish Choir is the adult SATB choir, consisting currently of some 40 voices. The Parish Choir leads the liturgy each Sunday at the 10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist service from Rally Sunday in September through Pentecost (usually in May). This choir also sings services of Advent Lessons and Carols, Choral Evensong several times during the church year, as well as Christmas, Easter, and other Holy Days.
The repertoire for The Parish Choir is drawn from a diverse collection of sources, including Gregorian and Anglican chant, Renaissance motets, spirituals, and fine choral music of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. The choir enjoys a retreat once a year for worship, fellowship, and rehearsal of new music. “Christmas in July” is held each year to learn new music for Christmas and Lessons and Carols.
The Parish Choir is open to all who have been gifted with a voice to praise our Creator, and who delights in that praise. A nursery is available by reservation.
The Parish Choir is directed by Pat Gould, Director of Music. Rehearsals are each Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. (September through May) in the Choir Room, located upstairs in the Parish House (King Street entrance). The Parish Choir also rehearses in the church each Sunday morning from 9:15 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
St. Helena Handbell Choir
Bells have long been associated with and used in Christian worship. Small bells were originally fitted with handles so they could be carried in procession to maintain pitch in the singing of psalms. By the mid-19th century, bells began to be rung by “choirs” of ringers. Often churches with large tower bells would use smaller handbells to practice their “change ringing.”
St. Helena Handbell Choir enjoys a three-octave set of Schulmerich handbells. The ensemble is committed to praising God through the ministry of bells. Prior musical experience is not necessary--just a willingness to learn and the desire to have a great deal of fun while ringing.
The Handbell Choir is led by Mary Ingrassia, assisted by Pat Gould, Director of Music, and rings on Sundays during the 10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist approximately once each month. It also often rings for Lessons and Carols and for Evensong.
Rehearsals are each Thursday afternoon from 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. (September-May) in the church balcony. If you love to praise God and have a great time, come join us.
St. Helena's Praise and Worship Team
St. Helena’s contemporary group, the Praise and Worship Team, led by Michael McIntyre, leads worship at the 6:00 p.m. service each Sunday. This more casual worship service with contemporary music is attractive to young and old alike.
The praise team rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 pm. in the Choir Room and again on Sunday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. in the church. Guitarists, drummers, pianists, and singers--all are welcome.
If you are interested in joining the Praise and Worship Team, please contact Michael McIntyre at 522-1712, ext. 229 (work), (843) 452-7345 (cell), or email him at michaelmcintyre50@gmail.com.
Children's Music Ministry
Currently, the Children’s Music Ministry is made up of two choirs for children ages three through high school. Our children should be trained to praise God beginning at a very early age. There is always room for one more. Remember--young children are our future Parish Choir members.
St. Helena Angels
Ages 3 through 1st grade
Angels are directed by Mary Ingrassia, assisted by parents. Rehearsals are each Wednesday (September 8-May 18) from 4:45 p.m.-5:15 p.m. in the Youth Suite. Angels enjoy music making with their voices, bodies, and rhythm instruments. Each week, Angels share their songs with the RSCM Choir of Boys and Girls. They learn to listen, solve problems, work with others for a mutual purpose, and memorize song lyrics and some basic singing technique. We urge all children to be a part of this vital ministry. Angels sing at the 10:15 a.m. service approximately once each month.
St. Helena RSCM Choir of Boys and Girls
(formerly Choristers)
Grades 2 through high school
Royal School of Church Music began at St. Helena's in September 2008. Some 25 choristers work hard to learn about music, the importance of singing in choir, and perfecting weekly anthems. Helena's. Rehearsals are each Wednesday from 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. in the Choir Room. Music theory classes are taught on Saturday mornings in the Choir Room.
RSCM choirs learn music notation, sight reading, vocal techniques, and traditional Anglican music, all using VOICE for LIFE, the Royal School of Church Music teaching methods. Incremental awards are given to singers as they progress in choir. Please learn more information about RSCM at the end of this information.
The St. Helena RSCM Choir of Boys and Girls is led by Pat Gould, Director of Music, assisted by Eugenia Henderson, Debbie Parker, Ayesha Brown, and Jenifer Olney. The St. Helena Choir of Boys and Girls takes an active role in worship, singing at the 10:15 a.m. service every Sunday, along with The Parish Choir, often singing together as one choir. They also participate in the services of Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, and other times during the church year. The St. Helena RSCM Choir of Boys and Girls is also committed to sharing their music at local nursing and assisted-living facilities.
Six choristers and three adults attended the RSCM training course held in Charlotte, N.C., in July. Five full scholarships were offered to send young people to choir camp.
The St. Helena RSCM Choir of Boys and Girls has one goal in mind--to glorify God through music. We also hope to sing in English cathedrals in the summer of 2012. Please encourage all young people to be a part of this exciting new ministry opportunity.
Registration forms are available in the church office. Please register early as we expect this choir to fill quickly. Regular attendance at rehearsals and church services is essential.
What is the Royal School of Church Music?
RSCM America is the branch of The Royal of School of Church Music in the United States. Their goal is to uplift the spiritual life of communities through high-quality choral music. They provide musical education to singers through a structured choral music program and summer music courses. They provide support to music directors through an organizational forum which facilitates the exchange of knowledge and ideas. Through their efforts to raise the quality of choral music performance, they have touched the lives of multitudes of singers and listeners.
A Brief History
RSCM was founded in England in 1927 by Sir Sydney Nicholson, organist of Westminster Abbey. Originally called the School of English Church Music (SECM), the organization consisted of a training college for church musicians (called the College of St. Nicolas) and an association of affiliated churches committed to attaining high standards of musical performance.
The operation of the college was suspended during World War II and reopened as the Royal School of Church Music in 1945 at Canterbury Cathedral. The College of St. Nicolas was closed in 1974. Thereafter, RSCM directed its focus to short courses and to developing “regional” affiliates worldwide run by voluntary committees.
RSCM has grown to become an international and ecumenical organization, with more the 11,000 affiliates in the UK, North America, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and throughout Europe.
RSCM America has more than 700 affiliates crossing denominational lines and the boundaries of nearly every state. RSCM America has its own board of directors supervising RSCM programs in the United States.
What They Do
RSCM America offers:
1. Annual courses for choristers of all ages in various regional locations (Eugenia Henderson and Pat Gould attended an annual course in Charlotte, North Carolina, in June).
2. VOICE for LIFE, an acclaimed structured choral training guide that provides a framework for choral singers to develop their vocal skills, musical understanding, and knowledge of the repertoire.
3. Access to the RSCM America Master Class, a pool of experienced musicians who offer assistance to choral directors and individual singers on a wide variety of subjects.
4. A forum for enrichment and exchange of information and ideas among a group of highly qualified music directors.
Weekly Rehearsal Schedule
Rally Sunday through Pentecost (except Praise Team rehearsal is year-round)
Music is and always has been an integral part of the life of the Church from early times to the present. It is a means of praise that lifts our spirits upward to God. Music at St. Helena’s is inextricably woven into the liturgy. For congregation members, hymns, canticles, Psalms, and spiritual songs lead us to a more profound worship. For choir members, learning and singing music reinforces the words of scripture sung, not only teaching scripture but also giving each chorister a vehicle with which to praise God. For listeners, music provides beauty and definition to the Word, much like a stained-glass window might portray a Biblical lesson. St. Helena’s Music Ministry strives to provide beautiful music that helps to form God’s people. Texts are very carefully chosen to reflect the lessons of each worship service.
All musicians who serve God need and covet your prayers. Please keep us all in your daily prayers, asking that God direct us in all we do for His glory.
For more information regarding any aspect of the Music Ministry Department, please contact Patricia (Pat) Gould at 522-1712, ext. 214, or email her at patgould@islc.net.
Adult Choral Ensembles at St. Helena’s
The Parish Choir
The Parish Choir is the adult SATB choir, consisting currently of some 40 voices. The Parish Choir leads the liturgy each Sunday at the 10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist service from Rally Sunday in September through Pentecost (usually in May). This choir also sings services of Advent Lessons and Carols, Choral Evensong several times during the church year, as well as Christmas, Easter, and other Holy Days.The repertoire for The Parish Choir is drawn from a diverse collection of sources, including Gregorian and Anglican chant, Renaissance motets, spirituals, and fine choral music of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. The choir enjoys a retreat once a year for worship, fellowship, and rehearsal of new music. “Christmas in July” is held each year to learn new music for Christmas and Lessons and Carols.
The Parish Choir is open to all who have been gifted with a voice to praise our Creator, and who delights in that praise. A nursery is available by reservation.
The Parish Choir is directed by Pat Gould, Director of Music. Rehearsals are each Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. (September through May) in the Choir Room, located upstairs in the Parish House (King Street entrance). The Parish Choir also rehearses in the church each Sunday morning from 9:15 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
St. Helena Handbell Choir
Bells have long been associated with and used in Christian worship. Small bells were originally fitted with handles so they could be carried in procession to maintain pitch in the singing of psalms. By the mid-19th century, bells began to be rung by “choirs” of ringers. Often churches with large tower bells would use smaller handbells to practice their “change ringing.”St. Helena Handbell Choir enjoys a three-octave set of Schulmerich handbells. The ensemble is committed to praising God through the ministry of bells. Prior musical experience is not necessary--just a willingness to learn and the desire to have a great deal of fun while ringing.
The Handbell Choir is led by Mary Ingrassia, assisted by Pat Gould, Director of Music, and rings on Sundays during the 10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist approximately once each month. It also often rings for Lessons and Carols and for Evensong.
Rehearsals are each Thursday afternoon from 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. (September-May) in the church balcony. If you love to praise God and have a great time, come join us.
St. Helena's Praise and Worship TeamSt. Helena’s contemporary group, the Praise and Worship Team, led by Michael McIntyre, leads worship at the 6:00 p.m. service each Sunday. This more casual worship service with contemporary music is attractive to young and old alike.
The praise team rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 pm. in the Choir Room and again on Sunday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. in the church. Guitarists, drummers, pianists, and singers--all are welcome.
If you are interested in joining the Praise and Worship Team, please contact Michael McIntyre at 522-1712, ext. 229 (work), (843) 452-7345 (cell), or email him at michaelmcintyre50@gmail.com.
Children's Music Ministry
Currently, the Children’s Music Ministry is made up of two choirs for children ages three through high school. Our children should be trained to praise God beginning at a very early age. There is always room for one more. Remember--young children are our future Parish Choir members.
St. Helena Angels
Ages 3 through 1st gradeAngels are directed by Mary Ingrassia, assisted by parents. Rehearsals are each Wednesday (September 8-May 18) from 4:45 p.m.-5:15 p.m. in the Youth Suite. Angels enjoy music making with their voices, bodies, and rhythm instruments. Each week, Angels share their songs with the RSCM Choir of Boys and Girls. They learn to listen, solve problems, work with others for a mutual purpose, and memorize song lyrics and some basic singing technique. We urge all children to be a part of this vital ministry. Angels sing at the 10:15 a.m. service approximately once each month.
St. Helena RSCM Choir of Boys and Girls
(formerly Choristers)
Grades 2 through high school
Royal School of Church Music began at St. Helena's in September 2008. Some 25 choristers work hard to learn about music, the importance of singing in choir, and perfecting weekly anthems. Helena's. Rehearsals are each Wednesday from 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. in the Choir Room. Music theory classes are taught on Saturday mornings in the Choir Room.
RSCM choirs learn music notation, sight reading, vocal techniques, and traditional Anglican music, all using VOICE for LIFE, the Royal School of Church Music teaching methods. Incremental awards are given to singers as they progress in choir. Please learn more information about RSCM at the end of this information.
The St. Helena RSCM Choir of Boys and Girls is led by Pat Gould, Director of Music, assisted by Eugenia Henderson, Debbie Parker, Ayesha Brown, and Jenifer Olney. The St. Helena Choir of Boys and Girls takes an active role in worship, singing at the 10:15 a.m. service every Sunday, along with The Parish Choir, often singing together as one choir. They also participate in the services of Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, and other times during the church year. The St. Helena RSCM Choir of Boys and Girls is also committed to sharing their music at local nursing and assisted-living facilities.Six choristers and three adults attended the RSCM training course held in Charlotte, N.C., in July. Five full scholarships were offered to send young people to choir camp.
The St. Helena RSCM Choir of Boys and Girls has one goal in mind--to glorify God through music. We also hope to sing in English cathedrals in the summer of 2012. Please encourage all young people to be a part of this exciting new ministry opportunity.
Registration forms are available in the church office. Please register early as we expect this choir to fill quickly. Regular attendance at rehearsals and church services is essential.
What is the Royal School of Church Music?
RSCM America is the branch of The Royal of School of Church Music in the United States. Their goal is to uplift the spiritual life of communities through high-quality choral music. They provide musical education to singers through a structured choral music program and summer music courses. They provide support to music directors through an organizational forum which facilitates the exchange of knowledge and ideas. Through their efforts to raise the quality of choral music performance, they have touched the lives of multitudes of singers and listeners.
A Brief History
RSCM was founded in England in 1927 by Sir Sydney Nicholson, organist of Westminster Abbey. Originally called the School of English Church Music (SECM), the organization consisted of a training college for church musicians (called the College of St. Nicolas) and an association of affiliated churches committed to attaining high standards of musical performance.
The operation of the college was suspended during World War II and reopened as the Royal School of Church Music in 1945 at Canterbury Cathedral. The College of St. Nicolas was closed in 1974. Thereafter, RSCM directed its focus to short courses and to developing “regional” affiliates worldwide run by voluntary committees.
RSCM has grown to become an international and ecumenical organization, with more the 11,000 affiliates in the UK, North America, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and throughout Europe.
RSCM America has more than 700 affiliates crossing denominational lines and the boundaries of nearly every state. RSCM America has its own board of directors supervising RSCM programs in the United States.
What They Do
RSCM America offers:
1. Annual courses for choristers of all ages in various regional locations (Eugenia Henderson and Pat Gould attended an annual course in Charlotte, North Carolina, in June).
2. VOICE for LIFE, an acclaimed structured choral training guide that provides a framework for choral singers to develop their vocal skills, musical understanding, and knowledge of the repertoire.
3. Access to the RSCM America Master Class, a pool of experienced musicians who offer assistance to choral directors and individual singers on a wide variety of subjects.
4. A forum for enrichment and exchange of information and ideas among a group of highly qualified music directors.
Weekly Rehearsal Schedule
Rally Sunday through Pentecost (except Praise Team rehearsal is year-round)
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Choral Services*
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* Nursery available ** Nursery available by reservation