St. James Music Program

Our music program at St. James is an important part of the worship team who meet
regularly to plan our worship services. Music is an integral part of our worship service —
whether it be the prelude or postlude, anthem or congregational singing, music enjoyed by
all. Music causes us to reflect; it inspires us, motivates us, calms us and brings joy and
laughter.

We are fortunate to have two talented musical groups at St. James: the Senior Choir and
the Guitar Group. In addition, many congregational members generously share their gifts as
soloists—both vocal and instrumental—when needed. We also welcome Newfound Sound
Women’s A Cappella Chorus, which rehearses in our Fellowship Room and enhances our 11
AM service as a guest choir a couple times each year.

Our sanctuary is home to a wonderful 1975 Casavant two-manual pipe organ, a versatile
instrument capable of producing a wide range of musical styles. Over the years, our organ
has showcased a broad spectrum of music—from Buxtehude’s fugues to Henry Mancini’s
;’Pink Panther’—and everything in between!

Our music program is led by our experienced music professionals as outlined below.

Director of Music

Music Director: Amy Dalziel

Amy grew up in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, earned her Bachelor of Music from Mount Allison
University and completed a Masters of Music degree in piano performance and pedagogy at
Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador (MUN). Amy enjoys playing both
traditional and contemporary worship services and has experience leading and
accompanying both small choirs and instrumental ensembles.

Amy was a member of our first Music Director team from 2014-2016. She resigned in
August 2016 to travel to England where she enhanced her qualifications as an organist and
gained further experience. She returned in late summer 2018 and was rehired as Associate
Music Director for 2018-2019. On the resignation of our previous Music Director, Amy
accepted the position as Director of Music with primary responsibility for Music Ministry and
the Organ, with added responsibility for arranging and presenting additional music events.

Associate Music Director

Associate Music Director: Bob Rose

Bob was first appointed as organist and choir director at St. James in 1974, following
success in organ performance at the Kiwanis Music Festival. Under his direction, the Senior
Choir were multiple winners of the Roy Ash trophy, awarded the best church choir at the
Kiwanis Music Festival, and also, in the late 1990s produced a choir tape, and have during
his tenure performed such significant sacred works as the Vivaldi Gloria, the Rutter
Requiem, the Bach St. Luke Passion and a number of choruses from Handel’s Messiah.

In 2005, Bob went to work in Qatar as an instructor, and while there, was the founding
director of the Senior Choir of the Church of the Epiphany in Doha, a choir which is still
going strong today.

Bob is very happy to be back as the Associate Music Director, working with the very
dedicated and hard-working Senior Choir, with our multi-talented Music Director, Amy, and
with Rev. James, in the music ministry, as we strive to enhance the worship experience at
St. James through music.

Senior Choir

Associate Music Director: Bob Rose

Practice Wednesday evening from 7:30 – 9:00 pm

The St. James United Church Senior Choir meets weekly on Wednesday evening from 7:30
pm until 9:00 pm for practice. Our Choir consists of four vocal parts for women and men:
Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass sections. We enjoy learning new anthems especially for
Easter and Christmas seasons, as well as singing our favorite hymns. Our work provides
hymn leadership for the congregation during worship services and offers outreach through
our love of music by praising God with song.

St. James United Church Senior Choir is recruiting! If you have an interest in singing, we
would love to have you sing with us! We rehearse once a week and sing during 11 am
Sunday morning worship services twice a month. Our choir is open to ALL skill levels – we’re
all about making music together and having fun!

St. James Guitar Group

Contact: Herb Carruthers 233-3763

Our guitar group provides entertainment annually for at least 10 senior’s homes in St.
John’s and surrounding area as well as provides music for various church services and
special events at St. James. The guitar group meets weekly at the church for practice on
Thursday mornings at 10:30 am in the Fellowship Room.