Music

Music has always held an important place in the services of the Episcopal Church in general and at St. Andrew's in particular. Since the installation of the original pipe organ in 1930, St. Andrew's has had a choir led by an organist-choirmaster. Helen Bellman served with distinction for 35 years, from 1931-1966 when the choir numbered about 20 singers. When Mrs. Bellman retired in 1966, several musicians took over the position.

Our present organist-choirmaster, Dale Krider, was appointed in June of 2000. Under his leadership the all volunteer Parish Choir has grown to over thirty singers—more than our choir stalls can accommodate! The choir sings each Sunday throughout the year as well as for other liturgical services and special concerts.

In 1991, the Lewis & Hitchcock organ company installed a new three manual, 39 rank pipe organ. In 2005, a new console with several digital stops was added enabling the organ to better accompany the choir and play organ music of all periods and styles.

Choir

Our Adult Choir sings at all 10:30 am Sunday morning services as well as at occasional other services. They rehearse at the church on Thursday evenings and before the service on Sunday mornings. During the Summer (mid-June to the end of August) the choir rehearses only immediately prior to the service.

The Children's Choir, under the direction of Cindy Stanford, sings at Christmas and Easter.

2009 - 2010 Season: Fourth Sundays at Four

A music series for the community of College Park • Dale Krider, Director • All programs begin at 4 pm.

• October 25: Tunde Somade, Actor

  Tunde grew up in St Andrew's and won a scholarship to the New York City School for Dramatic Arts. Tunde will present monologues of classical dramatic, classical comedy, and contemporary dramatic.

• November 22: Two Choirs

  The Byrd Singers is a group of Greenbelt and College Park community members specializing in the sacred vocal music of William Byrd, the celebrated court composer of Queen Elizabeth. Byrd was the prize student of Thomas Tallis and is often called the "Father of English Music."
  
  The Maryland Palestrina Choir, founded in 2007, is an ensemble composed of students from various academic areas of the University, ranging from Engineering and the physical sciences to Linguistics and the humanities. The Choir is sponsored by the United Campus Ministry.

• January 24, 4 pm: Evensong

  The Parish Choir and organ with music for the Epiphany season.

• February 28: Piano and Violin

  Dr. Elizabeth Dumas-Schneider, pianist, and her husband Karl will present music for piano and violin as well as some solo piano works.

• March 28: Celebrating Bach

  Dale Krider, organist, will present several organ works of Bach, interspersed with chorales from the St. John and St. Matthew Passions, sung by the Parish Choir, as we prepare for Holy Week.

• April 25: Ken Cowan, Organist

  Ken Cowan is one of the most sought after concert organists in the United States, playing over thirty recitals each season. Praised for his dazzling artistry, impeccable technique and imaginative programming by audiences and critics alike, he maintains a rigorous performing schedule which takes him to major concert venues across America, Canada and Europe.
  On Saturday, April 24 at 2 pm, Mr. Cowan will conduct an organ masterclass. The public is invited to witness a master teacher as he works with some local organists.

More Upcoming Music

• Christmas Eve, December 24, at 10:00 pm

  A half hour of seasonal music presented by the Parish Choir and organist.

• Easter Day at 10:00 am

  A half hour of festive music by organ and brass ensemble preceding the 10:30 festal Easter service.

All programs are free and open to all. An offering will be received at each event to help with expenses.

If you would like to be on our music mailing list, contact Dale Krider at the church.