From the Music Director — December 2024

The end of daylight saving time always hits me like an oncoming cold. The darkness and chilled air can feel oppressive and like they might limit my ability to enjoy already limited free time. I think many feel this way — and though I’ll acknowledge that I can only speak anecdotally — it appears to me as though there is a distinct trend of Christmas trees going up earlier each year. This makes sense, of course, that the warm glow that brightens our living rooms demonstrates a symbolic embrace of the hope of Christ’s coming and a light that dispels all darkness. The days grow shorter for the time being, but in this singular way our spirits grow fuller with anticipation, reflecting the promise of renewal and the joy to come. 

Before I speak more about the future, it is absolutely necessary for me to extend a massive amount of thanks to everyone involved in the Music Ministry’s offering of Fauré’s Requiem this fall. A short and non-comprehensive list should include our wonderful choir, soloists, the Piedmont Symphony Orchestra, our volunteers that facilitate increased building usage, our staff (especially Coy!) for helping with bulletins, building scheduling, advertising, and everything else, and Father Ben and our parishioners for allowing the packed chancel to make communion a little more complicated than the average Sunday. I don’t feel like I have the adequate words to express my gratitude for the ability of our community to pull off these massive events, but I feel genuinely blessed to be a part of them. Thank you, thank you, thank you! 

In addition to our offering on Nov. 3 — the day before the centennial of Fauré’s death on Nov. 4, 1924 — the choir’s offering on Oct. 20 with the Arts Chorale of Winchester and the PSO at Highland was a great success — so much so that Jonathan Griffin, DMA, the artistic director and principal conductor of Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY), extended them an invitation to sing the the Fauré Requiem with a limited number of ensembles at Carnegie Hall in New York City on May 27, 2025.

Looking forward, please mark your calendars for Dec. 15 at 5 p.m., when Saint James’ will offer our annual Service of Lessons & Carols, an evening of scripture and song heralding the contemplative time of Advent and joy of Christmas. Sponsored by Common Threads, this service will feature a tapestry of musical offerings, including contributions from First Baptist Church of Warrenton, our own Saint James’ choir, the handbell choir, the school choir, and the church band. This is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate the season together as a community.

The holiday season is a time for gratitude, remembrance, togetherness, and great music, and the services at Saint James’ during Advent will help us celebrate hope, peace, joy, and love, guiding us as we prepare for Christmas. On Christmas Eve, we gather for candlelight services to celebrate the nativity, followed by a joyful Christmas Day service with family and friends. For those seeking a reflective moment amidst the season, Saint James’ is a special place to pause and appreciate life’s blessings. I hope that as we approach a new year that this season will fill your heart with peace, joy, and the warmth of our wonderful church family.

Contact Robert Baird at music@saintjameswarrenton.org.

Click here to view the December 2024 quarterly newsletter.