Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields

Music

Integral to worship at St. Martin’s are music and the music program. We are blessed with excellent music at the three services beginning at 9:00 thanks to our highly dedicated director of music. The Parish Choir involves about 20 children and 8-12 adults who join them on Sundays. The young singers receive extensive training, not only in musical education, but also in their role as worship leaders and as participants within the church community. The Adult Choir, about 30 parishioners supported by five professional singers, is renowned in the diocese. In addition a Handbell Choir plays twice a month.

A rich musical tradition has been a part of St. Martin’s from its very beginning.

The director chooses music from plainsong to complex pieces by living composers and from Gibbons to spirituals. He works carefully with both children and adults, instructing them in singing techniques and appreciation of the splendid body of church music. A rich musical tradition has been a part of St. Martin’s from its very beginning.

The church tower is notable for having two sets of bells: a nine-chime set dating back to 1889, and a ring of eight bells (1980) hung for English change ringing. The latter are rung by members of the Philadelphia Guild of Change Ringers.