Ministry of Music
The St. Andrew's community seeks to foster a music program of high quality that inspires worship, is inviting to new members, and involves the congregation in the sung prayer of the church.
Choir
The St. Andrew’s Choir shares in the singing leadership of weekly worship. A welcoming and supportive community, the choir is composed of a combination of professional section leads and volunteer singers.
While some experience with choral singing is helpful, all enthusiastic singers with some music reading ability (or a willingness to learn!) are welcome to give the choir a try.
Trio
The St. Andrew’s Trio are an accomplished ensemble of Jazz musicians who share in the music ministry. Led by innovative pianist Tom Reynolds, the Trio (with Lorne Nehring, drums; George Koller, bass) are unique feature of the sound of worship at St. Andrew’s. Depending on the occasion, sounds of the organ, of guitar and global percussion, and unaccompanied singing also characterize our worship.
Dr. Hilary Donaldson, Director of Music
“Hilary's leadership style is precisely what I try to communicate to our cantors and song leaders. She serves as 'animateur' as Fr. Joseph Gelineau would have stated it: one who breathes spirit into the singing community, much more than simply conducting them or giving them cues on when to sing.”
-- Fr. Jan Michael Joncas
Dr. Hilary Donaldson, Director of Music
MSM, Choral Conducting, Perkins School of Theology
PhD, Musicology, University of Toronto
President, The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada
Special Events
The St. Andrew's community loves extending our musical life beyond the hour of worship, and beyond the walls of the church. Regular events include outdoor Jazz in the Courtyard concerts in the Fall, and performances by the members of our choir and Jazz Trio. We recently hosted a Hymn Festival examining the music and theology of coronation as against modern de-colonial conversations, With Heart and Voice.
Sing with Us
If you are interested in joining the St. Andrew's Choir at any time, email the music director.
Rehearsals are on Sunday morning 9--10:30am from September through June. The choir leads worship on Sunday mornings at 11am (our service is typically no longer than an hour).
St. Andrew's is an Affirming congregation of the United Church of Canada, and we strive to be aware and welcoming of all gender identities and expressions in singing the church's song.
![Arise! Your Light is Come [Ruth Duck] | Epiphany 2023](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ass2DiC4RzE/maxresdefault.jpg)
