Music at St. Thomas
Since its beginning, the St. Thomas community has supported a vibrant music program. This includes a commitment to excellence, music education, a strong choral tradition, worship led by the organ and choir, commissioning new works, choir pilgrimages to Episcopal Cathedrals here and abroad, and most of all, meaningful worship experiences enhanced by the music we make together.
A Rich Musical Foundation
Though our services are in the Episcopal tradition, our repertoire is varied—traditional Episcopal hymns, music of living Episcopal composers, African American spirituals, as well as contemporary choral worship music and hymns.
During the strong leadership of Rick McKnight, who led music at St. Thomas for 20 years, the St. Thomas Choir made choir pilgrimages to sing at the Washington National Cathedral, Wells and Norwich Cathedrals in England, The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York and Dublin, Ireland. We continue to build on this rich musical foundation.
About the St. Thomas Choir
The St. Thomas Choir sings for the 10:30 worship service and for special services during the church year.
The choir is a warm and supportive community with diverse members. Members are church parishioners who love choral singing, supported by eight Staff Singers and Choral Scholars. We maintain high standards through hard work and dedication, while finding joy in creating meaningful worship experiences together through the power of music. We support each other with pastoral care and weekly prayers.
Choir Pilgrimages
During the strong leadership of Rick McKnight, the St. Thomas Choir made choir pilgrimages to sing at the Washington National Cathedral, Wells and Norwich Cathedrals in England, The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York and most recently, Dublin, Ireland in 2022. We continue to build on the rich foundation that Rick so carefully laid until his untimely death in 2024.
More Singing Opportunities
Summer Choir
The St. Thomas Summer choir is an inter-generational choir providing general musical leadership during the warm summer months. This non-vested choir meets in the choir room at 9:45 AM to prepare for the service at 10:30. This is a perfect time to bring the entire family and enjoy leading worship together. Many regular choir members found their way to the St. Thomas Choir through their positive experience with the Summer Choir.
Choristers
St. Thomas Choristers is a preparatory ensemble for St. Thomas Choir. Lessons include vocal exercises, solfege, sightreading, and beginning repertoire from the Anglican choral tradition, as well as songs from other denominations and worship styles around the world. Choristers lead singing at the 10:30am service about once a month, and occasionally at special seasonal services (Advent Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve, Holy Week). Open to children and youth of all ages, instruction is aimed at K-5 level. Older choristers are given opportunities to play instruments, learn descants, and coach younger choristers. Choristers rehearse immediately before dinner on Wednesday evenings from 5:30-6:00pm. Contact Robin Ericksen at [email protected] for more information.
St. Thomas Organ
St. Thomas is home to the beautiful, three-manual Cornel Zimmer Op. 98 (2007; expanded and reinstalled 2025).
The Rick McKnight Organ Console and Chambers in the chancel feature 56 new digital voices by Walker Technical Company, which were added to the extant 26 rank Reuter organ (1972) located in the rear gallery. Both the gallery and the chancel organ can be played together for accompanying hymns and for organ voluntaries. The chancel organ is frequently used by itself for accompanying choral anthems and for Communion music. With over 1,400 pipes, 104 drawknobs, 82 ranks, and 6 divisions, the St. Thomas organ is incredibly versatile, and is suitable for playing repertoire from every era.
The organ, like the architecture of the sanctuary itself, features the best of modern technology and convenience, while still preserving and highlighting the beauty of tradition.
Instrumentalists Welcome
If you play a musical instrument proficiently, we would love to include you in our services. Please contact Debbie Anderson, Director of Music at [email protected] or Robin Ericksen, Organist, at [email protected].
