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St. Mark’s enjoys a great tradition of music in worship and in concert. Music exists to glorify God, to inspire the congregation, and is an essential feature of Episcopal liturgy. Everyone has a musical role in the liturgy which includes the singing of service music and hymns by the congregation, anthems and psalms sung by the choir, the clergy chanting the Sursum Corda during the Holy Eucharist, and the voluntaries performed on the Austin-Kegg pipe organ.
People are involved in St. Mark’s choirs for similar reasons they attend church; they are ultimately seeking community. Music-making is greater than ourselves, and the power of music-making in a choir not only provides musical enrichment, but also serves as Christian formation and spiritual development. Our choirs include children and youth of all ages, adult volunteers, staff singers, and choral scholars (high school and college students who commit to spending a year of musical formation in the St. Mark’s music program). Together they provide music for the many services that are offered throughout the year.
Additionally, we invite the San Antonio community to experience the beauty of worship and creativity through the Music from St. Mark’s offerings. These programs, free to all with complimentary parking, provide musical outreach to the San Antonio community thanks to the generous support of the St. Cecilia Guild.
See Our Recent Music Events
Duruflé Requiem - November 3, 2024
Choirs at St. Mark's
ST. MARK'S CHOIR
St. Mark's Choir is comprised of adult and youth volunteers, staff singers, and choral scholars. The St. Mark’s Choir sings each Sunday during the program year, September-May. The repertoire offered spans centuries from chant and Tudor motets to traditional Anglican cathedral repertoire, spirituals, and new compositions by living composers. In addition to singing Sunday morning services, the choir sings at Choral Evensong, the annual Festival of Lessons and Carols, Requiem Concert, Holy Week, and High Feast Days. We welcome new singers at any time of the year by a brief audition and meeting. If you read music, sight-read decently, have experience singing in a choir, and would like to know more about joining St. Mark’s Choir, please contact Director of Music, Jon Johnson, to set up an appointment.
SENIOR CHORISTERS (GRADES 6-12)
Senior Choristers is a continuation of the musical skills gained as a Junior Chorister. This choir is committed to the more rigorous demands of singing anthems and larger choral works throughout the year. In addition to singing on Sunday mornings, the Senior Choristers occasionally join St. Mark’s Choir to sing Choral Evensong, the annual service of Nine Lessons and Carols, and other musical offerings during the academic year. To find out more information, contact Director of Music, Jon Johnson.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
The Chorister program is an educational opportunity for children that integrates musical training and Christian formation. These choirs are open to boys and girls, grades K-12, and are joined by St. Mark’s staff singers to provide music during Sunday services. These children learn about liturgy and the seasons of the church year as they rehearse service music, hymns, and anthems. Children involved in a choir learn and develop in their role as leaders in worship, being part of a team, building self-confidence, and mature in their musical skills and formation. All choirs are affiliated and based on the Royal School of Church Music America (RSCMA) model. To find out more information, contact Director of Music, Jon Johnson.
JUNIOR CHORISTERS (GRADES 2-6)
Junior Choristers (grades 2-6, led by Ana Hernandez and Jon Johnson.) build on the foundation nurtured in Novice Choir. Junior Choristers are introduced to rhythmic and melodic elements in A Young Singer’s Journey curriculum where they learn to read and notate music. Junior Choristers also learn about proper breathing techniques, singer posture, and are introduced to sacred choral music through the hymnal and anthems. They become a vital part of the Sunday morning church service where they wear choir vestments, process, and lead the congregation in worship. No prior experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn and participate. To find out more information, contact Director of Music, Jon Johnson.
ROYAL SCHOOL OF CHURCH MUSIC AMERICA TRAINING
Choristers of all ages work on music theory, aural skills, and vocal development during this time. Snacks are provided.
NOVICES (GRADES K-2)
The Novices Choir (grades K-2, led by Becca Morgan) curriculum focuses on vocal exploration to singing voice and movement to explore pulse and rhythms. Vocal and rhythmic development are nurtured through children’s choir repertoire, singing games, and movement activities. All humans are musical and it is through practice that we learn to sing and dance. They wear choir vestments and will sing during the worship service on selected Sundays. To find out more information, contact Children’s Music Assistant, Becca Morgan.
