Following a successful forty-year tenure as Director of Music, Linda Gavenda retired at the end of August, 2022. At the same time, Victor Gavenda retired after twenty-five years as Choirmaster. While they are greatly missed, St. Clement’s quality music and choral programs continue during this interim period.

We are blessed to have Jake Street as our Interim Choir Director and Organist. Jake has served a number of congregations, most recently as Director of Music at St. Paul’s on the Green in Norwalk, CT. He holds graduate degrees from Oberlin and Yale.

Choirs

Youth Choir (Grades 3-12)

The Youth Choir is lead by Maggie Ruenzel. It sings most Sundays during the school year, rehearsing one hour before the service.

The Youth Choir offers a calm, fun, and educational atmosphere. We welcome new members ages seven and up, with an interest in singing being the only prerequisite.

Adult Choir

The Adult Choir is one of St. Clement’s most beloved institutions. Talented vocalists gather each week to support services and share in the gift of music. Rehearsals take place after the worship service on Sundays.

Composed largely of volunteer singers from the congregation, the choir is supported by talented section leaders, including Helen Hampton, soprano; Victor Gold. alto; and Jasper Patch, bass.

Instruments in the Sanctuary

The sanctuary at St. Clement’s is well-supplied with keyboard instruments that are used to accompany hymns, service music, and anthems, as well as to provide music for reflection and celebration. These include a two-manual pipe organ by Swain and Kates, a single-manual harpsichord by John Phillips, and an upright Yamaha piano.

Corvo String Quartet

This fine ensemble plays regularly at St. Clement’s on important feast days and other special occasions. It consists of violinists Sara Usher and Rachel Durling, violist Shira Kammen, and cellist David Morris.

The Really Terrible String Orchestra

On the third Sunday of each month, the RTSO rehearses in the Music Room in Palache Hall. Bring an instrument, stand, and your sense of humor! Under the wing of Corvo String Quartet violinist Sara Usher and cellist David Morris, and sponsored by St. Clement’s, this fun and informal gathering is for musically challenged and passionate adult string players. For more information, contact: RTSO-SFBay@comcast.net.

Instrumentalists

The music department occasionally features support from instrumentalists. Violin, Cello, Recorder, Flute, Trumpet, and Mandolin have been featured throughout the year.