St. Marys Presbyterian Church
P.O. Box 247,147 Widder Street East,
St. Marys, Ontario N4X 1B1
(519)284-2620;(519)284-0367 (fax) stmaryspreschurch@on.aibn.com
Connect to Presbyterian Church in Canada
Special Music dates
Music
Welcome Back to all our musicians and a special greeting to all our new attendees! I look forward to a great year of music and fellowship. Most of our programs have either just started up again or are starting within the next week. The schedule for each of our musical groups is listed here below and has been published in the Chimes and the GrapeVine. New members are always welcome. Please watch the website for updates and further information as the programs progress!
There are many musical groups in which the congregation may get involved. The following is a descriptive list of the ones currently operating at our church. There is no cost to join any of them. Volunteers are not required to belong to one choir in order to belong to another, and anyone can be in more than one group. The practice season generally runs from September to May. Some groups are run by our Musical Director, Brian Emery, while others are directed by talented volunteers. Please consider volunteering your time to one of these activities. You may meet new friends and discover a hidden talent!
Church Vocal Choirs
Senior Choir: Contact and Director: Brian Emery 284-2620
These dedicated vocalists provide leadership by assisting the congregation in praising God through singing the worship services’ hymns and providing special choral music.
Music: generally traditional, using printed music; some vocal training occurs
Commitment: Thursday practices 8:00 - 9:30 p.m. Sunday worship services at 10:30 a.m. & special occasions. Members are encouraged to attend as often as possible. Some fund raisers and social activities occur throughout the year. This year special events include combined choir events with St. Marys United Church in March, a musical offering prior to worship during the Christmas season, the "Joy of Easter" taping just before Easter and our Congregational Music Night to take place In June 2011
Participants: All Church members 14 yrs. & older who like to sing are welcome to join.
People of Praise: Contact and Director: Donna Camp 284-2620
This small, enthusiastic vocal ensemble provides extra musical enrichment for worship, performing as scheduled and on special occasions. Many styles of music are sung, and contemporary aspects like guitar, percussion, and recorded back-up are used. This group would like to expand, enabling them to try different musical challenges.
Music: all varieties, with a preference to perform more contemporary music
Commitment: Watch the chimes for rehearsal times, for a 4-6 week period prior to performance, as announced in the bulletin. Rehearsals to be announced.
Participants: Any adult or child of any musical ability is encouraged to participate. Male vocalists are needed in order to expand their repertoire. Anyone who plays an instrument would also be a welcome asset. If you enjoy Contemporary Christian Music and would like to try something new & refreshing, come, sing, and laugh with this group!
Men’s Choir: Contact and Director: Brian Emery 284-2620
This choir is made up of male vocalists in the congregation. Through fellowship and song, they contribute musical worship on special occasions.
Music: simple pieces and hymn tunes are generally used
Commitment: 20 min. practice, Sundays, after worship, for 5 weeks prior to performance.
Participants: Male vocalists who would enjoy sharing laughter and song are welcome.
Youth Choir: Contact and Director: Brian Emery 284-2620
These young people provide vocal music throughout the year & on special occasions. They are encouraged to grow in their faith while experiencing the joy of singing.
Music: generally a traditional repertoire, using hymn books and printed music
Commitment: Sunday practices, 9:45 - 10:20 a.m. and scheduled performances. Watch the Chimes for September start date.
Participants: If you’re in high school & like to sing, please come and make music with us!
Junior Choir: Contact and Director: Brian Emery 284-2620
These children provide vocal music throughout the year and on special occasions. Along with learning basic vocal skills, they learn that their participation in worship is important and precious to God. Rehearsals start September 11, 2007
Music: generally a traditional repertoire, using hymn books and printed music
Commitment: Tues. &/or Thurs. practices, 4:15 - 5:00 p.m. (Social 3:45 - 4:15) and performances
Participants: If you are in grades 4-8 and enjoy singing, come, sing & make new friends.
Cherub Choir: Contact - 284-2620
This is a fun preparation choir for the Junior Choir. Primary music skills are taught and songs are learned through repetition. They perform twice during the year. )
Music: age appropriate Christian Songs, which are usually accompanied on piano
Commitment: Tuesday practices 6:30 - 7:15 p.m.; one performance at Christmas and in the Spring; end of the ‘music season’ pizza party to celebrate accomplishments
Participants: Any child in grades 1-3 who would like to sing is welcome to join throughout the year. New participants are greatly needed, so come and bring a friend!
Instrumental Church Choirs
Bells of St. Marys: Contact and Director: Brian Emery 284-2620
Since the 1970's, this group of volunteers has complemented worship by providing handbell music throughout the year. What a unique tradition!
Music: variety of original music and arrangements printed for handbells
Commitment: Thursday practices, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. and scheduled performances; some community outreach and fund raising also occurs. Rehearsals resume September 2007.
Participants: Anyone over 12 years of age with a basic knowledge of music is welcome. If you would like to laugh, learn and ring, please join us!
Graceful Tones: Contact: Judy Newman, Kim Taylor, Judy Hamilton 284-2620
This small ensemble of self-led bell ringers provide occasional music for worship services and community outreach. They perform at special services, weddings, or meetings. They play in varying locations, including outside.
Music: any style chosen by the group that applies to the use of handbells
Commitment: ½ hour practice, Thursdays, 6:00 - 6:30 p.m. and requested performances
Participants: Anyone interested in playing the bells and forming new friendships is welcome. Prior handbell experience is not necessary. Current members are willing to teach new participants.
Bell Tones: Contact and Director: Donna Camp
This enthusiastic group of young people play the bells and chimes during regular worship services and on special occasions. The children learn to play this unique instrument & gain confidence while performing as a group. Rehearsals will resume in the Fall.
Music: sacred, gospel and some secular
Commitment: Wednesday practices, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. and scheduled performances
Participants: Any boy or girl, ages 6-12 years, interested in learning to play the handbells is welcome. No musical training is required and one does not need to be a member of this church, so bring a friend!
Jubilate Ringers: Contact and Director: Ora Walz 284-4741
This is an introductory bell ringing choir for adults, who learn to play simple songs as a group.
Music: simple sacred and secular music
Commitment: Tuesday practices at 7:30 p.m. and scheduled performances. First Fall rehearsal is September 11.
Participants: Any adult interested in learning to play the bells is welcome. No musical training is required.