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Inspiring faith through the beauty of sacred sound.
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 and responses, the singing of our choirs, and the sounds of our instruments, music enables us to touch the deepest mysteries of God as we unite together in worship and concert. At St. Philip, music for worship spans the centuries from Medieval chant and Renaissance polyphony through the most modern repertoire of the new millennium. Organists, choirs, and soloists provide musical leadership at over 125 liturgical services each year, and the church houses a magnificent mechanical action pipe organ built by Paul Fritts. The excellent acoustics and inviting architecture of the church building provide a warm environment for music of the highest quality that engages, enriches, and educates both our family of faith and the greater Houston community. St. Philip also provides support, training, and education for tomorrow’s church musicians through its staff singer and organ intern programs. For more information on any aspect of the St. Philip music program, please continue reading below.
Adults college age and above.  
St. Philip Church has enjoyed a long tradition of musical excellence in both worship and concert, and the St. Philip Choir has always been an important part
of that tradition. In addition to its weekly offerings of traditional and contemporary anthems, motets, and spirituals, recent concert and worship repertoire has included Vivaldi’s Gloria, Mozart’s Solemn Vespers, Bach’s Cantata 61 Nun komm der Heiden Heiland, the Requiem by Maurice Duruflé, and Lux aeterna by Morten Lauridsen. Adult singers in all voice parts are welcome and invited to join the St. Philip Choir, focusing on sacred choral music in all styles from the 12th- century chant through music of our own time, and providing members with regular training in vocal techniques, music reading, and sight singing in a warm, welcoming and engaging atmosphere. Rehearsals are on Wednesday nights, and new members are always welcome — come join us! The choir generally sings most Sundays at the 11:00 am Service.

Professional singers who also serve as choir section leaders and soloists.
St. Philip maintains a staff of professional singers representing many of Houston’s brightest lights in the vocal arts. Staff singers serve as section leaders
in the St. Philip Choir, and occasionally form a smaller stand-alone ensemble for select choral repertoire.
Adults and high school age youth.
St. Philip is fortunate to own two complete five-octave sets of handbells, and two complete sets of handchimes. The handbell choir is open to both experienced and rookie ringers. Some music reading ability is helpful, and there’s room for a sizable number of players! Smaller ensembles of ringers are also formed as needed, and this provides a unique opportunity for experienced ringers to develop their musicianship through playing in small groups. Bell Canto rehearses on Monday evenings beginning in mid- September, and plays for worship services approximately once a month. Come ring with us! If you’ve never rung handbells or handchimes before, don’t worry, we’ll teach you how!
Engaging the Spirit through song and movement.
Elementary school age children in the St. Philip Sunday School program will be provided musical enrichment as part of the weekly Sunday School curriculum, focusing on one or two pieces of music that will be sung at that morning’s 11:00 am Service with the full congregation. On special occasions, all of the Sunday School children may combine together to sing a special introit or anthem for the service. Engaging the children in a highly interactive musical environment each week is Cecy Duarte, Associate for Children’s Music.
Providing university organ students professional experience.
St. Philip supports an organ intern position, offered yearly to a graduate organ student at the University of Houston, which provides the intern an opportunity to experience firsthand a comprehensive church music program, serve as accompanist at rehearsals, and play occasional services and concerts at St. Philip.
Tools for building your music reading and listening skills.

FREE ONLINE RESOURCES for SKILLS BUILDING
www.8notes.com
www.teoria.com
 www.musictheory.net
www.gmajormusictheory.org

FREE ONLINE METRONOME
www.metronomeonline.com

FREE INTERNET RADIO
Classical Music - 35 different commercial-free streams! (from CBC Music)
Classical Music - commercial-free streams and hosted programs (from American Public Media)
Classical Music - (from Minnesota Public Radio)
Choral Music - (from Minnesota Public Radio)
Medieval & Renaissance Music - (from Ancient FM)

FREE APPS FOR MOBILE DEVICES
Classical and Choral Music from Minnesota Public Radio
iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch
Android phones and tablets
 
   

St. Philip is a member of the Presbyterian Church - USA
4807 San Felipe Street, Houston, TX 77056 - Ph. (713) 622-4807