Music at St. Paul's
Charles Willett, Organist & Choir Director
Charles earned a Bachelor of Music from Mount Allison University (1978) and then went on to the University of Regina where he studied instrumental conducting. He returned to New Brunswick in 1980, taking up residence in Saint John, where he became music director of St. Paul's Anglican Church ( Valley), from 1982 to 1985, and also at the Church Of St. John Baptist & St. Clement (Mission), from 1986 to 1989. In 1990, Charles moved to Vancouver, B.C. to further his musical studies. Receiving a Bachelor of Education, specializing in secondary music, he taught band and choir in both the Richmond (1991-2004) and Vancouver (1993-1996) school districts as a Teacher on Call. During his stay in Vancouver, he was music director at West Point Grey United Church (1990-1995), and Sts. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church (1998-2004). Charles came to us as Music Director in 2004.
St. Paul's Senior Choir
The Senior Choir consists of about dozen men and women who meet on Thursday nights from 7:30 to 9:00 to practice hymns, psalms and anthems.
St. Paul’s is very fortunate in having a mixed choir, singing all parts, that is, soprano, alto, tenor and bass. This is the centrepiece of the music program here at St. Paul’s Church. We always welcome interested singers.
Chiming Cherubim
The soft dulcet tones of this special group of faithful musicians cannot help but lift us up above our busy lifestyles and point us towards the beauty of heaven. Meeting on Thursdays at 10:00 am, they practice diligently the music they are preparing to play. New members welcome.
The Organ
The present organ, replacing a previous one of long service, was made in St. Hyacinthe, Que. by Casavant Freres, and was installed in 1969. It is a two-manual and pedal organ and is a mechanical action instrument of 11 stops (16 ranks), and operates under low wind pressure. Music has always been an integral part of the church service, and for generations, a mixed choir, including boys, has served voluntarily and devotedly. Well-qualified organists and choirmasters have maintained a high standard of performance. Their names include Mrs Hevennor, Mr Samuel Baker, Mrs Dorothy Gooday, Mr Trueman H. Clarke, Mr Ian Anderson, and the present organist Mr. Charles Willett.
