Liturgy literally means the "work of the people." At St. James' one can get involved in our Sunday worship serving as a choir member. Music holds an integral place within the liturgy: it serves to unify and heighten our response to the Word of God. The array of opportunities to make music at St. James' challenges those with years of musical experience while offering the less experienced a new way to express their faith. Participation in one of our choirs provides adults, children and youth the chance to contribute to our communal life in an active and vibrant way. Above all, by fostering a tradition of musical excellence, we become instruments through which God moves and speaks and, ultimately, we bring the Gospel to life in a palpable and transcendent way.

Canterbury Choir (Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.) is the principal adult choir at the 9:10 a.m. liturgy and is comprised primarily of volunteers. This choir sings a wide variety of musical styles, from anthems incorporating children’s choirs to complex Renaissance motets. The Canterbury Choir allows members to maintain a fairly flexible schedule, yet holds to a particularly high standard of choral excellence.

Compostela Choir (Sundays 1:15 - 2:45 p.m.) is comprised of auditioned professionals and volunteers who represent some of the finest choral singers in New York City. This choir sings each Sunday at 11:15 a.m., maintaining the legacy of the Anglican choral tradition, which elevates the liturgy to a transcendent, other-worldly level. The Compostela Choir sings repertoire representing the finest sacred music from the Renaissance to the present day. In addition to leading the liturgy, the Compostela Choir offers distinctive concerts to the community as part of the Music and Arts at St. James' series. Concert repertoire includes major choral works, often with orchestra, and soloists drawn from the choir.

Handbell Choir (Tuesdays, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.) is open to adults and youth. The Handbell Choir performs at special festive liturgies and makes occasional appearances throughout the Church year. Handbell Choir is a great introduction to music for those with little experience and is a non-pressured way to become involved in music at St. James’. Our Junior Handbell Choir provides a fun medium for learning to read music and developing music literacy in a low-pressure environment.

Playing: William Byrd: Agnus Dei