The Ministry of Music at St. James’ is centered around Sunday morning services in which organ and piano, choir and soloists, and occasionally, guitar, provide musical and liturgical leadership for the worship of God and the spiritual growth of God’s people gathered together.
Community singing is an important part of worship at St. James’, and we strive to reflect the varied backgrounds and musical preferences of our congregation by offering several styles of music on a rotating basis. Our worship service includes sung service music and hymns drawn from three sources:
the Episcopal Church’s traditional Hymnal 1982,
Lift Every Voice and Sing II (a hymnal of spirituals), and
Gather (a contemporary hymnal.)
In addition to hymns, on special celebrations such as Christmas and the services of Holy Week and Easter, the congregation joins the choir in singing chanted psalms. And by contrast, about once a quarter our Guitar Ensemble leads us in contemporary praise music. There’s something for everyone here!
The choir at St. James’ is primarily a volunteer organization supported by semi-professional section leaders. A love of singing, the ability to read music, and a commitment to service in the choir are the only requirements for membership. The choir sings regularly from September through May with occasional appearances during the summer months. The choir leads the congregation in service music and hymns, and offers anthems ranging from plainsong to the music of modern composers.
The Music Ministry at St. James’ has been under the direction of Karen Beaumont since November 1988. Ms. Beaumont is a well-known organ recitalist, having performed widely in Milwaukee and around the world. You can learn more about Karen by visiting her personal website at:
Karen Beaumont,
Music Director
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©2002 St. James Episcopal Church, Milwaukee, WI 53233
