​Choral music has played an important role at St. Peter's since we first opened our doors in 1893, and a vested choir of men and boys began singing for services on Easter Day, 1904. Today we have choral and handbell programs embracing singers of all ages, providing a rich offering of music for our worship. We also host free musical events throughout the program year as a gift to our community.

​Choirs are important communities that foster Christian formation, spread the Good News of Jesus, and grow the church. Contact Mark Trautman, Director of Music, for more information. 
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​​Parish Choir

The Parish Choir is a dedicated group of adults, anchored by four professional section leaders, Taryn Spoto (soprano), Giulia Utz (alto), Michael Barretti (tenor), and Kevin Johnson, (baritone). Our repertoire ranges from chant to Renaissance motets, Anglican anthems, jazz, gospel, spirituals, and more. Highlights of this past year include the Requiem in D minor of Gabriel Fauré, works with chamber orchestra, and more. New members are always welcome, and rehearsals are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.​ during the academic year. See our 2024-2025 repertoire here.

Handbell Choir

The Handbell Choir enhances and supports choral and congregational singing. We ring three octaves of Malmark handbells and play at the 10 a.m. service about once a month during the program year, as well as other special occasions. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the south transept of the main church.

St. Peter's Music Fund

Music at St. Peter's has long served as a respite of beauty and refreshment to the greater West Essex Community. Guest instrumentalists enhance our musical offerings throughout the year, especially at Christmas and Easter. In addition, our Memorial Music fund helps us augment our Parish Choir with four fine professional singers. Gifts may be made at any time in memoriam, in honor of a loved one, and in thanksgiving. Email Mark Trautman, Director of Music, to find out more. 

Musicians of St. Peter's

Mary Léontine Roosevelt Leaycraft "constituted the entire choir from 1896 until 1903." She was a first cousin of President Theodore Roosevelt, and her husband was one of the founders of the Essex Fells Country Club.  In 1903, Samuel and May Mountenay organized a choir of men and boys, which practiced in their home in Caldwell prior to their first appearance on Easter Day, 1904. Mr. Mountenay was the first choirmaster and an early vestryman; Mrs. Mountenay made all the choir robes herself and served as choir mother until her death in 1943. The choir stood where the chapel organ pipes now stand, and the area was accessed through a trap door to the cellar where the choir would vest. Caroline Schofield served as organist during the early years of the choir, and the organ was pumped by hand by Roger Maxwell until a new, tubular-pneumatic Midmer organ was installed in 1915-1916.

Musicians who served St. Peter's since have included a "Mrs. Keyes" (1915), Edith Albinson (1923), Reginald Church (1942), Mrs. Winifred Cornish (1942-1945), Edward A. Hillmuth, Jr. (1945-1957), Joseph T. Elliot, Jr. (1957-1966), David W. Friedell (1966-1969), John W. Van Sant (1969-1972) Janet H. Hein (1974-1990), Marc A. McGinnis (1990-1992), John J. Ferguson (1993-1999), Andrew Krystopolski, Matthew Robertson, John Pivarnik (2012-2021), Barbara and Noel Piercy (Interim, 2022-2024), and Mark Trautman (2024-).