St. James Music Program

Our music program at St. James is an important part of the worship team who meet regularly to plan our worship services. Music is an integral part of our worship service — whether it be the prelude or postlude, anthem or congregational singing, music enjoyed by all. Music causes us to reflect; it inspires us, motivates us, calms us and brings joy and laughter.

At St. James we are blessed with much music: the choirs (Senior, AOTS and UCW); Guitar Group; and a beginner community Ukulele band. We thank the members of all groups for their commitment to the program. The music program has seen much growth in the past few years, more so in 2018-19 with the addition of the Associate Music Director position. A number of music events were presented from November to June. There are a number of events already in the works for this year.

We are also pleased to note that we have two additional community choirs who now practice at St. James: Newfound Sound and the St. John’s Gay Men’s Chorus, as well as Shallaway who have been with us for some time. Our music program is led by our experienced music professionals as outlined below.

Director of Music

Music Director: Amy Dalziel

Amy grew up in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, earned her Bachelor of Music from Mount Allison University and completed a Masters of Music degree in piano performance and pedagogy at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador (MUN). Amy enjoys playing both traditional and contemporary worship services and has experience leading and accompanying both small choirs and instrumental ensembles.

Amy was a member of our first Music Director team from 2014-2016. She resigned in August 2016 to travel to England where she enhanced her qualifications as an organist and gained further experience. She returned in late summer 2018 and was rehired as Associate Music Director for 2018-2019. On the resignation of our previous Music Director, Amy accepted the position as Director of Music with primary responsibility for Music Ministry and the Organ, with added responsibility for arranging and presenting additional music events.

Associate Music Director

Associate Music Director: Bob Rose

Senior Choir

Associate Music Director: Bob Rose

Practice Tuesday evening from 7:30 – 9:00 pm

The St. James United Church Senior Choir meets weekly on Tuesday evening from 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm for practice. Our Choir consists of four vocal parts for women and men: Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass sections. We enjoy learning new anthems especially for Easter and Christmas seasons, as well as singing our favorite hymns. Our work provides hymn leadership for the congregation during worship services and offers outreach through our love of music by praising God with song.

St. James United Church Senior Choir is recruiting! If you have an interest in singing, we would love to have you sing with us! We rehearse once a week and sing during 11 am Sunday morning worship services twice a month. Our choir is open to ALL skill levels – we’re all about making music together and having fun!

St. James Guitar Group

Contact: Herb Carruthers 233-3763

Our guitar group provides entertainment annually for at least 10 senior’s homes in St. John’s and surrounding area as well as provides music for various church services and special events at St. James. The guitar group meets weekly at the church for practice on Thursday mornings at 10:30 am in the Fellowship Room.