Music @ St. Bernard's Episcopal Church Bernardsville, NJ

Music @ St. Bernard's

Bless, O Lord, us Thy servants,who minister in Thy temple.

Grant that what we sing with our lips,we may believe in our hearts,

and what we believe in our hearts,we may show forth in our lives.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

MARTIN SEDEK-MUSIC DIRECTOR resize 1 .jpg

Dr. Martin (Marty) Sedek, Music Director

Polish-American composer and conductor Martin Sędek was born in Germany and raised in Poland and the United States. He is an award-winning voice in the world of choral and orchestral music, educated at Berklee College of Music in Boston (BM), Montclair State University (MM), and Rutgers University (PhD).

Martin is Composer-in-Residence at Harmonium Choral Society & The Baldwin Festival Chorus of NYC and is currently the Music Director and Conductor of Choral Art Society of NJ, Associate Conductor for The Masterwork Chorus, and the full-time Director of Music at Keio Academy of NY. Martin was a member of the choral and theory faculties at Montclair State University’s Cali School of Music from 2011-2020, and his music has been performed throughout the United States, Europe, and Africa and commissioned by professional ensembles around the US.

Notable composition awards include the Yale Glee Club Emerging Composer Award (2015) and the Stephen Paulus Prize (2018). He is a regular visiting lecturer in the collegiate composition studio throughout the US and his works are published by Ovation Music & Hal Leonard. His recordings are available on the Albany and Ovation Music Media labels. Marty has worked in several churches over the past 15 years, as a section leader and soloist, accompanist, and music director.

Choir @ St. Bernard's

We believe in the wisdom of Saint Augustine when he said to sing is to pray twice.

Music has long been a central facet in the worship of the Anglican-Episcopal heritage. At Saint Bernard’s Church it is positively a highlight of our common life. Under the direction of Music Director, Dr. Martin (Marty) Sedek, our rich musical tradition continues. Simply put, the choir of Saint Bernard’s is exceptional. We are passionate about and deeply committed to the promotion of excellence in all our music programs.

The Parish Choir sings each Sunday at the 10:00 a.m. Eucharist September through June, and for special occasions throughout the year. It is composed of professional and volunteer choristers. The repertoire is a blend of traditional and modern music rooted in the Anglican choral tradition.

Membership requirements include an audition and a commitment of Sunday mornings from 8:30 a.m. until the conclusion of the Eucharist. St. Bernard’s is well known in the area for its fine music program. Membership is by audition only.

Please contact the Church Office for membership information.

Children's Choir

The Children's Choir at St. Bernard's is directed by Samantha Ferrara, St. Bernard's Choir member and graduate of Westminster Choir College. The choir rehearses over sessions of 6 weeks (2-3 times a year) after the Sunday Eucharist from 11:30 am - 12 pm then sing with the congregation on the final week. All 2nd to 8th Grade children are welcome to join. No auditon or experience required.

Unfortunately due to Covid-19 the Children's Choir is on hiatus until further notice.