American Choir in Exeter

So many tremendous experiences. While I will take times to process the tour, I feel grateful for the opportunity to bring our music, efforts and joyful community to this beautiful Cathedral. The photo shows the choir facing East with the great West window behind. Thanks and blessings to all who have supported this tour and the 54 choristers and adults who made an unforgettable journey.
Erich Balling, Canon Musician

At the Close of Day by Ben Gillig

At the Close of Day

"My Soul doth magnify the lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in god my savior"

As we approach the last day of our residency at Exeter, I feel that this trip will last us for a lifetime. The trebles have showed true courage over the past few days unlike any other choir and trip I have participated in. I have never felt so connected with these people in all aspects of the choir.

When we finish our last two services, I feel as though the only way I can describe this week is with the song of Simeon.
"Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word.
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of thy people Israel."

Lastly I would like to thank everyone who has said thanks to the choir all the way to the Ballings planing this amazing experience.

- Ben Gillig

Rare Experiences

This week has been one of rare musical experiences. Exeter Cathedral is home to an organ originally built in 1665 and, although it has been restored several times since then, the wood case that houses most of the pipes is still the same. Two nights this week, I have been allowed to play on the organ at night, alone in the Cathedral. How amazing to be in a massive, magnificent Cathedral alone playing the organ! It is a glorious memory and there is no feeling like it. 

Just below the organ on the north side, is the exquisite, wooden carved Quire, where I have heard our choir sing some stunning music. Accompanying them has been a joy and an inspiration! They have worked hard to create ethereal music, and their sound fills the Cathedral with absolute beauty. 

On Tuesday, our choir sang for the Bishop of Exeter in a service installing four canons in the Cathedral. Although I did not play for this service, I was in the organ loft and assisted the Cathedral's organ scholar. Watching someone who has spent hours, days, and weeks on the Cathedral's instrument was absolutely incredible! 

One other musical highlight from this week actually took place away from the Cathedral at Powderham Castle, where the Earl of Devon lives. It is an elegant castle, filled with gorgeous rooms, furniture, and decor, but Erich and I received a wonderful gift from our tour guide. She got to hear the choir sing in the Castle's music room, but later, she led Erich, Kathleen and I back through the home to the small 1769 tracker organ. Kathleen pumped the bellow, so Erich and I could each play this quaint instrument. What a musical treasure! 

There are still three days left on the tour, and I can't imagine what other musical moments will stay with me forever. 


Lisa Hall

Compline at the Cathedral by Lauren Graf

As we end each day on our tour, we gather for a short time of reflection and prayer. Similar to a compline service, we have a short reading and say the Lord's Prayer. Most nights, we have been praying with the sunset and the cathedral as our backdrop. The service acts as a final, calming moment together before we go through to our rooms. Below are pictures.

Small groups sharing big ideas

Dean Wade rallying her army

Compline under the North Tower

Lauren Graf

The Look of Surprise

    You can tell a lot about a person and what they are feeling by the look in their eyes. Last night we experienced our second Evensong at the Cathedral, and it was such a special experience. It was an important night to be singing at the Cathedral, as new leadership was being installed, and the Bishop of Exeter was in attendance. Our anthem last night was the Gardiner Evening hymn, which is one of my all time favorites. It demands a lot of energy and focus, but it is so much fun to sing. Having the opportunity to sing it in a Cathedral like Exeter makes it even more special. From the time we finished our opening section, I caught eyes with a member of the congregation. He had a very serious face at the time, but his eyes were gleaming with joy, and maybe even a little but of surprise. I'm not sure he expected our American choir to make the sound we did. Being able to see our music bring so much joy to people, even if it's just one person, is why I love this choir as much as I do. Although there are challenges along the way, the feeling of singing with great confidence in a large Cathedral overseas is so amazing, and it is so worth the Jet lag and homesickness. Having the opportunity to spread God's love through music in England this summer is something I am beyond grateful for. Thank you for all of your prayers and support at home in Lexington. We truly wouldn't be here without you.

Emma Stivers

Here are some pictures from our adventures the past few days! :) 

A trip to Dawlish. A few of the boys were brave enough to take a swim in the cold water! 

(This photo from the Cathedral was taken by Brendan Naish.)

A Liturgical Instrument

Not since 1939 have 4 positions at Exeter
Cathedral been filled in one service of installation. An event of this magnitude found its natural home in the Evensong Service yesterday. By combining these two events, the gravity of the installation matched perfectly the familiarity of evening prayer. As is the case at Cathedrals here in the UK, Evensong is a daily service and, by its very nature, takes its place as the core of worship. This solemn atmosphere was given the light of God's love in the choral settings of the prayers and supplications, the words of the Songs of Mary (the Magnificat ) and of Simeon (the Nunc Dimitis ), and in the setting of an evening prayer. Those who attend the handful of Evensong services during the choral season at Christ Church are familiar with the format. At home, these are given the feeling of special offerings, rather than a daily occurrence. Instead of being something reserved for special occasions,  the diocesan celebration was incorporated in the very fabric of worship, and our choirs became the liturgical instrument to deliver that occasion into the life of the Cathedral.
There is a great responsibility attached to role of delivering these prayers and spiritual songs. Speaking to God on behalf of those who attend is something that choirs have done for centuries, and in so doing, allow the listeners to have those words and music wash over them like a gentle shower and the Holy Spirit to fill their hearts. For this service Dean Wade was invited to join the Clergy and was resplendent in an elegant gold cope. The execution of the logistics of a service of this complexity and gravity falls on the shoulders of a host of Cathedral officials, ultimately on the Canon Precentor to fulfill the Bishop's instructions. Martin Shaw, Canon Precentor of the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Exeter discharges his duties with resolute care, and an indefatigable commitment to the pursuit of excellence in the worship God.  This has been evident from our first moments at the Cathedral. Before we began our residence  at Exeter, we attended the services on Sunday. The Evensong Service was in particular an indication of this gentleman's clear an present love of God. His fine voice was spot on in leading the Preces and Responses,  his oratorical abilities made the scripture readings come alive.
It was his sermon that night that told me that this was a man of God. Bringing the focus of the readings to this point: through the study of the Gospels, for him it matters not so much "what you believe", but "what you KNOW in your heart to be true". With that knowledge,  would we recognize our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ if he walked into a service in the form of the poor, the hopeless or the lost?
These lessons, these services and our voices coming together at this time...what will we learn from this?
Thanks be to God!

Richard W. Giles
Member of the Men's Choir
and sometimes Chaperone

Here are some pictures from our first few days in Exeter. We are having a great time, and we all feel so blessed to be here. We are looking foward to our first Evensong this evening at the Cathedral. More pictures and reflections to come later this week! :) 

Compline and afternoon activites on the Cathedral Greens.

The Cathedral

Selfie with some of the girls! 

Getting ready for some football outside! 

Few are sleeping, we're only about a third of the way along in our flight. This is my 7th trip and the 13th Cathedral in which  I will have been fortunate to have sung with these choirs. Each flight is similar: excited anticipation prior to take-off, then the slow settling to the close seats, the food (surprisingly tastey this trip), then the resignation to the length of the flight. More than any of that, I sense a feeling of eagerness to share with new listeners our gift: the sounds of praise and adoration to the Holy Trinity. The songs aren't new, but our singing them will be to those who hear. There is a certain eagerness for those whose live we will encounter at Exeter Cathedral to feel the words of the hymns, psalms, canticles and anthems that will be familiar to their ears, but coming from our united voices. We will walk the path of countless choristers before us and lend our voices to the aural history of that sacred space, and it will be a sound uniquely ours; that blend of these particular choristers at this particular time. There is no way to tell who will hear these holy sounds and maybe, just maybe share the joy of God's love with us as we sing. We pray that the Holy Spirit surrounds us and finds hearts to open and fill with that love. An opportunity for a connection awaits, may we find the Grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ to rise to that noble task. Thanks be to God for the challenge,  may we serve Him with our best.

Richard W. Giles 
Member of the Men's Choir 
and sometimes Chaperone 

Ambassadors of Our Church

Anyone who watched the choristers play in a park at sunset with Windsor Castle in the background would have thought they were thirty ordinary kids. However, these young people are anything but ordinary. It is amazing as a chaperone and parent to watch the discipline and dedication these choristers have to their mission of sharing God’s word through music. Traveling with any group is always challenging - but traveling with this group was a gift. They are an extraordinary talented group of young women and men who genuinely enjoy being members of Christ Church Cathedral choir. No complaint was heard about rehearsal time for they know they are rewarded with the beautiful music they make as the sound rings through York Minster. Visitors to the Minster were greeted with the amazing music as well as moved by experiencing this music. As a chaperone, I was so proud of this choir and quite in awe of their music. I also was so happy to get to know these young people better. They worked hard together but they also really enjoyed being together as friends. You see lots of smiling faces on this tour in the pictures taken because there were a lot of smiles on this trip. We as a church should be very proud of the services they sang in England as well as how well they represented us. These young choristers, along with the men of the choir, are truly ambassadors of our church and we are blessed to enjoy their amazing talent each Sunday.


Amanda Naish

Cherish Every Minute

This is the first time I've ever been out of the country, so everything felt more fun than if this was my second time. The plane was fun (and, as expected, the food on the plane was terrible). I also learned a lot of stuff on this trip. It might help me with my world history later in my educational career. I got to take tours of York, the Minster, London, Jorvik, Tower of London, Windsor Castle, and Castle Howard. My family has never been out of the country. So it was awesome being the first three to go out of the country. Also, I learned to cherish every minute of your life, because it doesn't last forever. England was really fun, but I'm just glad to be back in the land of the free and the home of the brave. My dad and brother really had fun because they probably cherished the time in England. They might not be able to go back to England. The cathedrals we sang in, I can't put that experience in words. It was just so fun. The history of it goes back to the Romans. Kings and queens maybe sat in those cathedrals. We didn't get to perform for the Queen, but I can only imagine if we did. This choir is one of the few boys choirs in the United States and has opened up a lot of opportunities for me, and probably for the whole choir. At my age, going to England would be like a desire, instead of something that could actually happen. So thank you to all the people that made this trip possible.


Virgil Lewis

Where Did You See God Today?

Touring with the choir in England was a surprisingly moving experience for me. Watching God work through the voices of the choir and building relationships with others caused the spirit to stir within me.  During evening compline, Dean Wade would ask, "Where did you see God today?"  The kids would talk about people they met,  friends helping each other, solos -- moments of God's gifts each day. So I asked myself, "Where did I see God?"

Taking part in services at York Minster -- the music, the smells, and the sermon -- all came together to move me to tears. This would be the norm for the next ten days.  Almost always it was a particular song that brought me to this point. After the services as we walked through the streets, my son Alden, a chorister, would say, "I knew you would like that song the best." Talking with others I realized I was not the only one having this experience. On a daily basis people would stop and ask if we were the choir singing at the Minster.  One evening, while walking down a back alley, miles from the cathedral, a young man stepped out of his apartment, out of breath from running down steps. As it turns out, he was from Cincinnati and he wanted to thank us for Evensong. He said he planned to attend the next evening as well.

It was times like this that I saw the Holy Spirit working, both in me personally, as well as through us as a group. This was evident in the people I met in the places we visited and also as I sat through services talking to those who came to worship. Their stories seemed more than just coincidence.


James Beers

"Jesus So Lowly"

Since 2007, I have had the amazing opportunity to travel to England four times. Each trip has given me memories I will forever hold close to my heart. This summer, I was privileged to join the choir in York and in Windsor. This trip truly stood apart from the rest. Perhaps it was the growing friendships I’ve had since I was little, or even the fact I’m able to appreciate what our choir does for music ministry. Growing up, I thought music to be music, and nothing in between. But now I can see what the music we give out to the world really does. It changes people just as much as it does me. Music is a healing thing, which affects each of us in a different way.

A tradition of mine in 2007 is that upon the very first step into a cathedral, I look up at the different god-inspired ceilings which tell a story and intertwine with the music we sing. One of my favorite memories within the church had to be during one of my favorite piece of music, "Jesus So Lowly." As we were singing the third verse, -- a more quiet and distinct one --  I looked up at the ceiling and saw these brilliant golden swirls lightly tracing into these indescribable shapes, and I felt this overwhelming sensation believing it to be God. I almost broke into tears. I heard these ringing coming from the voices around me that shook the room, a feeling I will absolutely never forget.

One other memory that stood out vividly was my journey to the hospital, to be treated for tonsilitis, and having an amazing conversation with my two favorite people, the Ballings. I also got the chance to appreciate York for what it gave us and finally understood the miracle of finding this choir, because without it, I would not be where I am today.


Brennan Burke

Purpleman

A fixture on Stonegate Road in York, the Purpleman is perched on his purple bicycle with purple hair, purple skin, purple everything. A tourist attraction himself, our younger boy choristers became friends with the man as our paths crossed several times each day walking to and from the Minster. On our last evening in York, we stopped to chat and drop some coins in his collection. Dressed in their white shirts, ties, and blue blazers, Purpleman told the boys that it was quite the honor to be singing in York Minster. The boys high-fived him, and Purpleman continued to entertain the thousands of people passing by each day.

As chaperones of the Christ Church Cathedral boys and girls choir on the recent trip to York and Windsor, we had the unique opportunity to witness firsthand the impact our choir has on regular people, even purple people. Running from here to there, keeping up with music folders, and searching for missing boy choristers' pants sometimes kept us from seeing how big an impact they really have.

There was the English gentleman outside the souvenir shop who stopped to tell the boys he heard them sing at the Minster and how moved he felt by the music. Another man, originally from Cincinnati but now living in York, came out of his apartment as we walked to dinner to tell us he heard the choir singing at the Cathedral and asked if he could hear them practice. The front desk clerk at the hostel where all the kids stayed came to Evensong just to hear them sing. The waitress at the small Italian restaurant pleaded with the boys for them to sing after learning of their Minster engagement. They happily obliged to not only her delight, but the kitchen staff as well.

As parents and chaperones, there is nothing quite like hearing 43 voices blend seamlessly in the centuries old places of worship steeped in history and tradition. The real story, though, is that these boys and girls and men are touching lives around the world as they sing of God's glory, majesty, and love. The Purpleman got it right - quite an honor, indeed.





John Dailey

Incredible Privilege

Almost three years ago, the Cathedral music ministry received invitations from York Minster Cathedral and St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle to sing in their hallowed and historic houses of worship. This article is a series of recollections by choristers and chaperones meant to highlight our recent tour experiences "across the pond." I encourage you to delight in the challenges, joys, daily disciplines, spiritual awakenings and new friendships we forged together. What a joy and incredible privilege it was to lead such a talented and dedicated team of musicians and parents!


Erich Balling, Canon Musician

Kindling Holiness

"Look!" exclaimed one voice.  "What do you see?" I asked.  "Real candles!"  Standing in the Quire of York Minster Cathedral as we were about to begin rehearsal for Evensong, my eye was directed to the candlelit sconces that graced the choir stalls at measured intervals.  In one of England's largest Gothic cathedrals, this relatively small detail had enormous impact.  Rather than the small electric lamp stands so often found in other cathedral quires, the candlelit sconces at York cast a halo of light that shimmered with holiness and enveloped all in a glow of warmth and hospitality.

Our stay at York Minster was rich and full.  In no time, the musicians of Christ Church Cathedral commanded the space with their signature warmth and and exquisite skill.  Their gifts were beautifully matched with those of our host cathedral.  The dean, clergy, vergers and countless volunteers of York Minister welcomed us each day and effortlessly folded us into the life and leadership of worship as if it were our home.

Each day, curious tourists were drawn to the Quire during our rehearsals and found themselves staying long past their intended departure so that they could attend Evensong. Day by day the numbers grew of those who said that they attended worship on our first day and were compelled to return to hear this lovely American choir.  Faithful worshippers from across the world introduced themselves as we joyfully greeted familiar faces from Christ Church Cathedral who had arranged their summer travel to coincide with our residency at York. Choir members were often recognized throughout the town, thanked for their leadership of worship and cheered along their way.

Each night, as we gathered for our night prayers the choristers gave thanks for the gifts of the day and shared aloud where they had seen God.  The kindnesses shown to us throughout the day did not go unnoticed.  When spoken aloud, they seemed to inspire the choristers to also notice the many small acts of kindness offered by their fellow choristers, choir men and faithful chaperones.  Their words of gratitude kindled a warmth not unlike the candlelit sconces of the York Minister Quire, and a sense of belonging grew.

Jesus said that the kingdom of God is like the smallest of seeds; yet when sown in the ground, it grows into greatest of trees where the birds of the air can make nests in its branches.
                                                                  -Mark 4:30-32; Luke


Dean Carol Wade

York Minster

My experience in York Minster was a once in a lifetime experience. The opportunity of being able to sing in a cathedral over a thousand years old is truly fantastic. After seeing the York Minster choir perform on Sunday, our whole choir was in true awe of the choir and the sound that could be made in the minster. And it was possible because of the wonderful hospitality shown at the York Minster. One of the biggest part of my experience in York was a change in vocal parts this year in England, as I shifted from the Cathedral Boys Choir to the Cathedral Men's Choir. It is a great experience learning the alto parts in pieces, but even better that I had the chance to be able to do that at York Minster. I also enjoy the trips to England, and the different cultures of the different cities we have visited.


Edward Naish

Sharing the Gospel Through Music

Our time in York has been truly amazing. The Cathedral Choir has been greeted extraordinarily well and made feel welcome wherever we go. 

Our days have included times of rehearsals, meal times, excursions in and outside of the city walls. Each day, we sing Evensong for hundreds of pilgrims and tourists, sharing the gospel of Christ through music. 

 

The choristers have worked diligently on their craft and as a result have received high marks for their singing and presentation in Yorkminster. Many have mistaken them for the Minster Choir! What a tremendous place this is historically, geographically and so filled with the Spirit of God. Thank you for your prayers and deep support as we move forward in our journey. 

Erich Balling, Canon Musician

Becoming Part of History

York, England is an intriguing city. Everywhere you turn, there is
some piece of history that murmurs with the past: the column that
stood in the Roman fortress, the ancient Monk Gate and the walls of
the city of York, the famous Shambles street, as well as streets made
with cobblestones.

York Minster Cathedral has its own history and secrets. Built in the
13th century on top of the ruins of the ancient Roman fortress, the
Cathedral houses Medieval stained glass windows, the vaults of past
Archbishops, and the beautiful painted organ pipes. Few musicians in
the world have conducted, sung, or played the organ in the Minster. To
be able to become part of the Minster's musical history is utterly
incomprehensible.

Erich, Kathleen, and I got the rare chance of being alone in the
Cathedral on Tuesday night. After finishing our practice and
preparation for Evensong the next day, we stood in the Nave of the
Cathedral at 10:50pm and were silent, looking up at the tower. You
could sense the walls, the artifacts, the windows, even the air around
you whispering history, expressing stories of the past. Over the
hundreds of years that the Cathedral has stood, many people have
worshiped God, have come to know Christ, have heard heaven-like music,
and have been laid to rest in this sacred space. To hear the silence
of the York Minster spoke volumes. To now have our God-given talent
and gifts to be a part of the Minster's musical history is truly an
honor and a blessing from God.

                                       Soli Deo Gloria

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father
of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. ~
James 1:17

Lisa Hall, Assistant Cathedral Organist

An Eye-Opening Experience

My experience in York has been an eye-opening experience. Compared with my trips to Lincoln and Ely, this has been just as successful a trip, if not more. Our musical achievements have been breathtaking and our other activities have been extremely entertaining and fulfilling. The experience of singing in the Minster is like no other, as the acoustics of the cathedral are extremely unique. Gardiner's Evening Hymn was notable, as the volume required for parts of that piece is only enhanced by the huge echo of the room. To see the faces of the congregation as they listen to us sing is truly outstanding.

Connor Dellarosa

New posts from the 2014 Choir Tour coming soon!

The Cathedral Choir will be heading off to England July 18, 2014, through July 28, 2014. Check back here to follow their experience this summer!