Story: Ann McChesney-Young and Nicole Walters; Photo: Penny Washbourne
St. Columba’s Inverness is a beautiful and welcoming place for anyone seeking solace, spiritual growth, ecological discipleship, and a friendly community. Nestled in the heart of this vibrant congregation is the Iona Choir, led by Ann McChesney-Young, who promotes the concept of the entire congregation as one big choir, singing to God. Ann says, “The Iona Choir’s role is not to perform, but to lead the congregation (the Choir-in-the-Pews), to enable and encourage them to sing, to help them learn new songs; and to underlay contemplation in our liturgy.”
Prior to St. Columba’s, Ann was a member of the St. Mark’s Choir in Berkeley, under George Emblom’s leadership. She and her husband, John, were also members of the New Skellig Celtic Christian Community led by Fr. Vincent Pizzuto, where Ann played Celtic harp during meditation. When Fr. Vincent answered the call to become Vicar at St. Columba’s in 2017, he asked Ann if she knew anyone who played piano, because they were in desperate need of help with music. Ann said she played piano and could help out while they looked for someone, and over the next several months it became apparent that the someone was her. Ann had a background of playing and singing in a variety of churches since age 11, as well as a mix of classical and folk music experience. She had retired from her career in spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation nursing. “At this point,” Ann says, “I was very fortunate to audit George Emblom’s two courses at CDSP in Church Music Resources and Liturgical Chant. These courses and George’s mentorship were life-changing and enabled me to grow into this role much more fully.”
Ann’s goal is to create the best music we can with the resources and skill levels we have, while making it accessible for congregational singing. One of her guiding principles is that God evaluates our music not by our skill, but by the love with which we offer it.
Some members of the Iona Choir have difficulty reading music, and geographical spread makes midweek choir practice impossible (except occasional Zooms), so Ann sends the music PDFs and recordings each week for members to learn at home, either by reading and/or by ear. Then they come together for practice the hour before each service. They currently have 10 members, but most Sundays an average of 5-6 are present. Weekly attendance is not possible for everyone, and not required. Prospective new members are very welcome! Contact Ann at [email protected]. Additional singers are also welcome to join in for special services, such as Lessons and Carols, Taize? Prayer, and other celebrations.
Katherine Mitchell, a long-time choir member, offers a heartfelt testament to the role of the choir in her life. Beginning her journey with the choir during a Triduum retreat in 2018, Katherine discovered a renewed passion for singing, attributing her growth as a vocalist to Ann’s supportive and patient guidance. She says she didn’t think much of it when she checked the box on the retreat registration saying she would sing in the choir. “It turns out, it was the most significant box I’ve ever checked in my life,” she recalls. She says the sense of community within the choir is palpable. When a member is absent, their presence is missed, underscoring the tight-knit nature of this musical family.
“Ann has faith in our ability to learn and grow and enjoy music,” Katherine shares, saying she has grown in her ability to read music, and that at age 84 her musical ability and knowledge are still growing. She describes Ann as warm, creative, and bringing songs from a diversity of musical traditions. “It’s a gift to every person in the church.”
In Ann’s words, “God loves your singing when it is sung in love. And it’s really good for you: physically, emotionally, and spiritually.” St. Columba’s Inverness cordially invites you to come visit and sing with us!
You are also invited to join St. Columba’s monthly Evensong on Zoom, usually the first Thursday of each month, through our Virtual Chapel: stcolumbasinverness.org/virtual-chapel. Many other events and classes are available, both in-person and online, found at stcolumbasinverness.org.
