Welcome to Chancel Choir!

Here are a few things that will help you along the way.

REHEARSALS
Rehearsals are every Wednesday, at 7:00-8:30 upstairs in the main building, in the choir suite. We work on several pieces of music each week so it is always important to attend rehearsal, even if you are unable to attend that Sunday’s worship service.

Childcare is available for all Chancel Choirs scheduled rehearsals and programs.

At your first rehearsal you will be warmly welcomed and given a music folder prepared for this weeks rehearsal. At the end of rehearsal, we will be happy to assign you a permanent folder number and robe. At that time you should transfer your music to the new folder. Your folder number and robe number will be the same. You will find a manila folder also in your choir slot. Some choir members prefer to keep their current music only in the black folder and all of the rest in the manila folder.

SUNDAY MORNINGS
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the service to get organized, robe and begin warming up for the service. If you attend a Sunday School Class, please try to leave that class no less than 30 minutes prior to the service.

When the service is over please remove all of that morning’s music from your folder and leave it in the return music basket. Replace your robe and folder to its proper place.

PROCESSIONAL
We process during the prelude. Please hold your folder down to your left side as you enter. The leader of each line will stop at the front row and wait for the prelude to finish. When you stop, bring your folder to singing position and remain waiting facing the pulpit. We usually begin with a short Intrada followed by the processional hymn. Please remain standing in your place during the first verse. Sing unison on the melody. When the second verse begins walk slowly to the choir loft. As you enter the loft you may begin singing in parts until the last verse.

Next is the Psalter. As worship leaders, we all read the Psalms together, with good pronunciation and a warm spirit. Make sure your timing and voice blend in with those around you. Oh what a beautiful sound when those who love the Lord read His word in unison!

DURING THE SERVICE
The hymns sung within the service should be sung in this manner:
Verse 1 - Unison on the melody
Interior Verses - Parts
Final Verse - Unison on the melody

The Introduction to prayer is sometimes sung in unison, sometimes in parts. If you are not sure please ask.

The Doxology and Gloria Patri should be sung in parts as indicated in your hymnal.

8:30 Service and 11:00 Service In which one should I sing…….

I love for you to sing in both, but you are certainly not obligated to.

If you would like to sing for both services, you are welcome to leave before the sermon at the 11:00 service. (the entire choir goes down during the Gloria Patri unless otherwise announced).

During the 8:30 service, the choir remains in the choir loft until the end of the service.

At the 11:00 service, many have sung at the earlier service so during the Gloria Patri, the Choir, quietly, invisibly recesses. If you are remaning for that service, please have a friend or family member save you a seat and quietly join the congregation. If you are finished for the day, please feel free to go to the choir suite, put your things away and have a nice Sunday afternoon (Save me a seat at the restaurant!)