On Thursday evening, May 17th, Saint George's held our first-annual Choir banquet for all choirs and their families to celebrate our year of music ministry together. It was a most wonderful occasion that packed the parish hall with over 90 people in attendance. We had a wonderful time sharing in fellowship and celebrating our singers, ringers, and volunteers.
This past year, the choirs did some wonderful work. Together our 5 choirs
- Consist of 70 singers, 9 ringers, 60+ families, including parents we are well over 100.
- That means we have 70 some vestments to care for (Thank you Valerie Troiano!)
- Sang over 75 services,
- Sang 215 anthems (Thank you Missie Burman, our Music Librarian)
- Sang over 300 hymns
- Chanted over 70 psalms - on 770 chords!
- Rehearsed for over a total of 230 hours
- Consumed over 245 Pizzas
Our Senior Warden, Don George, gave a word of thanks to the choirs on behalf of the Vestry, and I shared greetings and thanksgivings from our Rector, Rev. Shearon Williams who was on vacation. A very special part of the evening was the recognition of some of our younger singers who are moving to new choirs. The Saint Cecilia Choir welcomed Ellagrace Price and Zachary McCabe from Angel Choir and bestowed upon them their cassocks as a sign of welcome. The Choristers welcomed Maddie Frank and Ellianna McCabe with the giving of their choir surplice.
We also recognized and gave great thanks for our volunteer directors, Rebecca Hill and Jen Grotpeter, Angel Choir accompanist, Marge Miller, Missie Burman our music librarian and Valerie Troriano, our vestment manager. The excellent and dedicated work of these people enable us to have the dynamic music ministry of which we are so proud. Thank you!
It was a pure joy for me, your Minister of Music to recognize and give thanks for each of our singers and ringers and the hard work and commitment - the time they give - to making not only great music, but Saint George's such a great place. It continues to be my honor to work with each of you and lead our sung musical prayers and praises in this place.
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
Ben Keseley, Minister of Music
