The singing of hymns is as old as scripture itself. As Christians, we regard music as a special, consecrated gift from the very heart of God. Our ministry of music encourages members to develop their abilities from an early age (such as the four-year-old and five-year-old Cherub Choir) in order to serve as leaders in worship.
Rehearsals are designed to strengthen the individual’s skills and prepare their spirits in such a way that the music can become a sacrament of God’s true presence, grace, and love.
Voices, handbells, and a variety of instruments offer music in weekly services and for festivals ranging from the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols to major works with combined choirs and orchestra. Most ensembles are non-auditioned and welcome new members throughout the year.
Chancel Choir
Rehearsals are Wednesdays | 7-8:30 p.m. | Room 263
A non-auditioned, mixed ensemble which leads music in morning worship at 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. most Sundays of the year. Repertoire is drawn from across the entire spectrum of sacred choral music. Ministry highlights include the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols and the Sacred Spring Concert, which features major works with orchestra. The choir also participates in local events around the community. Childcare is provided during all rehearsals.
Chapel Youth Choir
Rehearsals are Sundays during the school year
4-5:30 p.m. | Room 263
Open to all youth in 6th through 12th grades. Offers music in worship once a month and makes an annual concert/mission tour. Previous tours have included NYC, Chicago, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Quebec City, Seattle, and Portland. Repertoire includes contemporary, classical, folk and world music.
Children’s Choirs
All children’s choirs rehearse on Wednesday afternoons at 4:30 p.m. from August through May.
- Cherub Choir
Open to children in 4-year-old and 5-year-year-old Kindergarten. Cherubs sing Bible songs, silly songs, folk songs, move a great deal, and learn to match pitch while expanding their musical knowledge. Cherub Choir debuts in Worship in December and sings regularly the second half of the year. - Carol Choir
Open to children in 1st and 2nd grade. In this choir, children develop music reading skills and learn basic vocal techniques. They offer music in Worship on a regular basis. - Chorister Choir
Open to children in the 3rd – 5th grade. As we are an affiliate church, Choristers are eligible to participate in the Royal School of Church Music’s Voice For Life training scheme. The choir presents a
fully-staged musical in the spring and leads music in worship throughout the season.
Orchestra
Open to all instrumentalists high school age and up. The orchestra performs pieces for worship, accompanies the various choirs, and forms the core of the orchestra for sacred and other dramatic
presentations.
Handbell Choirs
For our two handbell choirs, rehearsals are Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. in Room 209 or Sundays from 6-7 p.m. in Room 209. The Handbell Choir is open to all interested individuals with an ability to read music. This group plays during Worship on a monthly basis.
Music Special Events
- Sacred Spring Concert
Past works include W.A. Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Mendelssohn’s Hymn of Praise, John Rutter’s Requiem, and the Fauré Requiem. - Music Ministry Open House
One night each fall and spring to make music, meet new friends, and become involved with our Music Ministry. - Music In Ministry Sunday
An annual service in the fall for all members of the Music Ministry to consecrate their talents for God’s worship. - Service of Lessons and Carols
Each Advent, through readings and carols, the “whole story of our Redemption” is recounted from the Garden of Eden to the birth of Christ.
