The music of All Saints’ encompasses traditional cathedral music, choral arrangements of contemporary praise choruses, familiar Anglican and English-language hymns, as well as a number of popular new hymn texts and tunes.
Typically the services include four or five songs that we sing together, as well as some other musical offerings (acoustic guitars or soloists) or an anthem by the Chancel Choir. The high ceiling and open space of our church make for excellent acoustics for choral and congregational singing. The main instruments used in worship are a 2000-pipe organ, originally built in 1935 for a Roman Catholic parish in Quebec, and a gorgeous-sounding grand piano. Often parts of our service are sung by the clergy, who are pretty tuneful, too. Services begin and end with the ringing of the seven bells in the All Saints’ bell tower.
The Chancel Choir is made up of adults, 16 years of age or older. They sing at the 11:00am Sunday service and for special holy days from September to June, and are often requested for weddings, funerals, or other special occasions, too. Rehearsals (Thursday evenings, 7:30 to 9:30 pm) are lively and enjoyable, and new members are quickly made to feel welcome. The choir’s main concert, a celebration called “Voices and Pipes,” is an annual highlight.
All Saints’ musical ministry for children and youth is on a break at the moment.
The Junior Choir is for young people aged 8 to 15 years. A variety of musical styles are enjoyed, and children are helped to develop their voices through the introduction of new skills and building upon ones already learned. The Junior Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings from September to May and sings as part of the worship service about once a month.
All Saints’ youngest choristers (children ages 4 to 8) are invited to form the Cherub Choir. Together they learn to find their singing voices, work with others to make music, and put songs into memory. Older choir members act as role models and guides to the littler members. This adorable ensemble sings at a Sunday service as soon as they have a piece ready. The Cherub Choir typically practises on Sundays after or between services.
