I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me . . . Let Us Go Into the House of the Lord 
 
From the earliest times, congregational singing was an important element of communal worship. We know that there were choirs in the Temple. We know that the disciples sang a hymn and went out after the Last Supper. And we know that so many of our biblical texts – especially the psalms – but also the canticles of the New Testament – such as the Magnificat and the Nunc Dimittis, were meant to be sung. 
 
With this rich tradition of congregational singing present in our Christian heritage and in our own church’s history, All Saints is no stranger to singing congregationally. However, from time to time, we, as worshipers and leaders of worship need to consider how congregations do these things. All Saints has done just that. In 1967, the main part of the Austin organ was installed, which has provided a firm foundation for much of what we do musically. In 1996, the Antiphonal organ was added to help support singing in the back of the church where the Chancel organ’s sound was too distant. Finally, we removed aisle carpets last year, which made an immediate difference for how we, the congregation, hears ourselves.    
 
Other efforts to help us sing as a congregation might not be as obvious. The first is that you’ll notice that the hymnody most weeks uses at least two of the most common hymns of the church. Additionally, there are several small tweaks within the choir’s normal routine that are designed to help encourage everyone to sing with “good courage”, like lining up in the side aisles at the beginning and end of the service and turning slightly when singing hymns from the choir pews to give the visual that we want you to participate! 
 
The choir & organ’s role in hymnody and other service music is that of “leader” – not performer. The way we present the parts of the service meant for corporate singing is different from how we might present a piece intended for choir or organ alone. Our Principal Organist, Daniel Stipe masterfully sets the organ to support congregational singing – not just the choir singing alone. 
 
It doesn’t matter if you can carry a tune, read music, or if you’ve not sung a note in years, the sound of a congregation singing strongly is positively contagious. As John Wesley invites us in his “Directions for Singing”, found in the front of every Methodist hymnal, “Sing lustily and with a good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength.” 
 
There are several ways you can become involved with the music ministry at All Saints coming up! From helping to bring new boys & girls into our choir program, volunteering, & attending concerts, there are plenty of opportunities. See below for more information.   
 
I look forward to soon hearing your voices singing God’s praise in worship! 
 
Scott Hayes 
Director of Music 


Boys & Girls Choirs Information Sessions 
 
We need your help to spread the word about our children’s choirs. We have two sessions coming up to invite folks to check us out! 
 
  • Thursday, September 29 – 5:00 PM – Training Choir Information Session for prospective 1st – 4th Graders & Parents. No musical experience needed – just a inquisitive spirit and a love for singing! Here’s a flyer!  
 
  • Friday, October 7 – 6:00 PM – Chorister Experience Day for more musically experienced children (Grade 2 & up who have had musical lessons of some sort or have sung in choir before.) Here’s a flyer! 
 
Upcoming Musical Events at All Saints 
 
  • Sunday, October 2 – 5:00 PM at Roslyn Bishop’s Chapel – Choral Evensong sung by the Choral Scholars 

  • Sunday, October 9 – 3:00 PM at All Saints – Organ, Brass & Choir Concert – Daniel Stipe, Organist with the Choral Scholars, and some of the area’s finest brass musicians. 

  • Saturday, November 6 – 7:30 PMThree Notch’d Road – Music of the Eastern Baroque (Tickets $25 General Admission/$15 Student) 

  • Sunday, November 7 – 5:00 PM - Choral Evensong for All Saints Day/Community Dinner to follow – Sung by the Men, Girls, Boys, and Choral Scholars 

  • Friday, November 11 – 7:30 PM – Nicole Keller, Organist Concert (Part of the Richmond Chapter of the American Guild of Organists Organ Repertoire Recital Series) 
 
For a full listing of musical events, keep your eyes on allsaintsrvamusic.com and the Music Ministry’s Facebook page “Music at All Saints Church, Richmond”. We invite you and your friends to come and enjoy some spectacular music in our splendid church.   
 
Musical Volunteer Opportunities 
 
Of course, the primary way folks volunteer with the music ministry is as a singer! New singers of any experience level are always welcome. Invite a friend or come yourself!   
 
For those who want to support us in non-musical ways, we are always in need of volunteers to help chaperone, provide food, help promote programs, usher, and more. If you’d like to chaperone or provide food for one of our Girls & Boys rehearsals, here’s a sign up!  Otherwise, contact Scott Hayes at shayes@allsaintsrichmond.org or 804.288.7811 ext. 108 for more information. 
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