Music is the universal language of mankind. St. Augustine wrote, “He who sings prays twice.” Music can move one to a deeper communion with God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

St. Mark’s has a variety of ways to offer the gifts of music in praise of God. Our 9am service includes contemporary music and the praise band and our 11am service includes traditional music with the organ and choir. Our choristers sing at special services throughout the year.

The Parish Choir

Volunteer singers meet weekly from September to June to prepare for the traditional worship services at St. Mark’s. They also sing at seasonal services such as Christmas Eve, Holy Week and Easter, Choral Evensong, and special musical events. Members of the choir have also sung with other area Episcopal and Lutheran churches at special services and concerts, and have participated in a large combined choir at the National Cathedral for the Royal School of Church Music and at the Consecration of the Fourteenth Bishop of Maryland.

The Parish Choir is a vibrant, energetic, caring group of singers that meets Thursday evening from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The choir’s repertoire includes music from the great Anglican choral tradition, American music, Gospel and Spirituals, Taize, and contemporary works. For information on joining the choir, please contact the Director of Traditional Music, Nina Feeney.

The Choristers

Children who love to sing and are beginning to read well are encouraged to join to sing God’s praise. When schedules, the children’s choir sings at the traditional or contemporary service. They also sing during seasonal services such as Christmas Eve, Palm Sunday, and Pentecost, as well as at special musical events. Rehearsals include learning basic music theory and incorporating musical and rhythm instruments with singing instruction. Choristers include children in Grades 2-7 with a special training choir for K, 1st grades. Please contact Rosemary Beakes for more information.

Contemporary Music/Praise Band

Rick and Margaret LaRocca lead the music for the contemporary service on Sunday mornings. Presently the ensemble includes acoustic guitars, vocals, clarinet and saxophone and piano. We welcome the addition of other instruments. Send an email to the LaRoccas if you are interested in joining the team!