Voices of Faith, Voices of Joy: The St. Thomas Episcopal Church Choir
There is something unmistakable that touches your soul when you hear the music at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Mamaroneck, NY. For many, it is the very first thing that draws them in – the sound of voices blending in harmony, filling the sanctuary with beauty, reverence, and joy. For others, it becomes something deeper over time: a source of connection, a pathway to spirituality, and a true sense of belonging.
For Choir Master Matthew Sheens, the journey began almost by chance. While browsing church music positions in 2019, one description stood out – St. Thomas’ emphasis on musical variety and openness to diverse backgrounds. “It was the only one I responded to,” he recalls, “A strong emphasis was made on the choir's love of musical variety, and an openness for candidates from less traditional Episcopalian musical backgrounds.” Nearly seven years later, that decision has blossomed into a vibrant musical ministry. What continues to inspire him is not only the choir’s enthusiasm for a wide range of music, but also “the remarkable variety of people who make up the choir itself.”
That sense of diversity and welcome is echoed by many choir members. Kim Ingenito remembers walking into St. Thomas for the first time and immediately knowing it was a place she and her family wanted to belong. “For me, music is an essential part of spirituality and singing in the St. Thomas Choir brings moments of hope, fellowship, and illumination into my life each week,” she says. Over the years, the choir has become “like a family,” offering not only musical fulfillment but also a deep sense of community. One cherished memory captures this spirit perfectly: carrying her 2-year-old daughter Emma down the aisle during a Christmas Eve procession, then sitting together with her in the choir stalls. “No one minded at all,” she recalls. “In that moment I knew we were part of a community that welcomed us as our whole selves.”
For many, singing in the choir is inseparable from their spiritual lives. Jenn Micceri joined the choir in fall 2021 and describes music as a way to connect with God on a deeper level – “a sense of awe” that elevates prayer. “I believe that ‘when you sing, you pray twice’ (a quote I have often heard attributed to St. Augustine). It is a way to use our natural instruments – the voices that God has given us – more fully and in a way that brings God honor,” she recounts. Jenn finds that even the morning rehearsal before Sunday service helps center her heart and mind. Similarly, Glen Oxton reflects, “For me, music in church is a path to spirituality.” Glenn shares that when singing in the choir, there are profound moments when the choir feels unified, “as if the entire choir is one being… part of something beyond myself.”
The choir’s impact often extends across entire lifetimes. Paul and Annie Shikany have been part of the St. Thomas community for over two decades, raising their children in the parish and marking life’s milestones alongside fellow choir members. “We joined the parish with a newborn baby, have celebrated the baptisms of both our children, and after seeing that newborn off to college, we are still here,” they share. Their story is one of continuity and gratitude – for friendships formed, faith deepened, and countless opportunities to serve.
Newer members, too, find themselves quickly embraced. Alto section leader Miriam Crellin describes arriving at St. Thomas in after a challenging period of health and visa uncertainty. The choir, she says, held a place for her until she could join and welcomed her warmly when she did. “Melodee literally steered me by the arm to help me correctly execute the service ‘choreography’ for lack of a better term,” she recounts. Despite early Sunday mornings and a long commute, the experience has become “one of the most peaceful parts of my week.” She highlights, “I tell people who ask about this job that St Thomas has the best attributes a church can have: Progressive views and (mostly) traditional music and ritual, and a warm and friendly congregation. I am really enjoying learning new music every single week, giving my sight-singing chops a workout, and also revisiting music from my childhood.” Miriam shares how the church’s unique blend of progressive values, traditional music, and genuine warmth as something truly special.
For others, it is the music itself that first sparks a connection. Solange De Santis recalls being captivated by the choir’s sound when she first attended a St. Thomas service in 2008, especially the quality of the soprano section and the voice of its section leader, Lielle Berman. Solange recounts, “Those soaring high notes enhanced and deepened my worship experience and I thought, ‘I want to get involved with this.’” That inspiration led her not only to join the choir but to grow as a musician herself. Today, she shares that singing regularly is “essential to my soul,” and she takes pride in knowing that the choir’s music continues to enrich the worship experience for others. Robert Ingenito and Ira Hart similarly expressed that the quality of the music at St. Thomas drew them to join the church.
Across all these voices, a common thread emerges: the St. Thomas Choir is more than a musical ensemble. It is a community where faith is expressed through song, where individuals are welcomed fully, and where shared purpose of faith in song creates something greater than the sum of its parts.
Week after week – through hymns, standard anthems, great works like Handel’s Messiah, singing at church weddings and funerals, and the quiet beauty of candlelit “Silent Night” – the choir offers a gift to the parish and the greater Mamaroneck community. It is a gift of music, a gift of presence, and a gift of love.
Perhaps this is one reason why so many who come to visit St. Thomas then stay – in the voices of the choir, people hear not only music, but a living expression of community, faith, and joy.
Cristina R. Fernández
