Music at AVC

Overview

The AVC has a strong music program with special concerts presented for the Cape Ann Community throughout the year.
The director of music, Kathleen Adams, a gifted organist with deep concert experience, plays our custom-made organ.
Piano, harpsichord, flute, clarinet, and chimes are also part of the church’s music making.

Scott Moore began as the Village Church’s first Artist-in-Residence in February 2022.
Hailing from his native Kentucky, Moore had already forged a reputation when he moved to Gloucester in 2019. Louisville Orchestra conductor Teddy Abrams praises Moore’s “great talent and inventiveness,” noting his virtuosic musicianship and his “powerful, compelling sound.”
In 2018, Moore began performing, from memory, J. S. Bach’s complete Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin. Sampling the acoustics at the Village Church when he first arrived on Cape Ann, Moore says he knew he’d found “an ideal space to perform this sublime music.” Music Director Kathleen Adams describes his Bach as “brilliant, transcendent playing, promising exciting and wide-ranging collaborations here.”
As Artist-in-Residence, Moore will offer three Sunday afternoon Bach recitals (dates TBD). Turning his fiddle to another genre, he will curate a local ensemble to perform with him in a Chamber Roots concert later in the year.
Third Sunday worship services at the Village Church will feature Moore’s violin along with organ (or piano) and choir.

The Village Church Gallery Choir leads the congregation in hymns and liturgy from the gallery at Sunday services throughout the year.
The wide range of repertoire connects our worship with many sacred traditions and periods, reflecting the content of the readings and prayers of the day.
Wednesday rehearsals from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. take place from September to June.
Sunday rehearsals at 9:00 a.m. (prior to the 10:00 a.m. service) take place all year long.
Experienced singers and others eager to learn and improve their musical skills are all welcome to join this devoted and enthusiastic group.
Audition is not necessary, but may be helpful in determining one’s voice part or best placement in the choir.
Several seasoned, excellent readers encourage and mentor newer singers.
The choir has openings for all parts: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass (baritone).

The church’s choir for children, Schola Cantorum, takes an active part in the liturgy while learning a wide variety of music sourced from chant, folk music, and formal compositions both historic and contemporary.
A gift of chimes has expanded the musical experiences of our children and offers more opportunity for education and participation.
The Schola performs in the yearly Lessons & Carols service and Pageant.
Our Easter tableau vivant at Squam Rock creates a very special context for youthful imaginations and talents.
Choristers enjoy the fellowship of three other Cape Ann youth choirs, performing together during the Advent season and at an annual spring concert.
Children aged 6 and up can become part of this choir, learning and sharing in the life of the church while broadening their musical knowledge and enjoyment.

For more information please contact Music Director Kathleen Adams at 978‑283‑6416 or jkadams967@gmail.com.