Why do we have a choir?
For centuries, music has played a significant part in Christian worship. The earliest Christians were Jews who sang psalms in the Temple; and Jesus and the Apostles sang hymns and psalms together at the Last Supper. St. Paul, commands Christians in the New Testament to “sing hymns, psalms and spiritual songs unto God.” Music helps us to bring words alive and make them memorable. Music adds beauty and splendor to the liturgy and lifts the hearts of those who sing and those who listen. Much church music, composed over the centuries, was specifically written to adorn our Anglican worship, and we have a very special responsibility as stewards of this precious musical heritage. Our Parish Choirs exist to support the worship of the people, and as such, have various duties. They lead choral worship at the Eucharist on Sundays, and also at the great solemnities of Easter and Christmas. The repertoire the choirs sing is exceptionally varied and encompasses over a thousand years worth of music.
“Those who sing pray twice.” -St. Augustine
St. Stephen’s Parish Choir
St. Stephen’s Choir is the main parish choir, that sings for the 10:30am Choral Eucharist on Sunday mornings, as well as Evensong, Lessons & Carols, and other special services during the liturgical year. The choir’s repertoire is drawn from the great and diverse historical repertoire of the Church, with a focus on music of the Anglican tradition. The approximately 45 members of this choir are amateur and professional musicians from Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding areas, as well as students at Marywood University. If you wish to join our choir, or would like more information on joining please contact Mark Laubach at: mlaubach@ststephenswb.org. Rehearsals are held Thursday’s 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. in the second floor choir room.
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