Music

Mission Statement

To glorify God through music; to work to develop the musical talents God gave us to the best of our abilities; to build community as we rehearse together; and to nurture the congregation by providing support in the singing of hymns and musical offerings.

Parish Choir

Our Parish Choir sings for the 11:00 a.m. Eucharist from September to June. They occasionally collaborate with the Children’s and Youth Choirs at 9:00 a.m. Repertoire for each week involves an anthem and motet, and approximately once a month, a choral Mass setting. They lead us in Choral Evensong six times a year, and perform a Choral Requiem on the Feast of All Souls’ (recently Howells’ Requiem and Durufle’s Requiem). To schedule an audition for the Parish Choir, or to inquire about our Choral Scholarships, please contact Director of Music Eric Choate ( [email protected]).

Children’s and Youth Choirs

Singing in a choir boosts confidence, reduces stress and creates a strong sense of community and social inclusion for children – the very things that so many families in San Francisco today yearn for. At St. Mary’s, our robust chorister program not only provides a groundwork of musical technique and theory, but also teaches leadership, commitment, focus and teamwork. Finally, it provides a forum for social involvement and ministry to one another in our Parish community, building a foundation for life-long friendships. More information can be found on our children’s music page here.

The Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin Liturgical Music List – Labor Day through Christ the King 2024

Candlelight Concerts

This 45th Anniversary Season featured London’s APOLLO5, the North American premiere of Ian Venables’ Requiem, a concert of English polyphony by Byrd Ensemble, Bach’s dramatic Passion According to St. John, and the world premiere of Byron Adams’ setting of the 13th-century text Stabat Mater for soprano and chamber orchestra.

Music Leadership

  • Director of Music: Eric Choate ([email protected]) – Eric’s Biography
  • Music Associate: Marla Perkins ([email protected]) – Marla’s Biography
  • Music Librarians and Assistants: Susan Barber; Polly Sanford
  • Section Leaders: Ellen Leslie, soprano; Julia Morris alto; Todd Bradley, tenor; Jess Perry, bass
  • Choral Scholars: Connor Herrmann, Harry O’Sullivan, Tyler Winslow
  • Conducting Scholar: Andrew McIver
  • Organ Scholar: Jameson Caps