MUSIC
Our ministry through music offers opportunities for everyone who has an interest in music and a desire to serve the church by lifting voices and instruments in joy and praise to God. All choirs and ensembles are comprised of members and friends who volunteer their time and service; some have had formal musical training, many have not. All are welcome.
Contact Us
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The contact for Music Programs is Julie Ryder, Organist & Choirmaster
CHOIRS FOR ADULTS & YOUTH
The Epiphany Choir, an all-volunteer choir under the direction of Organist & Choirmaster Julie Ryder, provides musical leadership for the weekly liturgies, Holy Week, and major Feast Days. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:45 - 8:30 p.m. from September—May. On Sunday mornings, choristers rehearse 45 minutes prior to the service. Membership is open to adults and youth; though not mandatory, it is helpful for choristers to have some prior choral singing and music-reading abilities.
The Summer Choir provides music leadership in liturgies during June—August. Rehearsals take place on Sunday mornings and the anthem rehearsed is the one sung that day. This choir does not vest and there is no weekday rehearsal. Membership is open to adults and youth.
The Hildegard Ensemble is an adult treble choir whose roots are in the chants of Hildegard von Bingen. The ensemble sings for many Feast Day liturgies and one Evensong per year. This choir is open by audition. Rehearsals are scheduled by the Organist & Choirmaster.
The Epiphany Ringers is our handbell choir. Rehearsals are held Wednesday evenings from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. This ensemble rings during worship services approximately once every 6 weeks from October—May. People who are interested in ringing but have limited experience should contact Julie Ryder, Organist & Choirmaster.
CHOIRS FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
(late September-April)
Beginning Choristers is an entry-level musical experience for children in pre-K (age 4) through 2nd or 3rd grades. Children develop elementary music and choral skills through games, singing, and activities. Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 5:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Junior Choir is our children’s treble choir for those in grades 3 through unchanged voices. Members of this choir learn and expand on their knowledge of the rudiments of music and continue to develop their singing voices. These choristers explore their ability to sight-sing, and emphasis in rehearsals is on music and liturgy education. Basic English handbell ringing will also take place periodically. This choir sings in church approximately once each month. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays from 5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
Please note: Children in 3rd grade may elect to remain in Beginning Choristers or move to Junior Choir.
INSTRUMENTALISTS
A parish of this size is composed of many and varying instrumentalists. If you play an instrument of any sort, we would love to know who you are in order to use your gifts to enrich our common life together. Please contact the Organist & Choirmaster to join our growing list of instrumentalists who are interested in sharing at Epiphany.
MUSIC SUPPORT
The Music Committee supports and offers direction for the Music Program at Church of the Epiphany. This committee assists the Organist & Choirmaster with budget preparation and monitoring, long-range planning, scheduling of rehearsals, recruitment, fund-raising, and monitoring of programs.
Epiphany’s growing Music Library consists of nearly 1000 titles (the Epiphany Choir sings approximately 125 of those per year). This library is well catalogued and maintained by Michele MacLeod, Music Librarian. Volunteers are often needed to assist in this area.