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Music - Lifting our voices and our spirits

Our chancel choir is led by Dr. F. Anthony Thurman (Doctor of Musical Arts). Tony is assisted by professional soloists who double as section leaders. 

The choir leads worship on Sunday mornings, sings at other times during the holiday season, and rehearses at 8:00 PM Wednesday evenings.

Periodically, Mr. Thurman and the soloists give recitals at the church.

We also have a children's choir conducted by
our Youth Choir Director, Peter Fischer.

There are openings in all sections of the Chancel Choir, and we welcome new members who may wish to join us for the 2007 season.  The ability to read music, match pitch, and attend rehearsals are our only requirements.  Choir practice is Wednesday evenings from 8:00-9:30.


MUSICAL NOTES from Tony Thurman, Director of Music

Easter Comes Early—Almost as Early as Possible

"Time is now fleeting, moments are passing for you and me," and so goes the text in the third stanza of Will L. Thomson’s beloved hymn, Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling. How can it be that the glorious Christmas Alleluia’s have not yet faded from our ears when we must ask ourselves Were You There When They Crucified Our Lord and prepare our hearts for the strident Hosannas that announce the beginning of Holy Week?

The Chancel Choir has been hard at work for many weeks now preparing both new and old music for Sunday worship, as well as a selection of choral works by J.S. Bach for our Basically Bach concert on Palm Sunday, March 16, at 4 p.m. The choir and soloists will present excerpts from the St. Matthew Passion, the Mass in B Minor, and several sacred cantatas. Organist Ted W. Barr will offer the famed Toccata and Fugue in D Minor.

In Preaching to the Choir: Claiming the Role of Sacred Musician, the Rev. Dr. Victoria L. Sirota writes:

"By the end of Bach’s life, his music was considered outdated, too scholarly and esoteric. Imagine Bach’s frustration and sadness thinking that his life’s work had become passé. But instead he allowed his trials to bring him closer to God. In gratitude, he wrote page after page of divine polyphony, generously sharing his faith, hope, and inspiration with people like us, people he would never know."

Please make plans to attend our Basically Bach concert and bring a friend or loved one to share some of the most spiritually moving music of Holy Week. We will do our best to bring the glorious music of Johann Sebastian Bach alive with new breath.

Thank you!


Looking Ahead:

 

MARCH

 

Wednesdays: March 5, 12, 19, and 26

Chancel Choir rehearsals at 8 p.m.

 

Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m.–Noon

Basically Bach dress rehearsal

 

— Basically Bach Concert —

March 16 at 4 p.m.

 

Easter Sunday, March 23

 

APRIL

 

Wednesdays, April 2 & 23

NO CHOIR REHEARSAL

 

Wednesdays: April 9, 16, and 30

Chancel Choir rehearsals at 8 p.m.

 

Thursday, April 24, at 12 Noon

F. Anthony Thurman, organ

National City Christian Church

Washington, D.C.

 

Sunday, April 27, at 4 p.m.

Friends of Music harp and organ concert

Frances Duffy and F. Anthony Thurman

 

MAY

 

Wednesdays: May 7, 14, 29, and 28

Chancel Choir rehearsals at 8 p.m.

 

Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m.–Noon

Best of Broadway, dress rehearsal

 

JUNE

 

Sunday, June 1, at 4 p.m.

Friends of Music Best of Broadway concert


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