Here is something to sing about: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is celebrating 125 years of choral music in Morristown.
Choirs from the present and past will join forces on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014, at 7:30 pm for a concert of beloved works by Britten, Halley, Howells, Ireland, Parry, Roberts, Rutter and Vaughan Williams.
The public is invited. Admission is free, with a reception to follow the performance.
Director of Music Joshua Stafford will be accompanied by two notable figures from the musical history of St. Peter’s: Richard Morgan, who served as organist and choirmaster from 1978-2003, and Dr. Anne Yardley, who re-established the girls’ choir and served as its conductor from 1987-2003.
The parish’s first vested choir was founded by Albert Stubbs Baker. It was for men and boys. Separate boys and girls choirs came later.
Today the girls and boys choirs remain independent of each other, yet often sing together. For special services, the two choirs join forces with the adult choir, filling the nave of St. Peter’s with spectacular sound.
In addition to providing music at services each Sunday, the St. Peter’s Choir School serves as an after-school program, offering children a top musical education at no charge.
Choristers are trained in voice and music theory, developing skills in teamwork, leadership, and musicianship.
The Choir School is an integral part of the church’s outreach to Greater Morristown. The music department provides musical training at a bilingual Vacation Bible School for six weeks each summer.
Many choristers also attend Choir Camp each August. It’s a chance to have fun while learning music for the upcoming year.
