The Choir

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Participating in divine worship services as a choir member is a sacred responsibility, not to be taken lightly. Choir members at All Saints Anglican Church, Hyattsville, Maryland, offer their God-given talents to the faith for a variety of reasons. For most, it is a part of their stewardship – the giving of their “time and talents.” For others, it is something that is enjoyed to the Glory of God. Choir members represent the laity, responding to the liturgical dialogue set by the clergy. This places a sacred responsibility on them during worship services. They are called to be knowledgeable not only of the hymns and responses, but also about the correct order of the worship services. The choir is entrusted to be a participating part of the worship service and our members respond to that trust accordingly.

Roles and Responsibilities

There are various aspects of being a choir member – most importantly, there is a liturgical role and, of course, there is a musical role.

Liturgical Role

The music of the Anglican Church is an integral part of worship services. Choral music must add to the liturgy, not distract from the prayerful environment of worship. The clergy stand in the place of Christ in creating the Liturgy as “heaven on earth.” They are the leaders and the ones who are
Celebrants of the mysteries of God, who is their Author. Those who sing represent the angels, who stand around His throne offering Him hymns of praise. St. Paul, writing to the Corinthians in his first letter, (1 Corinthians 14:15) states: “So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.” Choir members in their liturgical role operate according to the following guidelines:

  • Take the time to be spiritually focused before beginning a worship service.
  • Be on time and ready to sing when the service begins.
  • Concentrate on the worship service, actively participating by standing, reverencing, and praying whenever appropriate.
  • Learn about the structure and meaning of the various services and the changing cycles of the ecclesiastical year.
  • Understand the meaning of the hymns and their significance in the service.
  • Participate in the sacramental life of the church, such as receiving frequent communion.
  • Refrain from creating distractions from the worship service (e.g., milling around, passing notes, talking).

Musical Role

Choir members enhance the music ministry of All Saints Anglican Church, Hyattsville, Maryland, by doing the following:

  • Attending rehearsals. A choir is not a group of individuals wearing the same robe; it is a unit, a team, each supporting the other. This teamwork is learned through participating in rehearsals.
  • Being punctual for rehearsals and all church services.
  • Being respectful of each other, the clergy, and the music director.
  • Being open-minded to learning new music
  • Keeping eyes on the music director for direction and cues.

Membership is open to all members of the church.

For more information, please contact the Organist / Director of Music, Mr. Adedotun Olayemi at (267) 840-8428 or email: dotman_emi@yahoo.com.

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