Music Ministry:
Choirs and Cantors
One of the greatest gifts we have is the capacity to experience the beauty of music. Throughout the ages, the rich tradition of choral music in the church assures us that generation after generation, people have recognized the ability of music to invoke spiritual awe. The church continues to insist that music is integral to the experience of the Mass. With that in mind, Epiphany seeks to provide the highest quality music at our Sunday masses to engage the congregation and elevate the liturgy. We have been blessed with a phenomenal acoustical space--it is only appropriate that this space is filled with beautiful sacred music!
The Church of the Epiphany is home to a thriving sacred music program. The musical styles of our various choirs present a unique and spiritual element that enables our congregation to lift up their voices in praise. Although the various groups have different styles, different rehearsal times, different commitment levels, and different Mass schedules, they all strive toward a common goal: to lead the congregation in sung prayer and to glorify God through the music which they produce.
Epiphany Combined Adult and Children’s Chorus
The 11am Sunday Family Mass features music provided by the Epiphany Combined Community Chorus. The music at this Mass is family-oriented to complement the presence of our children and adult members of Epiphany. The hymns reflect a great stylistic range, including Gospel, praise & worship band, taizé, and more.
Adult vocalists (from teens and on) should be able to match pitch, sing with a group, and attend both rehearsals and scheduled Masses. The ability to read music is a plus but not a necessity. Anyone interested in sharing their musical gifts is encouraged to offer their talents to the parish. Rehearsal is every Wednesday from 6pm-7pm in the church (except June-September). Commitment for the entire year is expected.
Contact Jack Coen, Director of Music musicdirector@epiphanychurch.nyc
Children (grades four through eight) are invited to join the choir. Vocalists should be able to match pitch, sing with a group, and all members should attend both rehearsals and scheduled Masses. The ability to read music is a plus but not a necessity. Anyone interested in sharing their musical gifts is encouraged to offer their talents to the parish. Rehearsal is every Sunday at 9:45am before Mass in the church. Commitment from October to June is expected. If your child would like to join the youth choir please contact our youth choir director Natalie Pawlelek at youthchoir@epiphanychurch.nyc
EPIPHANY COMMUNITY CHORUS
Epiphany Combined Choirs and Schola Cantorum
The 11am Sunday Combined Adult and Children Choral Mass features sacred music provided by a combined choir and Epiphany’s Schola Cantorum. “Schola Cantorum” is a term that historically referred to the clergy members who were scholars of music and where therefore entrusted to execute the parts of the mass that are designated to be sung.
EPIPHANY SCHOLA CANTORUM
Contemporary Ensemble
A bright, energetic ensemble of young and old adults lead sung prayer at the weekly 7:30pm Mass. The ensemble sings mainly contemporary pieces, using repertoire from current Christian music to liturgical song of the last twenty years. The choir is accompanied by piano and sometimes other instruments such as guitar, and drums. Vocalists should be able to match pitch, sing with a group, and all members should attend both rehearsals and scheduled Masses. The ability to read music is a plus but not a necessity. Anyone interested in sharing their musical gifts is encouraged to offer their talents to the parish. Commitment for the entire year is expected.
Contact Paulo Tirol, Director paulophonic@gmail.com
Special Concerts and Music Performances
Outside of worship, Epiphany hosts a concert series that features world-renowned talent. In addition to professional choirs, orchestras, and the Epiphany adult and youth choirs, the concerts have featured soloists including: Dylan Foley, All-Ireland-winning fiddle player; Rama Kumaran, the youngest National Flute Association Young Artist Award recipient; Mary Grace Johnson, violinist; Joshua Miller, baritone; and Jack Coen, Epiphany’s director of music and organist.
FRIENDS OF MUSIC
Would you like to support the Epiphany music program? Consider becoming a Friend of Music by contacting our music director at musicdirector@epiphanychurch.nyc. Each year, over a hundred people contribute to this crucial fund to support the music at our worship services and to ensure our concert series will continue to enrich the Gramercy community.
JOIN US!
Interested in joining our EPIPHANY COMMUNITY CHORUS? Contact our music director JACK COEN at musicdirector@epiphanychurch.nyc Rehearsals are on Sundays from 10:15am-11 and occasionally from 12:15-1pm in the main sanctuary.
Interested in having your son or daughter join the Chorus? Boys and girls ages 8 and up are welcome, with rehearsals on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30pm. Contact our Assistant Director NATALIE PAWALEK at youthchoir@epiphanychurch.nyc
Interested in joining our CONTEMPORARY ENSEMBLE at the 7:30pm Mass? Contact director Paulo Tirol at paulophonic@gmail.com. Rehearsals are at 6:30pm on Sundays, right before Mass.
