How do I join the Choir?
It's easy. No auditions. No advanced musical skills required.
Just come to a rehearsal. We'll take it from there.
Not sure? How about a no-risk trial?
From September through June we meet on Sundays at 11:15 AM in the South Transept of the Church and you are most welcome to join us. If you're not sure about making a commitment, that's okay. Come to rehearsal, sit with the choristers in the section that best suits your voice (soprano, alto, tenor, or bass), and follow along. See what you think. No obligation to continue unless you want to.
What happens at rehearsal
At rehearsals we warm up by reviewing the hymns for Sunday and then we work together on several upcoming musical offerings. We start with the basics and learn everything part by part. No sight reading necessary. Each chorister is assigned a music edition of the Common Praise (1998) hymn book, a music folder with all the scores you need so you can take them home, and a choir robe and surplice to wear during services.
What happens on Sundays
Choristers arrive in time to don our choir robes, gather our music, and attend a warmup at 9:30 am. A few minutes before the 10 am Service begins, we gather in the Bonis Room. After a prayer, we follow the Crucifer in procession into the church.
The Choir leads the congregation in an Opening Hymn, a Gradual Hymn, an Offertory Hymn, two Communion Hymns, and a Closing Hymn. We also lead the sung parts of the Liturgy.
All baptized Christians are invited to receive Communion. If you are not baptized or do not wish to receive, you are invited to come for a blessing. Indicate this by crossing your arms over your chest. If you would like a gluten-free wafer, please indicate this to the Celebrant.
After Communion, the Choir presents a musical offering. We have a particularly broad repertoire that includes everything from traditional English anthems to contemporary Christian music.
At the end of the service, the Choir processes to the Bonis Room, receives a blessing, and is dismissed to join the Music Director for rehearsal for the following Sunday.
What happens on special occasions
The Choir sings at special services on Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. We also are sometimes required at additional special services. Schedules are posted well in advance.