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Vocal Ensembles

Chancel Choir

The Chancel Choir is the service choir for the traditional 11:00 worship service held in the Centrum. The choir was honored in 2006 when they were selected, by audition, to perform at the Southern Division Conference of the American Choral Directors Association. The choir loves to travel and in the past 10 years, have given 3 choir tours to England & Scotland. The choir has also sung in Washington National Cathedral and has made 2 professional recordings. In 2009, the choir was the featured group at the state convention of the WV American Choral Directors Association. In that same year, the choir also sang for the inauguration of West Virginia governor, Gov. Joe Manchin, III. The Chancel Choir has prepared extended choral works with orchestral accompaniment that include “Requiem” settings by both Gabriel Faure and John Rutter. The choir has also performed the “Solemn Mass” by Louis Vierne. In 2006, the choir was the first in West Virginia to present, “The Armed Man-A Mass for Peace” by Karl Jenkins, which is currently the most popular new, large-scale choral work in Europe.
  • The Chancel Choir is open to anyone 18 years old and older.
  • No audition is required to join.
  • This group rehearses weekly on Wednesday evening from 6:45-8:15pm from September to June.
  • Childcare can be provided if requested in advance.

Youth Choir

This choir consists of youth in grades 6-12 and meets on Sunday afternoon during the school year in conjunction with the activities of the church’s youth ministries.

  • Weekly rehearsal takes place on Sunday afternoon from 4:30-5:30pm.

  • Director: Rev. David Donathan

Instrumental Ensembles

Youth Handbells

This handbell ensemble is open to youth in grades 6-12. Participation in this group is currently set at 11 players. However, if there is an interest, the group can expand to 13.

  • The youth handbell choir meets weekly on Sunday afternoon from 4:00-4:30pm in conjunction with the church’s youth activities.

  • Director: Rev. David Donathan

Chancel Ringers

Adult ensemble that plays 5-octaves of Schulmerich handbells.  The advanced group frequently plays level IV and V music in the 11:00 traditional worship service.  The membership in this group is limited to 13, but a list of potential members is always maintained.

  • Rehearses weekly on Wednesday evening from 5:45-6:40pm

  • Leader: Rev. David Donathan

AWEnsemble

The AWEnsemble is the instrumental/vocal ‘ensemble’ for the AWE worship service. (AWE stands for Alternative Worship Experience.) This groups offers music in all forms, but is most comfortable with contemporary repertoire. Current instrumentation includes a piano, electric keyboard, electric bass, 2 guitars, and drums. The group is open to any instrumentalists or singers who would be interested in leading this service on a regular basis

  • Leader: Rev. David Donathan

Music Essembles

Music Ensembles

 The long-range vision for the Music Ministry of Christ Church actually began in 1969 following the church fire.  In 1970, a division of “Task Force 6” was charged with the responsibility of developing a new vision for Worship and Music Ministry as a part of the rebuilding of Christ Church.  The implementation and completion of these goals over the past 35 years created the Music & Arts Ministry we celebrate today.

The new vision for Christ Church specific to Worship & Music Ministry is to take what has been completed and “move it to the next level.”  Built on the work already completed and fulfilled during the past 35 years, here is a summary of what the future could hold for the Music & Arts Ministry:

  • Augmentation of the involvement in all ensembles and develop and/or discontinue ensembles as needs arise. (ON-GOING)

  • Augmentation of artistic expressions through the creation of an ‘Artisans Guild.’  Supply needed studios, workshops, and workspaces for art, music, dance, and drama.

  • Development of a Summer Internship in Music Ministry.

  • Construction of a large Music Rehearsal Suite to further support the mission of the Music Ministry of Christ Church and its future growth, development, and outreach. (COMPLETED SPRING 2013!)

  • Installation of an antiphonal organ in the Centrum using the organ pipes first purchased by our ancestors in 1904. (The computer rendering for this antiphonal organ as designed by the Holtkamp Organ Company of Cleveland, OH, is pictured above as it will appear when installed in the back of the Centrum.  To see the specifications of this antiphonal organ, go to the Organs of the Church page and scroll to the bottom.)

All these things, when combined, would help create:

  • Christ Church as a Regional Center for Church Music & Worship Arts Education.  Create the necessary space (music & arts library, studios, offices, rehearsal space, workshops, etc.) to support this outreach.  Sponsor an ongoing series of classes, workshops, summer camps, and recitals related to church music and liturgical arts as related to children, youth, and adults.