Choirs

Adult Choir

The Adult Choir is open to all post-high school people who enjoy singing. Our choir sings most Sundays during the school year [after Labor Day through early June]. In addition to helping lead the congregation, the Adult Choir sings on Christmas Eve at the Festival Worship service and on Easter at the early and middle services. Our repertoire spans several centuries and offers a variety of musical styles. In addition to the full choir, we have small vocal ensembles occasionally participating in the service. Annually we join with other area choirs in presenting a choral service at Valparaiso University.

Handbell Choir

The Handbell Choir meets weekly during the school year. Using our 3 octaves of Schulmerich handbells, our ringers play approximately every 4~6 weeks. We work on ringing techniques, dynamics, rhythm, and playing together as one instrument [which is not as easy as it appears!]. In addition to works specifically written for handbells, we are also called upon to accompany choral works and congregational hymns. The

Contemporary Team

The Contemporary Team consists of instrumentalists and vocalists interested in offering an alternative musical option for the worshippers at Christ Lutheran Church. Contemporary services are offered every other week at the late service time during the church seasons of Pentecost, Epiphany, and Easter [approximately 12-16 times per year]. We welcome all to participate. Rehearsals are held the week before each contemporary service.

Festival musicians

From time to time we have additional musical assistance during our worship services. We encourage brass, string and woodwind players of all ages to join their talents in praising the Lord.

Christ Lutheran Church endeavors to encourage children and youth to share their musical talents as an expression of their love for God and as a way of serving Him. The Pastor, Music Director and Associate Music Dir, approve, nurture and guide those talents so that worshipful, praiseworthy music may be an offering to inspire and enhance the worship experience. There are many opportunities for all ages.

The Beginner, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten Sunday School classes learn to praise God in song lead by the Sunday School Music Leader during Sunday School openings. They occasionally share the songs they learn at Sunday-worship services including the Sunday School Christmas Service and at special Sunday School closing sessions. They learn the joy of praising God through music and sharing music with others as they learn about God and His love for them.

Beginner's Choir

The Beginner's Choir comprised of First and Second Grade Sunday School Students, directed by the Associate Music Director. Music is shared during worship including the Sunday School Christmas Service and occasionally at Sunday School closing sessions. Children learn the basics of choir singing; following directions, pitch matching, breathing techniques. Rhythm is encouraged with use of rhythm instruments. Songs appropriate for church and the church year are discussed. Students continue to learn that music is a wonderful means of expressing our love for God.

Children's Choir

Children's Choir is for those in third through fifth grade, directed by the Associate Music Director. The skills learned in Beginner's Choir are further developed to encourage young voices. Proper breathing, pitch matching and listening skills, music notation, use of liturgy and appropriate music for the church year and worship etiquette are discussed. Part singing is introduced with cannons, and simple descants. Students offer music regularly at worship services and particular Sunday School closings including the Sunday School Christmas Service. Choir membership becomes a means of Christian service as the student's love for our Lord grows.

Sunday School Students

All Sunday School Students have the opportunity to sing as a group at special worship services or to offer their solo musical skills at Sunday School closings.

Middle School Music Team

Middle School Music Team members have the opportunity to be part of a hand bell choir as well as song choir. Ringing technique is explored and vocal basics furthered with vowel pronunciation, breathing technique, harmony, Psalm canting and microphone skills. Christian service and the importance of the choir in a leadership roll in worship are emphasized.

High School Musicians

High School Musicians have opportunities to serve as choir members, soloists, cantors, hand bell ringers and members of small ensembles both instrumental and vocal. The high school choir offers music regularly at worship services directed by the Associate Music Director. Occasional musicians add unique worship enhancement as special services are planned.

 

Liturgical Dance November 2009