“Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!”
~ Psalm 105:2
Music Notes
Exciting music staff update
Dear People of St. David’s, In my short time at St. David’s, there have been a few things that have just jumped out at me. One of those things is that Elaine Sonnenberg Whitelock is an absolute treasure. As an artist, as an administrator, and as a person she is...
Music Department Fall Staffing
Monday, August 5, 2024 Dear People of St. David’s, In July of 2024 I was honored and humbled to assume a new role at St. David’s as interim director of music after the retirement of Clair Rozier as director of music. I am very excited to announce that we will welcome...
Primary, Children’s & Youth Choirs
September-May
Join a Choir!
Young musicians are offered three progressive youth choirs, from ages 4 to grade 12. Each provides opportunities for growth in faith, love of singing, and worship leadership through music.
Choir rehearsals for the 2026-2027 program year will return in September during the weeks surrounding Labor Day. Primary (age 4 – grade 1) and Children’s Choirs (grades 2-5) and Youth Choir (grades 6-12) rehearse on Wednesday evenings; there is an additional Youth Choir rehearsal at 10:45 a.m. on Sundays. Dinner is available on Wednesday evenings for a fee. (Dinner details and sign up will be sent to registered choir members.) The Adult Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings.
Primary Choir (Age 4 - Grade 1)
This program starts with singing and rhythm instruments with Elaine Sonnenberg Whitelock. These young choristers focus on music that communicates a direct message of God’s presence and learn anthems to be sung in worship approximately four times a year.
Along with learning and preparing music, children spend time exploring their faith through stories, lessons, and activities designed especially for their age group. This Christian Formation component is lead by Maria Leal.
This year, our young choristers will learn about the Armor of God and discover how God equips us with faith, courage, and love. Through lessons on the Sword of the Spirit, the Breastplate of Righteousness, and the other pieces of God’s armor, children will explore what it means to live as children of God and share His love with others. Throughout the year, we will also celebrate the lives and stories of beloved saints, including St. Francis and St. Nicholas, learning how their faith and kindness continue to inspire us today. During Advent, the children will enjoy a special tradition called “Mary on the Mantel,” a joyful, faith-filled twist on “Elf on the Shelf.” Instead of looking for mischief, the children will follow Mary’s journey as she encourages kindness, compassion, and good deeds while preparing our hearts for the birth of Jesus. Through music, storytelling, and hands-on activities, our Primary Choir children will grow in faith, learn about God’s love, and discover ways to share that love with the world around them.
For more information, please contact Elaine Sonnenberg Whitelock or Maria Leal.
Children’s Choir (Grades 2-5)
The Children’s Choir (Grades 2–5) meets on Wednesdays and sings at the 9:15 a.m. service about once a month. The goal of Children’s Choir is to nurture their faith through music by fostering a love of singing, learning to sing as a choir, and learning how to be a worship leader through music. Choir members will learn basic vocal technique, work on music reading skills, and explore hymns and service music during rehearsals. Every year the Children’s Choir combines with the Primary and Youth Choirs in the annual Lessons and Carols service in December, as well as on Christmas Eve and Easter. The Children’s Choir presents a faith-based musical every spring. For more information, contact Kathy Wagner.
Youth Choir (Grades 6-12)
The youth choir sings at Sunday morning worship services and at special liturgies, including Lessons and Carols and Christmas Eve, and presents a musical or talent show each year. The group is also involved in community outreach and tours both regionally and internationally, having recently traveled to Scotland, England, New York City, and Orlando, Florida. For more information, please contact Elaine Sonnenberg Whitelock.
Adult Choir
Adult Choir
The St. David’s Adult Choir, comprised of about thirty volunteers plus the support of professional singers, meets on Thursday evenings and sings at the 9:15 a.m. Chapel service most weeks. Evensong services are offered several times a year as well as an annual Messiah concert with orchestra in December. The choir sings a broad range of musical styles and genres from spirituals to traditional classical anthems. Recent choir trips have included Ireland in 2019, to be the choir-in-residence for a week at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, and England and Wales in 2023 to be the choir-in-residence at Litchfield and St. David’s Cathedrals. The next trip will be to Scotland in 2027. Music reading is not a requirement, just the ability to match pitch. For more information or to join the Adult Choir, contact Elaine Sonnenberg Whitelock.
Locus Iste Dohnányi by Ernst von Dohnany
Instrumental Music
Handbell Choirs
The St. David’s Handbell Choirs are both intergenerational handbell choirs for youth and adults. Both groups participate in worship once a month and lead a special handbell service biannually. The ability to read music is recommended.
For more information or to join, please contact Elaine Sonnenberg Whitelock for the Wednesday group or Stephen Christner for the Thursday group.
St. David’s Handbell Ensemble
Bells of St. David’s
Music Events
Choir Photos
Cherub & Primary Choir
Adult Choir Messiah
Christmas Pageant Band
Handbell Choir
All St. David’s Choirs
Lessons & Carols
Youth Musical Revue
