All Saints

Dear Friends,

​

There is a place for you in the music ministry at All Saints.

​

Whether you have sung in choirs for years, have never held a handbell, or simply love music and would like to become more involved in worship, we would be delighted to welcome you. You do not need to read music to participate successfully.

​

For every piece we prepare, I create sound files that allow you to hear and practice your individual part at home. I am also always available to answer questions, offer extra help, or spend some one-on-one time helping you feel confident. Our goal is not perfection. It is to make beautiful music together, support one another, and offer our very best in worship.

​

Adult Choir

Our choir welcomes anyone who enjoys singing. You do not need formal training or previous choral experience. We will help you discover which vocal part is most comfortable for you, and the practice recordings make it possible to learn your music even if you do not read a musical score.

​

Choir members also have the opportunity to wear our beautiful robes. These are much more than concert attire: they signify that the choir is fully participating in the liturgy and helping to lead the congregation in worship.

​

We also understand the rhythms of life in our community. Many people travel, spend significant portions of the year elsewhere, become ill, or need time away to care for loved ones. That is okay. You will never be shamed for being unavailable. We are simply and genuinely happy to have you with us whenever you can be here.

​

At present, the Adult Choir rehearses on Tuesdays from 2:15–4:15 p.m.

​

Handbell Choir

Handbells may look complicated, but each ringer is generally responsible for only two bells: one in the right hand and one in the left. The right-hand bell is marked in red, and the left-hand bell is marked in blue. We help you follow the music and know exactly when to ring each hand. You do not need to read music to begin—just be willing to learn, listen, and have fun with us.

​

Our ringers may wear the full choir robe or choose to wear a cotta only.

​

**At present, the Handbell Choir rehearses on Tuesdays from 5:15–6:15 p.m.**

Our rehearsal times are chosen according to the availability of the people participating in each ensemble. These Tuesday times currently work best for our members, but they are not intended to be barriers to participation. If you would like to join but find that rehearsing during the day is difficult, please let me know. We want to have that conversation and continue making the most welcoming choices we can for both present and future members.

​

Music for Our Little Ones

It is also time for us to gauge interest in offering a music program for our youngest parishioners—perhaps for about 30 minutes after coffee hour on Sundays. This would be a joyful, age-appropriate opportunity for children to sing, move, learn, and begin discovering their own place in the musical life of the church.

​

Help Us Shape the Music of All Saints

As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. I love receiving your favorite hymns and hearing about the moments when something in worship has spoken to you musically.

​

I especially want to hear from the teenagers among us. How can we help the music ministry feel like it belongs to you, too? What hymns, songs, styles, or musical opportunities would help you feel heard, represented, and invited to participate? Would you be willing to sing with the choir on special occasions?

​

I generally choose music in response to the appointed readings for each service, seeking to create a thoughtful musical and liturgical flow. That means a suggested hymn may not appear immediately, but I will gladly keep it in mind and look for a meaningful place to incorporate it. I want the music of All Saints to reflect not only the Scriptures we proclaim, but also the people gathered to hear them.

​

If you are interested in joining the Adult Choir or Handbell Choir, if your family might participate in a children’s music program, or if you simply have a favorite hymn or idea to share, please let me know. Asking for more information does not obligate you to join. I would be glad to answer your questions or welcome you to a rehearsal so you can experience what it is like.

​

There is room for your voice. There is a bell waiting for your hands. Most importantly, there is a community that will be genuinely glad to welcome you.

​

With joy,
Suade Anderson
Director of Music
music@allsaints-hhi.org
All Saints Episcopal Church