Music at Grace Church
  

The Choristers’ Prayer (in the red box at the right) is at the heart of the music program at Grace. The purpose of the choirs is not to entertain, but, as they sing, to point people to God. All choir members at Grace strive for excellence – “to perfect the praises of God’s people” – in everything they do. Participation in choir is open to all.

Choir for Young People
The Junior and Senior Choristers follow a training program developed by the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM). Benefits of participation:

  • Learn to sing while having fun together
  • Earn medals and ribbons as they improve
  • Develop strong sense of community and giving to the church
  • Receive a fine music education and learn to read music
  • Discover the value of teamwork and acquire leadership skills

Junior Choristers (2nd and 3rd graders) rehearse each Wednesday from September through mid-May. They sing once or twice per month, and for special services on Christmas Eve and Easter. Upon completion of the Jr. Choristers program, they receive a white ribbon and RSCM medal. No audition is required. Speak with the Director of Music to enroll your child. 

Senior Choristers (4th – 8th graders) rehearse each Wednesday from September through mid-May. They sing twice each month, for Advent Lessons and Carols in December and special services on Christmas Eve and Easter. Senior choristers can earn higher awards in RSCM training. Choristers will have an opportunity to attend RSCM Summer Camps in 2005. No audition is required. Speak with the Director of Music to enroll your child.

Chorister Parents’ Committee The parents of choristers are an important part of this program. Parent involvement encourages the choristers in many ways. Their input and assistance create a fun and smooth running program for the choristers. Specifically this group supports the chorister program by helping to plan the yearly schedule, offering fun activities for the choristers, assisting with RSCM training (non-musical, mostly!), recruiting new choristers, vestment care, planning trips, enhancing communication within the program and other organizational needs. 


Choir for Adults
Adults and older youth are welcome to participate in Parish Choir. This group learns fine sacred choral literature and is dedicated to excellent leadership of our corporate worship at Grace. In addition to singing for the 10:45 service each Sunday, Parish Choir participates in many special liturgies and programs throughout the year such as Choral Evensongs, Advent Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve prelude music, Holy Week and Easter services. Membership is open to all. A strong commitment to regular attendance is a must. Please contact the Director of Music to schedule an interview to join.

Instrumental Expression
The ringing of handbells at Grace Church takes the form of an Ad hoc choir that rings in summer months, as well as the use of bells in a liturgical fashion, following the tradition of Tintinnabulation, such as with the singing of Psalms. Please contact the Director of Music if you have an interest in handbell ringing.

Additionally, we have a flute ensemble at Grace Church that occasionally rehearses on a Monday evening. Contact the Director of Music to learn more.

Finally, our experience at worship has been enhanced since the arrival of Casavant Frères opus 3965 in the fall of 2007. This 47-rank, custom built pipe organ also provides the equipment and ambiance for concerts and recitals of an higher order than heretofore possible. learn more about our organ

Avenues of Expression Through Financial Support
God has given to us a variety of gifts. Some people simply can’t sing or don’t have the time to use their vocal talent. Some people are deputized to bring official leadership to Grace Church’s music. In choir year 2006-07, a program of graduate voice students from the University of Georgia functioning as Section-leaders was instituted to provide leadership to the choral life of our church. Such programming was a great success.  However, all of these ministries call for funds not provided in our annual parish budget. You can help provide for the need of Grace’s Music Ministry by contributing to Friends of Music at any time. Many thanks to those who have made our present ministries possible!

If you can walk, you can dance. If you can talk, you can SING!

 

Choir Rehearsals

Junior Choristers
Wednesdays
5:00 - 5:30 PM

Senior Choristers
Wednesdays
5:00 - 6:00 PM

Adult Parish Choir
Wednesdays
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Sundays
9:45 - 10:30 AM

 

Chorister's Prayer

Bless O Lord us your servants, who minister in your temple. Grant that what we sing with our lips we may believe in our hearts,
and what we believe in our hearts we may show forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
The goal of our music program...
is to enable and enhance the corporate worship of the congregation.
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Grace Episcopal Church
is located on the corner 
of Washington Street 
and Boulevard
 in Gainesville, GA
Phone: 770.536.0126
Fax: 770.536.1587
  

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