Context
The music ministry at St. Philip's In The Hills is extensive and strives to maintain
very high musical standards, with integration into the worship experience as a
principal objective. There is an extensive choral library of over 1,800 pieces
and collections, covering all periods and styles. The integration of major works
of the religious musical literature into first Sunday services is an important
part of the culture at St. Philip's. The involvement of children and youth is
strong, and these groups contribute directly at many of the services, including
Evensong and other services during the year.
Worship
The music ministry is an integral part of the worship experience for all who attend
services at St. Philip's In The Hills, in accordance with the biblical command
to make a joyful noise to the Lord and in keeping with the great musical heritage
of the Anglican Communion. Music enhances worship for those in the congregation
and even more directly for the over 160 persons of all ages who participate in
the many musical groups. The commitment of St. Philip's in the Hills over the
years to music as part of the worship experience is shown by the number of services,
both on Sundays and the major feast days, for which music is provided; by the
high quality of the music across many musical modes; and by the tradition of first
Sunday music presenting major religious works with orchestra.
Education
Through the educational activities of the music program, people within this parish
and the community beyond learn not only music but also the rich liturgical traditions
of the Episcopal Church.
Children and Youth
We see a clear synergy between the children and youth music- and education programs,
as shown by the participation of many of the same children and youth in both music
and education programs. Proof also exists that children (and their parents) who
are actively involved in a church ministry have a far greater chance of continuing
their membership and involvement through youth and young adulthood than those
who are not involved.
For adults, in
addition to participation in one or more of the choirs, specific efforts are made
to add to the knowledge of parishioners regarding the music component of worship.
The music program provides occasional presentations between Sunday services as
well as special Lenten lecture and discussion presentations.
Outreach
In surveys of parishioners, the music is often cited as one of the reasons why
they were attracted to St. Philip's. In addition, for many members of the choirs,
the strong music ministry is the major reason they have become members of the
parish, and for some, why they have become Episcopalians. Church attendance is
predictably higher on First Sundays, with much of the increase due to those who
come to hear the First Sunday music.
Community
Engagement St. Philips reaches out in several ways to the larger Tucson
community. First, the After School Music & Homework Program (ASMP) for elementary
school children provides choral, instrumental and general music instruction, as
well as homework assistance and values-based personal interaction. The program
serves children and families who would not otherwise have access to this level
of music instruction or academic enrichment. The program is still growing in numbers
of children and breadth of services. The ASMP is implemented entirely by volunteers
who are coordinated by a staff member working under the supervision of the Director
of Music.
Concert Venue Secondly, nearly
thirty concerts a year are presented by Friends of Music, an all-volunteer group
that coordinates with the Director of Music. Musical offerings include Noontime
Lenten Recitals; a Bach Marathon series; afternoon or evening concerts; and a
popular music review presented by the St. Philip's choirs and staff vocalists,
with occasional invited vocal artists. These concerts are attended by many non-parishioners,
and have been very effective fundraisers for the music program at St. Philip's
In The Hills.
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