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MAKE MUSIC

We offer our talents of melody and song
By joining our hearts with the beauty of sound, we give voice to our faith through the art of music. Music soothes, excites, challenges, and unites us in ways in which words alone cannot. Through our hymns, psalms and acclamations, the singing of our choir and the sound of our instruments, music enables us to touch the deepest mysteries of God as we unite together in prayer. 
 
Explore the various ways in which we make music by clicking on each heading.
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For adults - high school age and older

Sharing musical talents of all kinds

A sampling of organ music

A sampling of our hymns

For more information about our music programs, contact Music Director Mark Downey at 630-584-2596.

The St. Charles Choir

For adults - high school age and older

Adults and young adults in all voice parts are welcomed and encouraged to join the St. Charles Choir. Members are provided with regular training in vocal techniques, sight-reading and solfege in a welcoming and engaging atmosphere. New members are always welcome! 

 

Our talented St. Charles Episcopal Choir sings for the 9:30 a.m. service during the program year, and other services as needed. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evening from 7:15 to 9:00 p.m. The choir performs anthems, sings psalms, and leads the congregation in song. 

 

For more information, contact Music Director Mark Downey at 630-584-2596.

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St Charles Choir
Instrumentalists

Instrumentalists

Sharing musical talents of all kinds

Do you play an instrument? If yes, consider sharing your musical talent with the parish as we enhance the liturgy with our musical offerings. Musical talents of all kinds are welcome to join us in praising God in any of our services. 

 

We also have openings for handbell ringers. Handbells are often at the 9:30 a.m. Eucharist. 

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Hymns

Vocal Music

Please listen as our choir offers music to the glory of God:

Jesus Christ is Risen Today - The St. Charles Choir
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Hallelujah Chorus - The St. Charles Choir
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Awake Thou Wintry Earth - The St. Charles Choir
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Organ

Organ

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Our 21-rank organ was installed in 1978 following a campaign to raise $100,000, led by parishioner Larry Engel.

Praeludium in D - Mark Downey
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Prelude and Fugue - Mark Downey
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A Trumpet Menuet - Mark Downey
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TAIZE

Taizé is a small hill in France. A community of monks makes this sacred space their spiritual home. Between 4,000 and 6,000 visitors come each year at this surprisingly simple church to worship, pray and discover God.

Simple repetitive songs are sung and played as a means of initiating prayer-communication with God.

Visitors to Taizé often speak of being struck both by the beauty of prayer and the ease with which all present take part. We know that prayer is not a matter of method or expertise but trust. To open the doors to trusting in God, there is perhaps nothing to replace the beauty of human voice joined in song.

We invite everyone to experience this unique experience in praying and singing.

Taize
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