St. Thomas, Whitemarsh

Music

At St. Thomas’ Church, we celebrate the gift of music, and recognize its power to transform us, to help us know God more perfectly, and to give us all a glimpse of heaven. As Episcopalians, we share in an Anglican choral music tradition of transcendent 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

We have singing opportunities and choirs for all ages, and invite all who desire to sing to find their 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, and supper is available each Wednesday during the Thank God it’s Wednesday program in MacColl Auditorium. If you are interested, please call Cindy DeDakis, Minister of Music (215-233-3970, ext. 141) for more information or to schedule an interview. Click here to view the Choir Schedule.

The Congregation

Yes! The most important choir at St. Thomas’ Church is the entire congregation. The Psalms encourage – even command – us to sing to God! Our voices and all our being were designed to praise the Creator. Regardless of your singing ability, God loves to hear your voice.

Let every instrument be tuned for praise! Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise! And may God give us faith to sing always Alleluia! Amen. —F. Pratt Green, from Hymn 420

Alle*gro

Boys and girls ages 4 - 6 or 7
Schedule: Class meets Wednesdays 4:00 - 4:25

The Alle*gro class is for boys and girls ages 4 through 6 and introduces them to music concepts and to singing. Using games, instruments and song, children have fun with music, focusing on melody and rhythm, as they develop listening skills and discover their voices. The Alle*gro class sings occasionally at the 9:30 service.

St. Thomas Choristers

Click here to view pictures of our Chorister Fun Day

Boys and girls in grades 2 or 3 through 8
Schedule:
Junior Choristers, gr. 2 -4 rehearse Wednesdays 4:30 – 5:45
Senior Choristers, gr. 5-8 rehearse Wednesdays 5:30 – 6:45
All sing for 9:30 a.m. service on Second and Fourth Sundays, September through May

This program is open to all young people who can read and who love to sing. It is affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music and uses its training program, VOICE for LIFE. Choristers receive an excellent music education that includes instruction in voice, music theory, ear training, music history and Christian education. They are given opportunities to develop leadership skills, and older choristers are encouraged to mentor younger singers. Through time spent together rehearsing, leading worship and having fun, choristers develop a close-knit community and a strong commitment to the church. Because they sing with adult singers, they are able to experience a wide range of treble and SATB music. In addition to the regular duties of leading worship, the Choristers participate in festivals and travel in and out of state to sing with other choirs. The Choristers, together with the St. Thomas staff singers, comprise the Schola Cantorum. The Chorister program is open to all boys and girls and church membership is not required. However, all choristers must be willing to commit to the regularly scheduled rehearsals, services and special events. Parents of children interested in participating in the Chorister program should schedule an interview with Cindy DeDakis, Minister of Music.

St. Thomas Choir

For adult singers
Schedule:
Rehearse Wednesdays 7:45 – 9:15 p.m.
Sing for 9:30a.m. services on First and Third Sundays, September through May

The St. Thomas Choir provides an opportunity for adults to sing a wide range of exceptional choral music and thereby to grow as singers and as a community. We share in the experience of learning music, leading worship and striving for excellence as we bring those who hear closer to God. In addition to singing regularly for Sunday services, the St. Thomas Choir offers special music for Christmas Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve, Holy Week and Easter. Each spring, we participate in the annual Three Choirs Festival, joining with the Choirs of St. Paul’s and St. Martin-in-the Fields, Chestnut Hill. The St. Thomas Choir is assisted by a small group of professional singers who support the volunteers and ensure a core group of singers for each of the services. Men and women interested in joining the St. Thomas Choir should schedule an interview with Cindy DeDakis, Minister of Music.

Festival Choir for Music Festival Sunday

For all high school students and adults who wish to participate;

You must commit to the rehearsal schedule.

On Sunday, January 31, the St. Thomas Festival Choir will sing a Mass by Haydn and anthems by Mozart with orchestra and organ.

Attendance at all rehearsals is required.

Rehearsals:
Wednesdays. Jan. 20 and 27, 7:45 - 8:45 p.m.
Saturdays Jan 23 and 30 (dress rehearsal with orchestra), 9:45a.m. to noon

Summer Choir

For all singers, age 8 through 88
Schedule:
Sundays mid-June - July
Rehearsal at 9:10 a.m.; Sing for 10:00 service

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!

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. It 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 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.

Click here to view a recent video segment from WCAU NBC 10 on the carillon.

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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