Sing what words cannot say.
Sometimes praise rises easily. Sometimes it comes more quietly: longing, questions, or a prayer you do not quite have words for yet. At Saint Peter’s, music helps us listen for God together and join our voices to something larger than ourselves.
Music in Worship
Each week, music helps carry our prayers — when words feel too small, or when we need help finding them. It gives shape to what is stirring in us, and holds what we cannot yet say.
At Saint Peter's in Arlington, Virginia, our worship draws from a wide and living tradition: ancient plainchant, classic Episcopal hymnody, contemporary compositions, and songs being written today. Our adult choir and Saint Cecilia youth choir lead the singing at the 10:15 a.m. Sunday service, accompanied by our Director of Music, Jim Selway.
You do not need to know the music. You do not need to sing perfectly. You do not need to have it all figured out. Just come, and let yourself be carried — held in a song larger than any one voice, and shared among us all.
Join the music
More than 60 musicians help lead worship at Saint Peter's — offering their voices, instruments, and joy as a gift to the whole community.
Our music program is led by Jim Selway, a Juilliard-trained musician with decades of experience working with singers and instrumentalists of all levels. Under his direction, our adult choir, Saint Cecilia youth choir, handbell ensemble, and smaller ensembles draw from the full breadth of the choral tradition.
Some singers have sung for years; others are just beginning to find their voice. All are welcome. No audition required.
Adult choir rehearses Wednesdays, 7:30–9:00 p.m. Youth choir (grades 2–12) rehearses Wednesdays, 6:45–7:30 p.m.
Concerts & Community Music
Beyond worship, music at Saint Peter's in Arlington continues throughout the year in public concerts and community events.
Our annual Messiah Sing-Along, typically held on the second Sunday of December at 4250 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA, draws singers and listeners from across the Northern Virginia area. Handel's beloved oratorio is shared in the spirit of open, joyful community music-making.
Our Circle of Friends concert series features local musicians in several performances each year. Spring and fall choral concerts by the adult choir and ensembles offer additional opportunities to hear live choral music in a warm, welcoming setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Singers of all experience levels are welcome in the adult choir. Just show up on a Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. and introduce yourself to Jim Selway, our Director of Music.
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Yes! The Saint Cecilia Choir is open to students in grades 4 through 12 at Saint Peter's in Arlington, VA. No prior experience is required. Youth choir rehearses Wednesday evenings from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m.
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Yes. Our Circle of Friends concerts, Messiah Sing-Along, and seasonal choral concerts are free and open to the whole community.
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Jim Selway, our Director of Music, is a Juilliard-trained musician with decades of experience. He also coaches singers individually as they prepare for auditions.
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Our repertoire spans ancient plainchant, classical choral works, Episcopal hymnody, and contemporary compositions — drawing from across the Christian tradition and the wider world of choral music.
A Lewis & Hitchcock Organ
Saint Peter's is grateful to have a 38-rank pipe organ developed by Lewis & Hitchcock Organ Builders with additional digital voices by Walker Technical Company. The large rebuilt three manual console is from the Old Post Chapel, Ft. Myer, Virginia.
The organ is used regularly in services at Saint Peter's and is often featured in concerts.
Featured Music
Listen to a few of the songs that help shape worship at Saint Peter’s.
Jesus Shall Reign
And Catch
the Heart Offguard
Praise God
from Whom
All Blessings Flow
