St. Thomas, Whitemarsh

Music

Music is an integral part of worship at St. Thomas’ Church and there has been a long-standing tradition of excellence in organ, choral, and instrumental music. The Congregation, Adult Choir, Children’s Choir, and Parish Choir lift their voices in praise of God at Sunday services and special services for the congregation and community. Hymns are sung from The Hymnal 1982 and Wonder, Love and Praise.

Cindy DeDakis Joins St. Thomas' as the New Minister of Music

CHOIR REHEARSALS: Click here for listing, dates and times

St. Thomas' Organ

The primary organ is a 3-manual, 55-rank Casavant organ built in 1964. It supports hymn-singing brilliantly and can be used to perform the standard organ repertoire. The second is a 4-rank mechanical action portativ organ built by Casavant in 1978.

St. Thomas' Carillon

Within the tower of St. Thomas hangs the 48 bell Carillon, dedicated in 1974 to parishioner Catherine Colt Dickey. Lisa Lonie, Carillonneur, is a highly respected performer with over 25 years of musical experience with the carillon.

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 at 7 p.m. every Tuesday. 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.

The Choirs

All Choirs are open to those who love to sing, enjoy weekly fellowship and learning, and desire to contribute to the worship life of St. Thomas’ Church with their voices. All rehearsals take place in Haas Hall, at the east end of the church. Contact Cindy DeDakis, Minister of Music, at 215-233-3970 (x 141) if you are interested in being a part of music ministry at St. Thomas’ Church, with your voice or your instrument.

If you would like more information or are interested in becoming part of the St. Thomas’ musical family, please call 215-233-3970.

Carillon Endowment Fund

Contributions to the Carillon Endowment Fund help to insure the continued use and care of the instrument for the Parish and the community. The fund is administered by five trustees; the rector, the organist/choir director and Carillonneur are ex officio members of the committee. Gifts to the fund in memory of a loved one or in thanksgiving for a person or event are noted in the Memory Book, located at the foot of tower.

Academy of Community Music

Here on the grounds of St. Thomas' Church, resides a non-profit community music school – The Academy of Community Music. The Academy provides quality music lessons in a variety of instruments including piano, violin, cello, voice, guitar, harp and more to people of all ages and abilities. In addition to private music lessons, the Academy offers early childhood "Family Music" classes for parents and their children from 1–6 years old, Broadway-style song and dance classes, Suzuki group lessons, and music therapy for people with disabilities. The Academy also provides outreach music therapy and music education programs to people with disabilities and economic disadvantages throughout the Philadelphia area.

The Academy was founded by Philadelphia Orchestra violinist Robert dePasquale, and his wife Ellen Fisher, 25 years ago, and has since served more than 30,000 people. To find out more about the Academy and its programs, call 215-233-3020 or visit its website at www.AcademyofCommunityMusic.org.

Music Advisory Committee

The Music Advisory Committee advises and supports the Minister of Music and the Carillonneur in all of their endeavors. The committee also supports and provides quality music opportunities. The committee’s challenge is to provide more educational and quality music experiences, both within the church’s liturgy and services, and programs for the community at large.

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