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FALL MUSIC
Music contributes so much to our worship services, but it is also a vital part of our church community too. It’s difficult to imagine life without music; music is prevalent in every world culture, but try and imagine church services without it! Many of you actively participate in making music come alive here. It is an active and vital part of our congregational life and I look forward to helping it stay that way.
One aspect of the music scene is its variety and scope. We have planned a great program for the coming year. From a twentieth century English sacred music composer’s requiem, hand bell choir music, an ensemble of amateur instrumentalists playing Christmas carols to jazz saxophone, we are fortunate to enjoy and be inspired by so many diverse styles of music. Several times during the year we invite guest musicians to help lead and add to the variety of our worship services. A staple of our music program are our choirs and our BPC Choir sings for most Sunday services. We are also fortunate to have a fine pipe organ to lead and inspire us regularly.
Speaking of our organ, do you realize that our organ is about to be ten years old this coming year? I am planning a concert/celebration to mark this anniversary in early April, 2011. A program of organ concerti for organ and orchestra and festive music for choir, organ and orchestra is in the works and I know that you will not want to miss this exciting event. For myself, it is exciting to begin a new year of making music and have it come alive with all who take part in making music and for those of you who get to listen as part of your worship experience.
Here are a few highlights of what we are planning this coming Fall.
A performance of John Rutter’s Requiem on Sunday, November 7 (10:00 am service)
This is a deeply felt work by this popular British composer. Composed for choir, organ and a small ensemble of instruments, it is a work exploring life, death and the afterlife through music. We will be joined by an ensemble of professional instrumentalists and a Soprano soloist. This piece is already a favorite of many in our choir and I hope that it will be meaningful to you. It is sure to be a highlight of our fall music program.
Our annual performance by our Instrumental Ensemble on Sunday, December 5
Every year, instrumentalists both young and old get together and form an ensemble to play Christmas carols. The air is filled with the sounds of the Christmas season and smiles as our musicians play these seasonal favorites for us during this service. There are some players who are fairly new to their instruments as well as those who are more experienced. Stay tuned for more information on how you can play with us or just leave me your name on my email or church extension. (John Lettieri ext.205).
Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 19
The Senior Choir and Bellringers add their voices and bellringing to what has become an annual event here on the last Sunday of Advent before Christmas. Music and word combine to explore the beauty and mystery of the Christmas story.
You are always encouraged to join one of our music groups at any time. New singers, bell ringers and instrumentalists are always welcomed. It is a great way to contribute to the life of our congregation while nurturing your own talents and the benefits are shared by all. Please read about our Bellringers and for children please see the Joyful Noise piece. Our Senior Choir is open to all adults and teenagers. Our first choir rehearsal is Thursday, September 9 at 7:45 in the church and we continue rehearsals every Thursday at that time.
Bell Corner
Would you like to ring bells this fall? Have you ever thought of participating in a worship service here? If you have musical interests, and would like to participate in one of the church’s music programs, this may be just the program for you. It is a wonderful way to become involved in church activities, add to our worship services, and also get to know others in our congregation. Ringing handbells each week is a fun musical activity, and is a great way to help serve the church by providing music during a church service . . . after a good bit of practice of course.
Our first rehearsal on September 27th is an open rehearsal for anyone to come and see what ringing is all about. The only requirement is to call me ahead of time so that I can plan for enough music. I would be happy to know of your interest, and will answer any questions you have about ringing. Have you heard the bells in church and thought you would like to try it? Then, do it! Call me, Hope Black, at 914-234-7542. Let’s talk . . . And maybe even ring together too.
Joyful Noise
begins
Tuesday, September 21
We are pleased to once again offer our Joyful Noise program for young children where they share in learning, playing and singing music. We are changing the schedule slightly this year and the Tone Chime group will no longer be meeting on Tuesdays. (There will be a chance for children to play tone chimes as part of Sunday School - see below.) Emphasizing music making as part of a group while improving individual music skills, all while having fun, make this a wonderful program for children. The children get to feel that they are part of the church and get to know the people here and their surroundings. Through our many years of experience we strive to make for a fun yet productive time with the children. Regular Tuesday afternoon rehearsals take place from September to May and the children will sing and play in worship services several times throughout the year. We begin each Tuesday with a short Snack and Social Time in Fellowship Hall before we start our rehearsals. This is a free program and is also open to children who are not part of our church or who attend other churches. We hope you are able to take advantage of a great music program for your child. Children may bring a friend too.
The following are recommended age guidelines, which are somewhat flexible and short descriptions of the various groups.
Cherub Choir ~ Grades K-2
4:30–5:30 P.M.
with Kathy Perry
Basic vocal training for the very young, incorporating a variety of activities including games, movement, and playing percussion instruments. These activities are used to foster musical skills along with learning to be part of a vocal ensemble.
Choristers ~ Grades 3–7
4:30–5:30 P.M.
with John Lettieri
This program introduces children to healthy singing techniques and vocal production. Developing the child’s own singing voice while singing in a group is emphasized. Children are also exposed to singing in harmony. This is a perfect age range for learning to sing and in finding one’s ‘own voice’. While fostering participation in worship through singing, the children are exposed to a variety of musical styles and repertoire, and gain self confidence with using their own voice while contributing to a group effort. Fun, friendship and musical growth are all part of Choristers!
A Tone Chime primer will be offered to children grades 3-5 during Sunday School on October 31 and November 7. Led by Marcy Carlson, the children will learn the basics of ringing and will be playing and using their newly learned skills in the service on November 14.
Everyone is invited to attend our
Joyful Noise Vesper Service
Join Us in the Sanctuary
Tuesday, October 19
5:00 P.M.
The Cherubs and Choristers will lead the service. A pizza dinner will follow for all Joyful Noise participants and their families as well as vesper attendees.
