The Music of Pohick Church

The Music of Pohick Church
Linda Egan, Minister of Music
Barbara Lynn, St. Francis Choir Director
John Sessums, Pohick Pickers Director

From the unaccompanied psalm singing of George Washington’s time, to the Sacred Harp singing and revival hymns of the 19th century, through the 20th century establishment of a choir gallery and the late 20th century hymn explosion into 21st century world music, music has been and is a vital element of life and worship at Pohick Church. Our history of praising God with music supports our present vibrant music which supports and encourages our life in Christ.

Pohick’s pipe organ was built in 1968 by Fritz Noack and restored by David M. Storey in 2005. Its 18th century design is perfectly voiced for the room. Each Sunday choirs ranging in age from kindergarten to adults lead the congregations in the liturgy. Several times a year the Pohick Bell Choir adds the beauty of English handbells to our services. Once a month the Pohick Pickers, a folk music ensemble, play for communion.

 

 

The Choir of Pohick, for college age and adult singers, rehearses Thursdays 7:30-9 p.m., and sings for the Sunday 9 a.m. service, warming up at 8 a.m. We sing a wide variety of music: traditional Anglican hymnody and anthems, early music through 21st century music of other nations and traditions, new compositions as well as standard Episcopal anthem repertoire. Do you have the desire to sing and to learn and a willing heart? Come join us!

Students in grades 4-12 sing in the St. Cecelia/St. Alban Choir. Choristers learn the music of worship, pray together, learn about the church and its worship and music, and have fun with a variety of musical styles and instruments.

Traditional and new choral music, musicianship, deportment, and elements of our worship are emphasized in rehearsals on Sundays from 12:30-1:30 p.m., which prepare us to sing the first Sunday of each month at 9 a.m. with vested warmup at 8:30 a.m. and the third Sunday of the month at 11:15 a.m. with vested warmup at 10:50 a.m.

For Choir of Pohick, St. Alban’s and St. Cecelia Choirs information, contact Linda Egan. We’ll prepare a chair and folder for you.

The St. Francis Choir is for children in grades K-3. It rehearses Wednesday nights from 6-6:30. Singers learn basic note reading skills as well as traditional songs of Episcopal worship through singing and games. If you have children interested in this choir, please contact Barbara Lynn through one of the church numbers.

Students in grades 9-12 and adults ring in the Pohick Bell Choir. During our Thursday rehearsals from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., ringers learn note reading skills and play traditional hymn tune music, using various ringing techniques, including the use of mallets! This fun group plays at least once every two months for the 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services. If you would like to be a member but cannot make a weekly commitment, we often need substitute ringers-especially if you have rung before. See or call Linda Egan for more information.

The Pohick Pickers are a folk music ensemble comprised of various instruments, which plays for communion on the third Sunday of the month and for community outreach activities. Call John Sessums if you’re interested in playing or singing with this group. Click here for more information.