The Schola Cantorum is an ensemble of volunteer singers from the Parish and community was established in 2003 at Saint David’s Church to keep alive and foster the age-old tradition of sung prayer and worship within the context of traditional Anglican Service.Through the use of ancient plainsong and chant, hymns, and simple polyphony, the Schola Cantorum (literally a “school of singing”) seeks to both beautify our corporate worship of Almighty God and to approach his presence with an appropriate dignity and reverence.Anglican worship throughout the centuries has been regarded as Choral, meaning Sung, worship. The intoning of prayers and hymns has its roots in the recognition that the singing voice, as opposed to the ordinary speaking voice, possesses a dignity appropriate to the presence of one’s Almighty Creator.Much of the repertoire offered by the Schola is chant related, or the ancient plainsong Psalm tones. It is a music which does not draw attention to itself as a musical entity, but rather serves the purpose of its sacred texts, and allows the singer to express them with greater conviction and beauty.

Choral Evensong (the sung Service of Evening Prayer) has been observed daily by the church at large for centuries. The Service includes the canticles appointed for use in the evening, the singing or recitation of the Psalms, lessons, prayers, and a hymn or anthem. At Saint David’s Church, this Service is offered on the second and fourth Sundays of each month throughout the choral season at five o’clock. For the choristers, the benefits are spiritual as well as musical. The opportunity to experience a time of quiet meditation and prayer in the presence of Almighty God, while offering to him a sacrifice of beauty and devotion, is a refreshing respite from the so-often hurried pace of modern life. The serene environment of a candle-lit church is conducive to worship in spirit and in truth.