Life in Our Congregation

Music

Choirs at MAPC

Superb choral music has long been an important part of the life of our congregation. There are three choral groups at MAPC that offer volunteer singers an opportunity to participate in this important ministry. The Church Choir and Youth Choir play a special role in leading and enhancing worship on Sundays, while the Saint Andrew Chorale provides an opportunity for members and non-members alike to present great sacred choral works to the community via the Saint Andrew Music Society concert series.

MAPC Choirs
The Church Choir is the choral backbone of the MAPC music ministry. Led by Andrew Henderson, Director of Music and Organist, this choir consists of a core octet of professional singers and fifteen dedicated volunteers that provide inspiring music at the Sunday 11:15 am service throughout the year. The choir rehearses following the Saint Andrew Chorale rehearsal, on Thursday evenings from 8:30 to 9:45 pm, and on Sundays from 10:30 to 11 am. New members in all voice parts are always welcome and are encouraged to contact Andrew Henderson for further information!

The “Summer Choir” meets to rehearse at 9:30 am for the 10:30 am services on Sunday mornings from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend during the summer worship schedule.

The Saint Andrew Chorale is made up of members of the Church Choir plus an additional 25 singers. Membership in the Chorale is open to committed singers from the MAPC congregation and from the wider community. The Chorale rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7 to 8:20 pm in the Sanctuary and presents three Sunday afternoon concerts a year with the Saint Andrew Orchestra and guest instrumentalists.

The Chorale’s repertoire has been extraordinarily wide-ranging and focuses on the great sacred choral masterworks from across the centuries. In the 2006-2007 Season the Chorale will sing works by Joseph and Michael Haydn, John Tavener, Eleanor Daley, Gregorio Allegri and J. S. Bach, in addition to taking part in the MAPC Carol Sing in December. Members of the Chorale are also invited to participate in the special musical offerings of the Church Choir on Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday. New members are welcome to join us for a fabulous season of choral music! Please contact Andrew Henderson to schedule an interview and to obtain further details.

The MAPC Children’s Choirs

As a part of the weekly Kids’ Club program on Wednesday afternoons MAPC gives children aged 3-13 the opportunity to make special contributions to our Worship services with the Children’s Choir and Cherub Choir.

The MAPC Children’s Choir offers an opportunity for children in elementary and middle school to participate in a program that focuses on the development of children’s voices, singing music of high artistic integrity and developing an understanding of musical notation. The repertoire of the Children’s Choir encompasses a wide range of choral literature for young voices, including the works of classical composers, African-American spirituals, traditional and modern hymnody and newly composed works. The choir sings at the 11:15 am service at different times throughout the school year, including the Carol Sing, Christmas Eve tableau and Easter Sunday. Children will have the opportunity to sing under the direction of Mary Huff, Associate Director of Music, and the Director of Music, Andrew Henderson.

MAPC also has a choir for its tiniest singers! Children ages 3-5 have the opportunity to sing in our Cherub Choir. Led by Mary Huff and Andrew Henderson, the Cherub Choir will enjoy activities that include vocal exploration, rhythmic play, simple and partner songs, and healthy beginning vocal instruction. Our Cherub Choir will sing during three Sunday services during the school year with the Children’s Choir, as well as participating in the Christmas Eve tableau.

For more information about the Cherub Choir, or the MAPC Children’s Choir, please contact Mary Huff at mwh@mapc.com.

Please direct all inquiries about the musical life of MAPC to Andrew Henderson, Director of Music/Organist, at 212-288-8920, ext. 267, or by email at aeh@mapc.com.