Music

They say "When you sing, you pray twice." We here at Emmanuel do that and then some! Under the direction of Choir Director Jane Malin, we are blessed with some of the best music around. Our choir members, completely made up of volunteers, sing from their hearts, and we are absolutely blessed to have them!

An offshoot of our choir, Homeward Bound, sings sacred, pop, and jazz programs throughout the area. Not only do they sometimes perform at church services and dinners, they have also sung concerts, receptions, fund raisers, and coffee houses in numerous venues throughout Upstate New York and as far away as New Bedford, Massachusetts. The group always sings as an outreach arm of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, bringing the message of Christ wherever they perform.

Over 20 years ago, we started our Memorial Anthem Program which has kept our choir supplied with fresh and exciting new music over the years without burdening the church's general funds. Often for less than $50, anyone can donate music to the Emmanuel Music Library in "Thanksgiving for an event" or "In memory of a loved one". Every time that music is performed for a service from then on, the worship bulletin reflects the dedication and the donor(s). We thank our many donors for supporting this endeavor over the years. We invite anyone to consider participating in this "living" program to honor a person or event.

Annual Report from the Music Program (2017)

As always, the Choir sang for weekly Sunday Masses and numerous special services associated with Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Advent, and Christmas. I was told several times by the members that the music this year was exceptionally challenging. I agree. However, I have incredible faith in this Choir, and they have never failed to succeed. Their love of music and worship through song is the secret sauce with this group. I am so proud of them and the hard work they put in each week.

We prepared special music this past Spring for a memorial service for the Scarano family. This also included featuring a guest clarinetist, Ms. Anne Contino, of Whitesboro. She joined us for three pieces. We thank Anne for taking the time to prepare the music, travel, and join us.

We even purchased a set of music chimes which we used on a Craig Courtney piece at the Christmas Eve service. Our very own Linda Helterline, “tinkled” like a professional. Oh wait… she IS a pro.

Finally, to wrap up, I owe many personal “Thank Yous.” First of all, thank you to all of the dedicated choristers who give of your time and talents all year long, through rain, snow, sleet, humidity, heat, cramped quarters, and the occasional smoking fly in the lamp. You make beautiful music in spite of me. I can’t begin to thank our organist, Ann Kocuba, enough. As I’ve said before, she makes our mistakes sound like holy improvisations. Thank you to everyone who supports our Music Program through your generous donations of memorial anthems. We continue to build an impressive, fresh Music Library which adds beautiful music to our worship services. I want to thank Fr. Steve, the Vestry, the congregation, and sometimes the entire community. Your support, comments, and encouragement mean the world to all of us. We look forward to 2018.

Respectfully submitted,

Jane H. Malin, Choir Director

Sunday, 1/14/2018