Music
I will sing with the Spirit and with understanding also.

A LOVE OF MUSIC
The music ministry at Saint Stephen's Parish seeks to fill every heart with the sound of
God's peace and joy. Through the finest sacred music of many centuries, we aim to provide
an ever-expanding vocabulary to proclaim God's eternal message. Careful preparation and
weekly rehearsals by the musicians of our parish support our commitment to offer
our fullest and most enriching praise to God in the highest.

                    Photo courtesy of Claire Cox

— Parish Choir —
Leadership & Excellence for singers/from Grade 10 through adult

As Saint Stephen's principal musical leaders, parish Choir members offer a weekly ministry of praise and thanksgiving at the 10 am Sunday Eucharist and major holy days throughout the year. Our rehearsals are lively and productive and help nurture both musical understanding and ability, as do our 4 friendly and supportive Section Leaders.

REHEARSALS: TUESDAYS, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

           Photo courtesy of Claire Cox

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— Chorister Program —

A Living Tradition for boys and girls aged 5 through 15.

For centuries children have sung in the churches, and cathedrals of Europe and America. Master musicians such as Palestrina, Bach, and Mozart composed for choirs whose top line (soprano) was sung by boys with unchanged or 'treble' voices. More recently, choirgirls have joined the ranks of boy choristers on an equal basis.
The unique brilliance and power of young voices singing great music still rings throughout the world. This is the tradition of excellence which inspires the Chorister Program of Saint Stephen's Parish, on a scale suited to our own parish and community.

The Chorister Program not only nurtures young people musically, but also supports their individual Christian formation. We explore the meaning of the words we sing and the liturgies we lead, along with learning about the Episcopal church, the seasons of the church year, and the many ways God is revealed in the world of the arts. We believe that youngsters can far exceed the usual musical boundaries adults envision for them, and we know that musical activities sharpens children's skills in many other areas.

Training Choir
for boys and girls in Kindergarten through Grade 2
Meets Wednesdays 3:30-4:15 p.m. 

Saint Nicholas and Saint Cecilia Choir
for boys in and girls in Grade 3 (with exceptions) through voice change or Grade 9.

Meets: Wednesdays, 4:15-5:30 p.m. or Fridays 3:30-4:45 p.m. 

(Wednesday and Friday rehearsals are identical. Attendance at one is required.)

These choristers sing in church every week and for the various festival services.

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— Handbell Choir —
for adults and young people beginning in Grade 6

Our multi-generational handbell ensemble rings monthly on Sunday mornings and for special celebrations, including Christmas and Easter. We value members' commitment to growth as musicians and to fellowship with each other. Because handbells allow individuals with widely varying musical experience to work harmoniously together, our group includes both novice and master ringers. As a result, joining the Handbell Choir requires only the desire to learn and grow in a weekly musical community.

REHEARSALS: MONDAYS, 6:30-8:00 pm 

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— Music for the Community —
Saint Stephen's helps enliven the Pittsfield and larger Berkshire-area community with numerous special events outside of our regular worship services, including:

• Sacred Concerts of religious vocal and instrumental music
• Masterworks Concerts by guest artists and ensembles from around the world
• Hosting concerts by numerous local performing organizations, meetings and programs of the American

   Guild of Organists, regular rehearsals of several Berkshire musical groups, and practice time for music

   students.

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