Music
A centuries-long tradition of choral excellence — from children's choirs to professional ensembles, pipe organs to monthly Evensong.
Our Music
The Church has been a center for great musical experiences throughout the ages, bringing people into the Body of Christ and sending them forth into the community. Music reaches the soul and connects with the Spirit in a unique and powerful way. The music program at St. Francis is dedicated to continuing this tradition, as we love God with all of our heart, soul and mind. Our goal is to share our musical gifts and heritage by singing God’s praise to all people and by proclaiming his greatness through our worship.
We believe that many styles of music are acceptable to God and indeed the variety of what is offered in various churches and denominations is basis for great joy. St. Francis is in the relatively rare position of having the resources to offer traditionally-approached, classically-based repertoire. The parish has unusually rich resources and leadership and it serves an educated and culturally sophisticated constituency for whom this literature provides a truly Spirit-filled worship experience.
We are so fortunate at St. Francis in the Fields to be continuing in this centuries-long tradition of offering great music to bring people into the Body of Christ and sending them forth into community.
Our Choirs
Read the description of each of our choirs below and contact Dr. Kirk Rich if you are interested in learning more!
Parish Choir
Dr. Kirk Rich, Director
The Parish Choir is the heart of the St. Francis in the Fields music ministry. Made up of volunteer parishioners, professional staff singers, and student choral scholars, the choir leads worship at the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Sunday services, as well as on major feast days and at monthly Choral Evensong throughout the program year. Rehearsals are held Sundays from 1:45 to 3:45 p.m. New members with some experience reading music are warmly welcomed. To schedule a vocal interview, please contact Dr. Kirk Rich, Director of Music, at [email protected].
Schola
Dr. Kirk Rich, Director
The Schola a chamber ensemble, composed primarily of professional staff singers alongside student choral scholars and auditioned volunteers. This choir sings for special services and concerts throughout the year, including our annual presentation of Handel’s Messiah. Singers interested in auditioning are invited to contact Dr. Kirk Rich, Director of Music, at [email protected].
St. Francis Singers
The St. Francis Singers is the ideal ensemble for those who love to sing but can’t commit to a weekly rehearsal schedule. The group offers an anthem at the 9:00 a.m. service on the first Sunday of each month and rehearses the Sunday prior from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. All are welcome! For more information, please contact Dr. Kirk Rich, Director of Music, at [email protected].
Music Programs
Our Choirs
We believe that singing can be learned and enjoyed by all ages!
For more information on singing in a choir at St. Francis, see above and/or contact our music director, Dr. Kirk Rich.
Organ Scholars Program
St. Francis in the Fields is proud to support our own Organ Scholars Program. Through this program, two students from the IU Jacobs School of Music and Cincinnati College Conservatory are able to gain practical experience in a parish promoting traditional Anglican liturgy and music. You can learn more about this program by clicking here.
Evensong and Recitals
We praise God in song every Sunday, and are also pleased to offer special recitals and services throughout the year. At 5:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month during the program year, we gather for Evensong, one of the most musically splendid services in the Anglican tradition! We are also blessed to invite visiting musicians, directors, and singers throughout the year. Visit our upcoming events page for more information about upcoming recitals and services.
Our Organs
We are blessed with several unique pipe organs, each with its own history. Learn more here.