Dear People of Christ Church Pittsford,
It is a great honor to write to you for the first time now as appointed Director of Music, having been interim for the past year. I hold great anticipation and excitement for the coming program year in this parish, particularly in regards to music and its ministry as part of worship. The past year was an invaluable year of learning, reflecting, and listening. Now, as we approach the start of the year, I write to you with a few thoughts, goals, and reflections regarding music in worship at Christ Church over the coming program year.
Throughout the pandemic and up to the present, we have been very fortunate to have the digital organ which is in the chancel. This instrument has served us well, allowing for high-quality recordings used in online services during the pandemic and allowing the experience of having the choir and organ lead worship from the front of the church, which has been a perennial topic of discussion for some time. Ultimately, it was put in place as a temporary measure while discussions were being had about the future of the Mander organ.
Now in 2024, I feel that it is time to re-assess this situation. This summer, the Mander accompanied services once monthly as part of an effort to better assess its current condition and its ability to serve as the church’s primary instrument for worship. It is my goal that the Mander be able to serve in this capacity, so you should not be at all surprised to see the return of the choir to the back of the sanctuary.
This instrument is still in dire need of repairs and extensive renovation given its current state, however, especially if it will remain for years to come, so efforts will be made to ensure that it is brought to health soon. This likely means a revitalization of the Organ Committee, talks and consultations with organ builders and other experts in the field who can help advise on the proper course to take to ensure that it is fit to serve this church for many years to come.
I also hope to foster a culture of openness with the congregation about the state of the organ and progress being made towards improving it, so I am planning a congregational Q&A session about the organ on Sunday, October 13th following the 10:00 service. This will take place in the sanctuary, and will include a talk and demonstration about the current state of the organ, as well as an opportunity for questions.
Musically, it has been a goal to further strengthen the already strong tradition of congregational singing in this parish through hymns and service music which allow the participation of all, regardless of ability, while still challenging us to try new things, and to give our very best to God in one congregational voice. This year, more opportunities to make music will be offered during worship, including congregational singing of the psalms each Sunday, a very ancient practice dating perhaps back to the Old Testament, and one which continues to be practiced in a great many Episcopal and Anglican churches today. Brief sessions will be offered at 9:45am on Sundays September 15th and 22nd, during which the choir will help to ‘teach’ the congregation to sing psalms. Music will also be offered at the 8:00 service twice monthly by a soloist.
This coming year, it is a goal to continue to diversify the music which is offered, and efforts are being made to widen the choir’s repertoire to include more music from the 20th/21st centuries, as well as music from other traditions to supplement the core repertoire of the choral canon. In the interest of openness and congregational awareness, you will find occasional writings in the bulletin further explaining the day’s musical offerings, and a printed publication of the complete music list for the season will always be available on the table in the narthex. Several extra worship opportunities involving music will be offered this fall, including a service of Choral Evensong on Saturday, October 26th at 4:00, and a service of Nine Lessons and Carols on Saturday, December 21st at 3:00. More info about those will follow in due time.
If you are interested in being a part of the choir, now would be an excellent time to join! The normal weekly commitment is Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:30, and Sunday mornings beginning at 9:15am. We would love to have you as part of the choir! If you are interested, please see me, or write to me at music@christchurchpittsford.com.
I am immensely grateful to be a part of this wonderful parish, and I look forward to the start of a very successful program year together!
- Alden Wright, Director of Music
Save the date: Sunday, October 13 Organ Information Session after the 10:00 am service.
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