Music at Grace Church

Music at Grace Church is an integral part of the worshiping community that gathers to find the God-head in Christ. Worship without Music does not easily soar. For centuries the quality of choral music has been superb in the Anglican Communion. We seek to perpetuate that tradition.

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 Choristers’ Prayer above 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.

Choristers

The Junior and Senior Choristers are affiliated with The Royal School of Church Music. In this fashion children learn to sing with their natural, acoustical voice, because amplified vocal production in an anathema to good vocal discipline.

  • Junior Choristers (2nd & 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 Junior Choristers program, they receive a white ribbon and RSCM medal. No audition is required. Contact 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, and for special services on Christmas Eve and Easter. Senior choristers can earn higher awards in RSCM training. No audition is required. Contact the Director of Music to enroll your child.

The Chorister Parents’ Committee is essential to the success of the Chorister program at Grace. Parents not only help implement the program, but must be the gentle persuasion behind commitment and consistent attendance. The committee also helps with vesting of choristers for services, vestment care, social events, trips and other non-musical necessities. All parents of choristers are invited to be active members of the committee.

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, 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.
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 7:00–9:00 PM; Sundays 9:45–10:30 AM

Instrumental Expression

The ringing of handbells at Grace Church takes the form of an Ad hoc choir that rings as scheduled, 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.

Our experience at worship has been enhanced since the arrival of Casavant Frères opus 3865 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

Friends of Music

The music ministry at Grace Church often requires funding over and above what is provided in the church operating budget. To meet this need, the Friends of Music was organized and consists of those who support the music ministry through a contribution to the Friends of Music Fund. A general appeal for the fund is made each January, but contributions can be made at any time. Many thanks to all those who support our church’s music ministry through the Friends of Music!

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