Christmas Choir

BY: SEAN HALE Director of Music & Worship

The start of the school year usually signifies the time when the church also kicks off ministries that may have been less active during the summer months. Our choirs at FUMCA do not take off for the summer, but we do see the largest number of new members and guests in the Fall. Perhaps it is the kicking off of Christmas music, or perhaps it is simply a time where people are in town more often and ready to start something new. Either way, we would love to have you join us even if it is for just a few rehearsals to try it out! Being a part of a musical ensemble is a great way to serve in your church as well as become part of a small group within the larger community of FUMCA. The choirs and instrumental ensembles represent a way in which you can work together with others to create meaningful worship as well as minister to other members of the choir throughout the journey of our lives together. I hope you’ll consider joining us or inviting others as well!

JOIN OUR CHRISTMAS CHOIR!

For our musical presentation for Christmas this year, the Chancel Choir and Orchestra will be singing Christmas music which portrays different perspectives of the Christmas story. We will sing a couple of familiar Christmas carols arranged by active composers of our time Dan Forrest (O Little Town of Bethlehem and The Sheperd’s Carol) and Elaine Hagenberg (Sussex Carol). In addition we will be doing Frencesco Durante’s (1684-1755) setting of Magnificat. The text for a Magnificat comes from scripture, Luke 1:46-55. It is often referred to as “Mary’s song” since it is a song of praise from Mary after she discovers and is told she is pregnant with the Messiah. Many composers have set this text to music and it is called a Magnificat because the first words of the latin text are Magnificat anima mea dominum (my soul glorifies the Lord). It is a lively arrangement that highlights the joy and anticipation of the coming Messiah.

KICKOFF REHEARSAL

Our kickoff rehearsal is Saturday, September 21, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, in the Choir Room. Below you will see a rehearsal schedule of eight rehearsals for anyone who would like to sing with us for the Christmas presentation, but cannot commit to chancel choir year-round. Please spread the word. We would love to have you join us!

SEPTEMBER: Saturday, 9/21 10:00 am–12:00 pm | Choir Room | Kickoff Rehearsal Saturday,

OCTOBER: Saturday, 10/26 10:00 am–12:00 pm | Choir Room

NOVEMBER: Wednesday, 11/13 7:45–9:00 pm; Wednesday, 11/20 7:30–9:00 pm; Saturday, 11/16 10 am–12 pm; Tuesday, 11/26 7:15–8:30 pm

DECEMBER: Wednesday, 12/4 7:00–9:00 pm | Sanctuary; Saturday, 12/7 10:00 am–12:00 pm | Sanctuary | Choir and Orchestra Rehearsal

CHANCEL CHOIR COME & SEE: 7:00-8:30 pm in the Choir Room

The Chancel Choir is inviting anyone to come and experience a rehearsal with us (for regular Sunday morning worship, not the Christmas Choir). If you’ve ever considered coming to sing with us, this is the time to come and check it out at our regular Wednesday rehearsal.