Music Ministries at the Church of Our Saviour

 

 

 

 

 

 


Our music ministries include an Adult Choir, a Youth Choir and Band, our Organist, and vocal and instrumental soloists (flute, violin, guitar).  Our goal is to enhance the worship service and bring us closer to God. 

Music is intimately bound with the proclamation of the Word, an opportunity for us to express through hymns, anthems and liturgy those feelings that are often difficult to express with words. The music of the Christian faith is meant to deepen and enrich our worship experience. Music has the ability to make us of one heart and voice, a natural response to our living faith.  

The Adult Choir

The Adult Choir is a group of about ten parish members who sing for the Sunday morning liturgy and major feast days. On special occasions, a few members also chime in with ringing bells to the tune and beat of the songs.  Choir members also have the opportunity to sing solos. 

The Adult Choir also enjoys other fun events such as special gatherings at a member’s home for friendly camaraderie, great food, singing, playing and more.

All are welcome!  (No auditions required.)

The Youth Choir and Band

The Youth Choir consists of young members of our parish who like to sing and join in various fun activities.  The Youth Choir usually sings at family services and special occasions.  They are trained in choral technique, sight singing and music liturgy.

The youth group also know how to have fun together.  They have developed a small band,  introducing contemporary worship songs.  The Youth Band will be performing at various functions through the liturgical year.

Come join in the fun,
singing, playing, and praising God!

 



About Our Organ 

The organ has long been considered the most effective musical resource for worship. Its primary function is that of accompanying congregational singing. A well-designed organ is an effective accompaniment to the human voice. Its unique timbre, even at full volume, will complement rather than cover congregational singing. An organ should also offer a variety of tone colors to give it the flexibility needed for other liturgical uses, and for use as a solo instrument. 

Our Noack custom-built organ is an excellent representation of classic pipe organ design. It was built for the Church of Our Saviour in 1974. In 1998, repairs and upgrades were made, and it now more than adequately serves all the church’s musical needs. With 17 stops, it produces a rich, full sound. The Vestry recently signed a Letter of Intent to move the organ to the new Church of Our Saviour when it is built later in this decade. When the instrument is moved, it will be completely disassembled and reassembled, revoiced, and extended.

 

Music minister search gets underway

 Our search committee for a successor to Suzanne Cleverdon as Minister of Music is now formed, and the process for discerning the direction we will follow is underway. The committee consists of:

·          Rolf Goodwin and Brian McGuire representing the choir.

·          At-large representatives Debbie Donnelly (job description development) and Cathy Hazelton (interview phase) tag-teaming one slot; Peter Sevier and Debbie Murphy taking the other two.

·          Steve Uurtamo as Vestry liaison; Joey Abis as Youth liaison.

·          Izzy Harvey, who holds a Master’s in Organ and who has much experience directing choirs, as consulting “in house expert.”

·          I will serve ex officio as chair while I’m here, and we will appoint a chair to continue while I am on sabbatical.

     Immediately upon Suzanne’s retirement, an interim organist, Roberta Banfield, will be with us to cover the summer months, beginning Sunday, June 8. During this period there will be no choir. In the meantime, the committee will review materials from the American Guild of Organists that will help us with the task of refining the job description. I am hoping that phase of the committee’s work will be completed (or substantially so) prior to my departure for sabbatical on June 1.

     Like many of you, I am saddened to see Suzanne go. She is a tremendous asset to this parish and will be deeply missed. At the same time, I believe God has some good things in store for us as we look ahead. Please keep this committee in your prayers as its work goes forward.

— Fr. Chip 

 Copyright ©2008, The Church of Our Saviour, Milford, New Hampshire

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