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Choirs and Handbell Guilds

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10436192_10153176575819578_1254144256433200050_nThere are comprehensive choral and handbell groups for all ages. Participants are taught the importance of music in Christian worship and are trained in the liturgy of this parish church becoming familiar with the enduring hymns of the Church as well as ecclesiastical choral and instrumental music.

For children, youth and adults without a musical background, instruction in the rudiments of music is taught through the various choirs and handbell ensembles. Children’s youth and handbell choirs rehearse from September to the end of April. The Sanctuary Choir sings year-round, with reduced rehearsals in July and August. The music program at St.Stephen is led by Chris Widomski, Interim Director of Music & Organist.

Sanctuary Choir

Sanctuary Choir

Rehearses each Thursday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. and Sunday mornings from 10:25-10:45 a.m., Choir Room.

Requirements are a pleasant singing voice with great emphasis on ability to blend with the ensemble. All singers are expected to participate fully in all events for which the choir is scheduled to sing. Repertoire includes standard classical choral music from plainsong to recently composed music. This group provides musical leadership at numerous events throughout the season in addition to the 11:00 a.m. Worship Service.

 

Children’s Choirs

Rehearses each Wednesday from 5:15 – 6:00 p.m., September to May, in Room 223 of the Education Building.  And on Sundays, 9:45 – 10:00 a.m. in Room 223 (Children’s Choir Room) in the Education Building.

Basic instruction in music including recognition of musical signs and symbols; study of church symbols; “singing” repertoire is taken exclusively from Presbyterian Hymnal – learning the first stanza of many hymns – plus a few “silly-songs.” Our aim is to acquaint each child with the hymns and service music of the church so that when they do begin to sit with their parents in church there are “anchors” throughout the service which are familiar to them and in which they can participate, even if it means singing the first stanza of a hymn four or five times as the rest of the This group sings in the 11:00 a.m. Worship Service about five times per season. Their repertoire consists mainly of hymns and service music from the Presbyterian Hymnal.

 

St. Swithun Handbell Guild (Adults)

Rehearses Thursdays 5:30 – 6:15 p.m.,  September to May, Bell Choir Room, located in the Sanctuary.  There is a smaller group willing to rehearse in the summer months too.  Karla Campbell is the volunteer director.  Contact Karla via e-mail:

Karla Campbell   hornedfrogpride@aol.com

St. Swithun HB Guild plays about once a month in the 11:00 a.m. Worship Service. Repertoire includes a variety of music.

 

St. Columba Guild of Acolytes (Adult and Youth)

Provides personnel for carrying the two processional crosses, the processional banner, Holy Bible, and torches in each week’s 11:00 a.m. Worship Service, as well as for all special services needing a processional and a recessional. Both females and males serve in this capacity.