As an Episcopal congregation, we are blessed with the glorious heritage of Anglican Choral Music: Hymns, Psalms, and Service Music for congregation and well-rehearsed choirs. As an American and international and international congregation, we draw also upon the best traditions of other Western and Eastern liturgical churches: Catholic, Lutheran, and Orthodox, to name but a few. In addition to English, we sing in Latin, Greek, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Hebrew, Slavonic, and Hawaiian, as appropriate to the composition and the occasion. We take great care in choosing and preparing music which reflects upon the readings for the day, and will feed our minds and souls both in the present, and for years to come.
Music for the Congregation
In a typical Sunday Eucharist, we sing Service Music (Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Christ our Passover, Agnus Dei), the Gradual Psalm (metrical, Anglican, or plainsong), the Sursum Corda (our most ancient connection with early Christians and the Church around the globe), and Hymns from The Hymnal, 1982, the supplement Wonder, Love, and Praise, and other sources. Very few parishes can boast of such a large and varied congregational repertoire.
Choirs
Christ Church has long supported a number of choirs for children, teens, and adults, both to lead congregational singing, and to offer exquisite choral music as an integral part of our worship. The choirs enrich our services on a regular basis with special Psalms, Anthems, Motets, Masses, and Descants.
Choristers
Boys and Girls in Grades 3-8
No previous musical background is required. Training in vocal production and music reading is woven into each rehearsal.
Rehearsals - Thursdays - 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Sundays - Warmups - 8:25 am
Service 9:00 am
The regular participation in leading liturgical worship is a fantastic experience of ritual and spirituality, which will last a lifetime. IN no other area of church life can children of this age function and contribute on an equal basis with adults!
Choir
Teens & Adults may audition. Consideration is given to:
Meeting the schedule on a regular basis
Sense of pitch and ability to blend
Music reading skills.
Rehearsals - Thursday - 8:00 - 10:00 pm
Sundays - Warmups - 10:15 am
Service - 11:00 am
Christ Church Choir draws on the fullest of traditions in offering choral music of many styles and historical periods during liturgical celebrations. We are blessed with the singing talents and efforts of many volunteer members, teen Choral Scholars, and also the skills of six dedicated professional Section Leaders. Eight times a year we are privileged to offer choral settings of the communion service ("Mass of the Month,") often a Viennese Classical Mass with strings, or perhaps an a cappella masterwork of Renaissance polyphony.
SUMMER CHOIR
June, July, and August
Children & Adults
Sundays - Rehearsal - 9:15 am
Service - 10:00 am
Come for a single Sunday, or several weeks. Rehearse directly before the Eucharist. Prepare a simple Psalm, Anthem, and Motet.
