Music Ministry

 

"We should offer up doxologies to God with fear and a contrite heart, in order that they may be accepted like fragrant incense." - Saint John Chrysostom

 

 

 

"Those who chant should offer their psalmodies with great care to God, Who looks into the hidden recesses of the heart, i.e., into the psalmody and prayer that are done mentally in the heart rather than uttered in external cries." - Canon LXXV of the Sixth Ecumenical Synod

 

 

 

"Psalmody, bringing about choral singing, a bond, as it were, toward unity, and joining people into a harmonious union of one choir, produces also the greatest of blessings: love." - Saint Basil the Great, Exegetic Homily 10

 

 

 

ANNUNCIATION CHOIR – DOROTHEA BARRE, DIRECTOR

 

 

 

Participating in the divine worship services of the Church as a member of the choir is a sacred responsibility. Choir members, as church musicians, offer their God-given talents to the faith for a variety of reasons. For most, it is a part of their stewardship – the giving of their "time and talent" and something that they enjoy. In Orthodox services, choir members represent the laity, responding to the liturgical dialogue set by the priest. This places a sacred responsibility on them during our worship services. They are called to be knowledgeable not only of the hymns and responses, but also about the correct order of the worship services, and as such the choir is entrusted to be a participating part of the worship service.

 

 

 

The music of the Orthodox Church is an integral part of worship services as it adds to the prayerful environment of worship. Not all choir members are trained musicians, nor are they all able to read music, however, this does not take away from their ability to give their whole heart in praise to God.

 

 

 

Led by DoroThea Barre, the Annunciation Choir is acclaimed for its excellence and dedication in singing Orthodox Church music in a manner that enhances the liturgical experience. Our Choir is always open to welcoming new members into the group. Their voices, together with the voices of our chanters, add to the prayerfulness of our services as we are inspired by their love of sacred church music.

 

 

 

ANNUNCIATION CHANTERS – WILLIAM A. KALLAS, DIRECTOR

 

 

 

A chanter is a layperson who leads the congregation in the chanting of responses and hymns in the services of the Church, in the traditional Byzantine fashion. The Chanters of our community lead us in the chanting of the hymns of the service of Matins and Vespers, in addition to many of the other sacraments of the Church. Our Director is William Kallas, who is assisted by as many as 5 other chanters, making up our Byzantine Choir.

 

 

 

ONLINE RESOURCES

 

St. Anthony's Monastery - Contains Byzantine Music in both Byzantine and Western notation.  This site also includes information on Byzantine Music.

 

Ages Digital Chant Stand - Contains services in both Byzantine and Western notation.