The Choirs of Saint Mark's
- Saint Mark's Adult Choirs
- Saint Mark's Choir School
- Instrumental Groups
- Affiliated Choirs and Artists in Residence
Saint Mark's Adult Choirs
The Cathedral Choir
Mel Butler directs this choir of fifty skilled men and women. The Cathedral Choir sings most Sunday morning 11:00 services, in addition to a full range of festival services and concerts. The Cathedral Choir presents a diverse repertoire of traditional music. Admission to this group is by audition.
The Saint Mark’s Singers
Directed by Mel Butler, this is a group of twenty–five dedicated singers who provide music for the 9:00 a.m. service each Sunday. The Saint Mark’s Singers repertoire ranges from the likes of Mozart and Elgar to more "contemporary" styles of gospel and jazz.
The Gallery Choir
Brian Fairbanks directs this chamber choir of men and women who provide music for Evensongs, summer Sundays, and festival services. The Gallery Choir’s repertoire includes music of many traditions, including Hebrew, African, Jazz, and traditional Anglican music. Admission to this group is by audition. In August 2012, the Gallery Choir has openings for basses, tenors, and one soprano.
The Women’s Choir
The Women’s Choir is directed by Brian Fairbanks. Made up of women of varying backgrounds and abilities, the Women’s Choir provides music for Evensong, Labyrinth walks, and other special occasions, with a repertoire ranging from the music of Hildegard of Bingen to the ecumenical chant of the Taizé community.
Saint Mark's Choir School
Saint Mark’s Choir School singers are ministers of music. We make known the love of God and the beauty of God’s creation through our song, learned from many cultures and many faith traditions. We aspire to teach, to learn, to inspire and to lead the varied communities of Saint Mark’s Cathedral, the Diocese of Olympia, and the city of Seattle through our work as liturgical ministers. As a community service of Saint Mark’s Cathedral no audition is required, and no annual fee is charged.
Saint Mark’s is a member of the Royal School of Church Music in America (RSCM). The curriculum, based on RSCM’s Voice for Life, emphasizes well-rounded musicianship as well as life long growth in music and faith; vocal and ear training as well as theoretical knowledge; and ministry through liturgical leadership and community service.
The Junior Choristers
Boys and Girls, Grades K-2; Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 4:30 – 5:15 pm; Director: Rebekah Gilmore: Our youngest choir, where singers learn basic musicianship skills in a fun and engaging atmosphere. Their music is drawn from a variety of cultures and sung in a variety of languages. They sing primarily at Sunday morning services about once a month.
Junior Choir Schedule 2012-2013
The Boys and Girls Choir
Boys and Girls, Grades 3-7; Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 6:15 - 7:45 pm; Director: Rebekah Gilmore: This choir sings Choral Evensong on the first Sunday of the month, and Sunday Eucharists on the third Sunday. Members receive small group instruction in musicianship, vocal technique and liturgical ministry. Special events include: The Annual Children’s Choir Festival, Ambassador Weekends, sleepovers, etc.
Boys and Girls Choir Schedule 2012-2013
The Youth Ensemble
Young Men and Women, Grades 8-12, or young men with changed voices; Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 pm; Director, Brian Fairbanks: The Ensemble sings Choral Evensong on the third Sunday of the month, and Sunday Eucharists on the first Sunday. This choir sings music from a variety of traditions, from Taizé chant to gospel to world and traditional music. Singers receive individualized instruction in vocal technique, ear training and music theory. This choir regularly provides music for special services, such as the Cathedral’s Christmas Eve services and the Easter Vigil.
Instrumental Groups
The 9:00 Ensemble
This group provides instrumental support for the 9:00 service with guitars, percussion, winds, keyboards and strings. COntact: Mel Butler
Affiliated Choirs and Artists in Residence
Compline Choir
Information about the Compline Choir can be found on the Compline Choir's website. Information about the Sunday evening Compline service at the Cathedral is available here.
Artists in Residence: Peregrine Medieval Vocal Ensemble
The Peregrine Medieval Vocal Ensemble is dedicated to opening a space for prayer and contemplation through plainchant and other forms of medieval music. Peregrine provides music for liturgies and contemplative events.