Music Ministry

Music is an integral part of the parish life at St. Matthew’s Church, existing to transform and joyfully connect people with God and each other through worship, formation, mission, education and fellowship.

During the choir season (September through June), the worship experience at St. Matthew’s is enriched by the musical offerings of our choirs. A diverse repertoire of music spanning the eras of music is offered weekly.

The Adult Choir at St. Matthew’s is the most-present ensemble, providing rich music at all 10am Liturgies as well as for special services throughout the program year.  While choral experience is not absolutely necessary, it is highly recommended.  This choir presents a tremendous variety of repertoire from different time periods, diverse styles, and multiple languages.  The Adult Choir rehearses in the Sanctuary each Wednesday, from 8 until 9:30pm.  To schedule at “intro-view”, kindly contact Mark Dolan at music@stmatthewspennington.org or see him after church at the organ console. 

The Junior Choir, open to children of “comfortable reading age” (grades 2nd/3rd) through 8th, supports Sunday worship monthly and at other special services throughout the year.  Music literacy, performance of model repertoire, with text connected to our lectionary, and healthy singing are all hallmarks of our Junior Choir program.  The children in the choir will also learn to sing in a variety of styles and languages as well as experience, first hand, the musical traditions of the Anglican Church.  The Junior Choir rehearses weekly, from mid-September through Easter, from 6 – 6:45pm, Wednesdays. 

Contact Mark Dolan, Organist and Music Director, at music@stmatthewspennington.org for additional information or to sign up!

The Pennington Ringers, open to all ages with strong, rudimentary music reading skill, performs throughout the program year.  Regular attendance is critical for the success of any bell choir; rehearsal substitutes are welcome and encouraged to join!  Ringers learn a variety of techniques and intermediate-level repertoire.  The choir rehearses Wednesday evenings from mid-September through June, from 8-9pm in the undercroft.  For information on joining this dynamic group, speak with ANY ringer or contact Mark Dolan at music@stmatthewspennington.org.

Membership in all of our choirs is volunteer and open to anyone, regardless of religious affiliation or background, including those who are not members of the parish.