Ministry of Music at Grace
For some people it is music, not
words that carries them into the
presence of God. For others, it is
silence.
But most people need all three:
words, music, and silence to lead
them into the spirit of worship.
The Church has always used music in
its worship: easy music for
everyone, more intricate music for
musicians. The music of a church,
like its architecture and stained
glass, intends to be the finest that
can be made. Some of the music at
Grace is almost as old as
Christianity itself; some of it is
modern. The music unites us with the
universal Church of all times and
places. It is offered to God on
behalf of all people who seek to
worship God is spirit and truth.
The Music Ministry of Grace offers
opportunities for sharing your
prayers, presence, gifts, and
service. These opportunities include
graded choirs, Kindermusik,
handbells, praise bands,
instrumentalists, and choir helpers.
Graded Choirs for the fall of 2006
include offerings for children,
youth, and adults. Children’s choirs
include Carillon Choir (grades two
and three) and Wesley Singers
(grades four, five, six, and seven),
Grace Singers for youth (grades
eight, nine, ten, eleven, and
twelve).
Fall Season
September 10 through December 17
Spring Season
January 7 through April 22
Carillon Choir Sunday afternoons
5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
The Carillon Choir is offered to
children who are enrolled in grades
two and three. The choir is
organized as a training choir with
an emphasis on finding the singing
voice, learning about the seasons of
the church year, experiencing music
while learning the symbols of music.
Children transition from rote
learning of music to note reading of
music. The Carillon Choir shares in
worship leadership approximately
four times during the choir season.
Wesley Singers Sunday afternoons
5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
The Wesley Singers is offered to
children who are enrolled in grades
four, five, six, and seven. The
choir provides children with the
opportunity to sing regularly in
worship. Building on previous choir
experiences, singers learn more
about music reading. Hymn studies
are central to the choir curriculum.
Grace Singers Sunday afternoons 5:00
p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
The Grace Singers is offered to
youth who are enrolled in grades
eight, nine, ten, eleven, and
twelve. The choir sings each month
at the 11:00 a.m. worship service. A
wide range of choral music is used
to introduce singers to the varied
styles of sacred music. Part-singing
and emphasis on developing a choral
sound are stressed while preparing
youth for transition into college
and adult choral settings.
Grace Notes Wednesday
afternoons 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
The Grace Notes
is an informal choir that allows
adults the opportunity to gather for
singing each week. The group sings
once a month at the 8:30 a.m.
service. Traditional gospel songs,
hymns, and contemporary choruses are
the primary repertoire for the Grace
Notes.
Chancel Choir Wednesday evenings
7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
The Chancel Choir is the principal
choir for the 11:00 a.m. worship
service. In addition to weekly
worship responsibilities, the
Chancel Choir participates in
additional services throughout the
liturgical year.
Through age-appropriate group
lessons, Kindermusik allows infants,
pre-schoolers, and young children to
explore rhythm, melody, listening,
movement, and playing simple
instruments. Pre-registration is
held twice a year. There are 15
classes per semester.
Parents/guardians pay a semester fee
that covers the cost of home
materials and instruments.
Scholarships are available to assist
with the cost of materials when
needed. Complete information
concerning Kindermusik sessions is
available from the church office.
Teachers in the Kindermusik program
are have completed specialized
training and are licensed by
Kindermusik. Classes offered at
Grace include the following:
for newborns to
age 18 months for 18 months to age
three for ages five to seven for
ages three to five.
Handbells
Wesley Ringers
Wesley Ringers is a beginning bell
choir that uses choir chimes to
introduce bell ringing technique.
Music reading skills are required.
A rehearsal schedule will be
established based upon interest and
commitment of children to weekly
rehearsals.
Chancel Bells
The Chancel Bells is a handbell
choir open to youth and adults.
Music reading skills are required. A
rehearsal schedule will be
established based upon interest and
commitment of youth and adults to
weekly rehearsals.
Praise Bands
Praise bands support our
contemporary worship service.
Instrumentalists and vocalists are
needed. Individuals interested in
participation in a praise band
should contact Marianne Harlan.
Instrumentalists
Pianists to assist church school
classes are regularly needed.
Ability to play hymns in a style
that supports singing and
sightreading ability are helpful
skills. Instrumentalists are often
needed to assist with anthems or to
provide solo music for the voluntary
or offertory. Interested individuals
should contact the Director of
Music.
Choir Helpers
Adults who can assist with
children’s choir rehearsals are
appreciated. Tasks such as assisting
with robing, helping with choir
activities, and supporting the
teaching environment are just a few
of the ways you can help. Please let
choir leaders know if you are
interested.