World Premiere of
“TOUCH”
a new work by
Allan Robert Petker
A multi-media piece for choir and orchestra
Inspired by the work of
Chinese Artist He Qi
St. Andrew is very proud to have commissioned a new piece of music from composer Allan Robert Petker. The work is a three movement, 30-minute multi-media composition for choir, chamber orchestra and visual display.
The inspiration is the artwork of Chinese Christian artist He Qi. “Touch” was premiered on June of 2009 at St. Andrew and since then has received several subsequent performances in Northern California and the Los Angeles area. The session of St. Andrew deeply desires this piece to be performed many times throughout the world. The work is attainable by the above-average church choir and requires minimal instrumentation.
If you would like more information on performing “Touch”, please contact David Irvine at dirvine@andrewpres.org.
Celebrations of Music
We believe that music in the hands of gifted musicians can have a powerful impact for God. The music we provide has integrity, being careful to present messages that are truthful and provide focus for the message to be presented.
Our music ministry includes four distinct types of ensembles. The St. Andrew Singers is an adult choral group consisting of approximately 25 voices. The readers of the Sonoma Valley Sun newspaper have voted the St. Andrew Singers the “Best Church Choir” in Sonoma Valley for the past two years. They regularly assist in the Sunday morning services. We also have an outstanding handbell choir, The Festival Bells. They assist on a monthly basis with the worship services. The Praise Team is a group of musicians who regularly lead our services. The Praise Team consists of keyboard, guitars, bass, rhythm and vocalists. Special Soloists and Ensembles are frequently used in all of our services.
St. Andrew Singers
The St. Andrew Singers are the backbone of a very exciting and dynamic ministry of music. Comprised of adult and youth singers, the St. Andrew Singers are responsible for leading worship three times a month at both services.
The ability to read music, play an instrument or sing at sight are NOT required or expected. The willingness to learn to be a better musician and singer, and the desire to contribute to worship IS required and expected. The St. Andrew Singers rehearse every Thursday night (September – June) from 7:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The St. Andrew Singers typically perform two concerts per year: The Christmas Concert for La Luz and the Spring Concert.
Praise Team
One of the most exciting offerings at St. Andrew is the musical leadership of our Praise Team. We utilize, but are not limited to, keyboards, guitars, bass, drums and singers. The Praise Team is responsible for leading congregational singing approximately twice per month during the worship services.
The ability to play a musical instrument or sing (or both) is essential to the Praise Team. So too is the attitude of servant leadership. There are no “stars” on the Praise Team. The sole purpose is to inspire the congregation in singing and worshiping God.
Handbell Choirs
St. Andrew is lucky to have a fine tradition in handbell choirs. We now own 5 octaves of Schulmerich handbells and three octaves of Schulmerich hand chimes. The Festival Bells are an auditioned group of advanced handbell ringers. The group has represented St. Andrew at several events throughout the Sonoma Valley. Membership is by invitation of the director. The group rehearses every Wednesday night (September through June) from 7:15 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The group typically plays in worship once a month and performs two concerts per year.
For more information on any of the above groups, please contact David Irvine at dirvine@andrewpres.org.