Everything you need to know about the excellent music we play and sing at Sausalito Presbyterian Church. In addition to this week's musical selection, you can also find our Music Schedule, a description of Music at SPC, background on the SPC Choir and a bit about Sunday Music Notes.
SUNDAY, MARCH 21
Sausalito Presbyterian Choir, Ralph Hooper, Music Director
Bob Chilcott: God So Loved the World
PALM SUNDAY, MARCH 28
Sausalito Presbyterian Choir, Ralph Hooper, Music Director
Bob Chilcott: The Beatitudes
Gabriel Fauré: "Libera Me" from Requiem
EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 4
Sausalito Presbyterian Choir, Ralph Hooper, Music Director
Michelle Latimer, Trumpet
John Rutter: Gloria 1st Movement
Morten Lauridsen: O Nata Lux
MUSIC NOTES
Of all the arts, music has a power that is all encompassing, affecting our minds, our spirits, and, most of all, our emotions. Our earliest ancestors attributed magical powers to music. In biblical times, prophets uttered their message with musical accompaniment. In ancient Israel, belief was widespread that music could strongly or even radically affect one's innermost feelings, and even create states of ecstasy. At SPC, we consider music to be a vital part of our community's prayer and emotional life. We are committed to all styles and genres of music: classical, popular, gospel, folk, country, jazz, theatre and film. We take the position that all genuine works of art, whether specifically "sacred" in title, text or inspiration, or not, celebrate the glory of God and of creation and are, therefore, most appropriate to a celebration of God and of life.
The power of community singing is the crux of our music program. No choir or battery of exotic instruments can substitute for a group of people united in spirit and song. Using the 1990 edition of The Presbyterian Hymnal, as well as Rejoice, an original SPC compilation of contemporary and alternative songs, and bulletin inserts of very contemporary songs, we challenge our congregation to shake the heavens and earth.
We support our community, choral and solo voices with a variety of acoustical and digital instruments, led by our extraordinary new Allen digital organ. Featuring over 150 unique voices and the most advanced digital music technology in existence, it offers the full palette of a major pipe organ as well as a wide range of other acoustical instrument sounds through its MIDI Expander technology. We also make major use of a grand piano and a variety of synthesizer modules. We enlist talented musicians in our own community. And for special occasions, we are blessed with the services of the best brass players, harpists and other professional instrumentalists in the San Francisco Bay Area.
A major feature of the SPC music ministry is our accomplished choir. Featuring talented and dedicated members and friends of our community, the choir enhances our services with traditional anthems and spirituals, sacred and secular choral masterworks, music from modern stage and film composers, and experimental works by contemporary composers. Our passion is to create and nurture genuine choral ensemble. We relish in the diversity, unconventionality and beauty of our repertoire. We strive for technical excellence and emotional honesty. Above all, we seek to deepen the spiritual experience of our Sunday celebrants. And we do this with a light touch. Our rehearsals and performances are, first and foremost, great fun.
The SPC Choir is much more than a musical ensemble. We are an extended family that shares our talents and life concerns. We sing together, pray together, and celebrate together in periodic parties.
The SPC Choir sings at services from the Sunday after Labor day through the middle of June. Our regular weekly rehearsals are Thursday evenings, 7:30 to 9:30, from September through mid-June. Occasionally, we schedule a Saturday morning rehearsal, usually before a major event. We recognize and rejoice in the accomplishments and full lives of our choristers. Accordingly, we expect that all members will occasionally miss rehearsals and/or services. We plan our musical preparation to work around these very necessary absences.
We are looking for additional singers in all categories. Our choristers do not have to be members of the church. Nor do they have to be professionally or semi-professionally trained singers. All that is required is a love of singing , a commitment to creating a wonderful music ensemble, and a great sense of humor. Our extended family of vocal musicians includes very accomplished soloists and vocal ensembles. During the summer months while the SPC Choir is on vacation, we joyously welcome guest soloists and ensembles.
A regular feature of our Sunday bulletin is the inclusion of notes about some of the music used for that day's service. Historical information about the songs being sung by the community as a whole or by the choir or guest soloists adds an important dimension to the effectiveness of the music. We are especially committed to sharing information about the composers of the music we use.