St. Thomas, Whitemarsh

Music

We give thanks for the music we make together in Christ's name;
for those who compose and conduct it, who play and perform it:
that the glory of God may be heard in it,
and that the hearts of all people may rejoice in it;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

At St. Thomas' Church, we celebrate the gift of music, and we recognize its power to transform us, to help us know God more perfectly,
and to inspire us to live more deeply into our faith.
As Episcopalians, we share in an Anglican choral music tradition of exceptional beauty.
Our choirs sing anthems from the 16th through the 21st centuries, spirituals, and music from the folk traditions of many different cultures.
We sing with joy and we strive for excellence in all our music-making.

The Choirs
Bless, O Lord, us thy servants, who minister in thy temple; Grant that what we sing with our lips, we may believe in our hearts; and what we believe in our hearts, we may show forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Choristers' Prayer, RSCM

The chief choir at St. Thomas' Church is the whole community gathered for worship.
The Psalmist encourages us to sing new songs to the Lord. Our voices and all our being were designed to praise the Creator.
Regardless of your singing ability, God loves to hear your voice.

We have singing opportunities and choirs for all ages, and all levels of experience. We invite you to find a place in one of our choirs. The Music Department is housed in Groton House, on the south side of the church building. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays. If you are interested in any of these choirs, please call Cindy DeDakis, Minister of Music 215-233-3970, ext. 141

Choir Registration Form Downloads:

Alle*gro

Boys and girls in Pre-K and Kindergarten
Schedule: Class meets Wednesdays 4:00 - 4:25

Using games, instruments, and songs, children have fun with music as they develop listening skills and discover their voices.

St. Francis Choir New this year!
Boys and girls in grades 1 through 3
Schedule: Choir rehearses Wednesdays 4:30 - 5:00

A preparatory choir, readying boys and girls for participation in Choristers. Children learn basic music reading skills, become more confident singers, and are introduced to the hymnals and to our worship. St. Francis Choir will sing several times at the 9:30 service, occasionally joining with the Choristers.

St. Thomas Choristers

Boys and girls in grades 3 through 8
Affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music;
using its training program, VOICE for LIFE.
* comprehensive instruction in voice, music theory, ear training, music history and Christian education
* opportunities to develop leadership skills
* older choristers mentor younger singers
* includes fun activities and choir trips
Interested families should schedule an interview with the Minister of Music.

Schedule:
Junior Choristers, gr. 3-5 rehearse Wednesdays 5:15 - 6:30
Senior Choristers, gr. 6-8 rehearse Wednesdays 6:45 - 8:00
Sing for 9:30 a.m. service on Second and Fourth Sundays, September through May, and for special liturgies and festivals; Choristers take a Singing Trip each year


The First Sunday Choir New this year!
Adult singers (high school and up) with ability to match pitch
No audition necessary
Rehearses and sings on First Sunday of each month, October through June

Schedule: Rehearse at 8:40 a.m. Sing for 9:30 service
One Saturday (half day) rehearsal in September and January

St. Thomas Choir
For adult singers (high school and up); ability to read music is necessary
Audition required.

An excellent opportunity for more experienced adult singers to learn challenging and fun repertoire, assisted by a small group of staff singers. Participates in Music Festival Sundays and the annual Three Choirs Festival.
Call Minister of Music to schedule an audition.

Schedule:
Rehearse 2 Wednesdays per month 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Sing for 9:30 a.m. service on First and Third Sundays, September through May and for special liturgies at Christmas, Holy Week and Easter

Festival Choir
No audition necessary. Some singing experience is helpful. We invite all singers who can match pitch and are able to commit to the rehearsal schedule for any one or more of these events:

Requiem by Gabriel Fauré
Sunday October 31 at 3 p.m.
Requiem Mass to honor the departed.
Rehearsals:
Wednesdays, October 13, 20 and 27
Saturday, October 30

Festival of Negro Spirituals celebrating the feast of Absalom Jones
Sunday morning, February 13 at the 9:30 service
Rehearsals:
Wednesdays, January 26, February 2 and 9
Saturday, February 12

Christmas Eve Choir 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. services
Rehearsals:
Wednesdays, December 15 and 22
Saturday, December 18

Easter Day Choir 11:00 service
Rehearsals:
Wednesday, April 13 and Thursday, April 21

Summer Choir
For all singers, age 8 through 88
All are welcome to participate in Summer Choir.
It's a wonderful opportunity to give choir a try. Come one Sunday or many.
No need to audition or sign up in advance - just come and sing!

Schedule:
Sundays mid-June - July
Rehearsal at 9:15 a.m.; Sing for 10:00 service

The Organs
St. Thomas' Church has two organs built by Casavant Frères of Québec, Canada. The primary organ is a 3-manual, 55-rank instrument built in 1964, with renovations and additions in 2003. It supports hymn-singing brilliantly and can be used to perform the standard organ repertoire. The second is a 4-rank mechanical action positive organ built by Casavant in 1978.

The Carillon
Within the tower of St. Thomas hangs the 48 bell Carillon, dedicated in 1974 to parishioner Catherine Colt Dickey. The largest bell weighs 3,300 pounds (sounding D); the smallest only 24 pounds. The bells are played manually from a baton-type console. The carillon was cast by the 300 year-old bell foundry, Petit and Fritsen of The Netherlands. The carillon is played before and after worship services, for weddings, funerals, for religious holidays, and other special occasions. Carillonneurs from around the world are invited annually to participate in the Summer Carillon Concert Programs, held in July and August on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.. Immediately following the carillon program, another musical program is presented. This outreach program attracts thousands of visitors to the "Hill" each year. Tours of the carillon tower are available upon request.

Music Staff

Cynthia DeDakis, Minister of Music, joined the staff of St. Thomas' Church in June 2008. Prior to coming to St. Thomas', Mrs. DeDakis directed the Chorister Academy at St. John's Lafayette Square in Washington, DC, was director of music at Grace Episcopal Church, Gainesville, GA and served as Associate Choirmaster at the Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta, GA. She has conducted numerous chorister festivals and training courses in the United States. She currently serves as President of the Board of Directors of the Royal School of Church Music in America, and is an active member of the Association of Anglican Musicians.

Derrick Goff, Organist, is a student of Ken Cowan at Westminster Choir College majoring in Organ Performance and Sacred Music. Mr. Goff also sings in the Westminster Choir and has performed at the Spoleto USA Festival in the Opera Chorus.

Lisa Lonie has been Carillonneur of St. Thomas' Church since 1999. Before coming to St. Thomas' she was the Carillonneur at Trinity U.C.C. in Bucks County for over 15 years. She is a North American trained carillonneur, having begun her carillon studies with Frank Law, carillonneur at the Valley Forge Chapel, and continuing with Frank DellaPenna, Master Carillonneur.

Lisa is a Carillonneur member of the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America, has held various leadership positions in the organization, and currently chairs its Examination Committee. Known for her musical wit and creative programming, Ms. Lonie is a frequent recitalist throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe. She is a highly respected performer and recording artist with over 30 years of musical experience with the carillon. For more information about the carillon, please contact Lisa at LLonie@hotmail.com.

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