Music
Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir leads hymns and takes an integral part in the Liturgy at the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Eucharist. This choir offers two anthems most weeks, utilizing a wide variety of music from traditional to contemporary. The membership of this choir is open not only to adults, but also to youth grades 7 through 12. Rehearsals are held Wednesdays at 7:15 PM throughout the academic year. While music reading skill is very helpful, it is not required. The Chancel Choir also prepares music for selected Feast days and Holy Week services, as well as occasional Evensong and other services. A Service of Lessons and Carols has become an Advent tradition. The Chancel Choir takes the summer months off, and members are often among those offering their talent as soloists and small ensembles during the summer.
Handbell Choir
Is an ensemble which, in addition to regular worship participation for Sunday morning 10:00 and festival services, often joins with other choirs in special works. Rehearsals are held immediately following worship on Sunday mornings at 11:30 and membership is open to youth, grades 6 through 12, in addition to adults.
Music reading is helpful for this group, but it is not required.
Instrumentalists
Believe it or not, church music isn't restricted to voice, organ and piano!
There are opportunties for those who play an instrument. Volunteers to play a musical offering as a prelude or anthem are welcome throughout the year. During the summer months, while the choirs take a break from weekly rehearsals, soloists and small ensembles are sought and scheduled for offertory and communion anthems.
Anthems for the vocal and bell choirs are also opportunities to include instruments.
From time to time, an ensemble is put together for a specific event, such as accompanying a children's musical. The ensemble is open to anyone who plays an instrument at an intermediate level and above. The rehearsal schedule is TBA.
If you have "undiscovered" musical talent you're willing to share, please let the music staff know, and become part of St. Matthew's music ministry.
