Music Ministry
Ministry Leaders: Phillip Brunswick, Choir Master and Organist Ella Heigham, Handbell Choir Director The heritage of music in the Anglican tradition is one of our church’s greatest gifts to the missionary and spiritual life of the Christian faith. The liturgy and music of the Episcopal Church are among our strongest tools for evangelism, for spiritual enrichment, and for sustaining the faith. The music program at Grace Church offers participation in a communal life that educates, inspires and nurtures spiritual formation, giving the musicians a rich musical and spiritual foundation. Choirs Our choirs provide music for many services and events each year. The Parish Choir helps to lead the congregation in singing, and to inspire our worship with the beauty of music as ministry leaders in the parish. Though it helps to have some musical abilities (the ability to read music is recommended), training is provided to those who lack experience. There is no audition, and all are welcome. The Parish Choristers join in singing at the Choral Eucharist and Evensong with the Parish Choir as well as on their own. This choir provides children with an opportunity to play an important role in keeping music in the Anglican tradition alive. Choristers enjoy learning music and vocal skills, Christian aspects of music and liturgy, and general rehearsal techniques. Great emphasis is given to musicreading skills, faith and friendship and participating through their own worship and service to the parish. This past year the Choirs sang Evensong at Grace in March, along with Advent Lessons & Carols in December. It was once again a great pleasure to sing Evensong at Christ Church Cathedral in April. Handbells Our Handbell program continues to consist of three choirs which perform about once a month during the year. We have several new members this year and a new set of 4th octave add-on hand chimes to enhance the upper and lower registers. Ella Heigham appreciates all the support given from the staff and congregation for our music program. Musikgarten This past fall we introduced a new early childhood music program here at Grace Church. Our mission is to provide the parish and the community the opportunity to learn music in an encouraging, loving, and godly environment, and to cultivate the gift that God gave them. Our program at Grace begins with classes for newborns through three-year olds and their parents or caregivers. Children and their caregivers sing, dance and play simple instruments such as rhythm sticks, jingles, shakers and drums. Abbey Dougherty, our certified teacher, helps the children develop listening skills, focused attention, imagination, creativity and self-expression. For more information about Musikgarten, go to: www.gracekirkwood.org/musikgarten.
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