Saint Mary's Anglican Church,
Richmond Hill

Publicity

The Thursday, April 17, edition of the Richmond Hill Liberal carried an article on the Saint Mary's Orchestra. Church orchestra brings generations into harmony was written by Madia Javad with photographs by Mike Barrett.

We understand that the original article will stay on The Liberal's web site for thirty days. A copy of the article is available here with The Liberal's permission.

Debut

Saint Mary's Orchestra debut, February 16, 2003

On Sunday February 16, 2003, the people of Saint Mary’s were delighted to hear, for the first time, their very own orchestra formed entirely with musicians from within their own congregation! Under the direction of founder Murray Baer, the orchestra played 3 short hymns, and then led the congregation in the singing of the offertory hymn, All Praise to Thee.

Murray explained that the idea behind the formation of this group was to offer an opportunity for interested musicians of all ages and musical experience to get together, try a few simple hymns, and have some fun. "I had originally hoped that we might get 5 to 10 people involved in this, so I was calling it a little instrumental group," he said. "I had no idea that over 20 people would come forward and show such keen interest. We quickly decided to rename the group, the Saint Mary’s Orchestra." The group includes most instruments typically found in a symphony orchestra including strings, woodwinds, brass and piano, and rehearses every other Sunday afternoon for one hour. The members range in age from 10 years and up. Some are just beginning to learn how to play their instruments, and others haven’t played for many years. "We had such fun at our first rehearsal, especially with the experienced players helping out the younger players. It truly is a wonderful, intergenerational experience. I am so pleased with the results!"

The congregation was surprised to learn that the orchestra had only rehearsed twice prior to February 16. One parishioner was overheard to say, "It sounds like you’ve been together for years!"

"It was so exciting to see people coming out of the congregation and walking to the front with their instruments. It was very moving," said the Reverend Mark Kinghan. "The orchestra added so much to the service, and sounded so terrific. We are very fortunate to have such a group of talented people using their musical gifts." The service was a Service of Confirmation presided over by The Right Reverend George Elliot, Bishop of York-Simcoe, and attended by many visitors. With the church so full, it was a perfect Sunday to launch the new group.

Absent from debut photograph

URL: http://saintmaryschurch.ca/orchestra/