Music Ministry Schedule for 2012-2013
Choir Registration on August 19th & 26th
New Members welcome anytime!
Asbury has a strong tradition of leadership through choral and handbell choirs, but the time has come to include different choral and instrumental models on a regular basis. The Chancel Choir will sing 2-3 times/month with other choirs/ensembles/etc. leading on 2nd and some 4th Sundays. The Wednesday rehearsal schedule for the Asbury Handbell and Chancel Choirs has been tweaked to accommodate the Wednesday dinner. We are going to schedule The Children’s Choirs at more 11 AM services because the later hour works better for most families.
FOR CHILDREN
Chime Handbell Choir (grades 3-5) for beginning level ringers.
The Cherub Choir (grades K-2) participates in worship on a monthly basis. Children learn about their singing voices and are introduced to beginning music reading skills. The repertoire includes music from worship liturgies, hymns, and seasonal anthems. In addition, children explore music through movement and simple instrumental experiences. Opportunities exist to share dramatic talents in worship as well as in the community. Preschool children who enjoy singing with a group are welcome, too.
The Carol Choir (grades 3-5) sings monthly with continued emphasis on areas and activities listed under The Cherub Choir. Choir chimes and Orff instruments are added at this level.
FOR YOUTH
The Youth Choir (grades 6-12) sings at either the 8:30 AM service or at 11 AM each month. Repertoire for this group includes music of all styles and periods with continued emphasis on music reading/vocal skills and hymnody. Guitars are welcome at rehearsals! Community service and social activities are planned.
The Youth Handbell Choir "Heavenly Joy" (grades 6-12) provides both worship experiences for intermediate level ringers (on the 2nd or 4th Sunday of each month) and opportunities for community outreach and massed ringing with other groups. They will participate in the Area III Youth Handbell Festival in November.
FOR ADULTS
The Matin Choir provides vital musical leadership at the 8:30 AM service. Repertoire is taken from hymnals and sacred collections of many traditions. Members receive a cassette recording of music for each season and rehearse in the Choir Room at 8:00 AM on Sunday mornings.
The Men’s Ensemble rehearses prior to The Chancel Choir on Wednesday evenings and is active in the local community. Repertoire includes a wide range of vocal styles.
The Chancel Choir sings each Sunday at the 11 AM service and at both services on special days such as Christmas Sunday, Easter, and Festival Hymn Sings. The choir performs a major choral work either during Advent or Lent. Opportunities for fellowship and service occur throughout the 11-month schedule of this choir.
NEW Women's Ensemble rehearses Thursday mornings and sings on the 2nd or 4th Sunday at either the 8:30 or 11 AM service.
The Asbury Handbell Choir performs on a five-octave set of Schulmerich handbells along with three octaves of Malmark choir chimes. In addition to regular services, this choir participates in festivals and community events. The commitment level for this group is very high —as are the rewards.
Instrumental Ensemble
FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
The College Handbell Choir Rehearsals are scheduled in September after students arrive and class schedules are set. This choir performs 2-3 times each semester.
The Matin Choir, Men’s Ensemble, and Chancel Choir welcome and celebrate student members! Instrumentalists are always welcome to share their talents! Assistance with transportation is available.
Please note: The handbell choirs need capable ringers who can substitute for absent choir members. If you are interested, please contact Laura Douglass.
