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Youth Choir: some frequently-asked questions!!
What do we do? Members of the Youth Choir help to lead the worship atTrinity on the Hill. We do this by singing anthems and songs, by taking part in the liturgy and by helping the congregation with the hymns and psalms. We sing to the best of our ability, with enthusiasm and with the Spirit.
How often do we sing? During the school year, members of the Choir sing two anthems or songs each week at the 10:30 am service.
There is also a Summer program (Wednesdays 6:00-7:00 pm, July to August) in which smaller groups of children learn more challenging music to sing each Sunday. During December we prepare to lead the Christmas Eve Nativity Play. Occasionally we sing in weekday services, at Generations and at other churches.
When do we rehearse? On Sunday from 9:00 to 9:30 am in the Chapel, before Sunday School (from 9:45 to 10:20 am when there is no Sunday School). There is a monthly Sunday afternoon rehearsal for all (4:15-5:30 pm) followed by PIZZA! When Sunday School is running, middle-school-aged singers also attend a special class between 9:30 and 10:15 am at which we learn about the Gospel for the day, Christian music and composers and study more advanced anthems and songs.
What do we sing? Anthems and songs by composers ranging from J.S. Bach, Orlando Gibbons, Mozart, the Wesleys and G.F. Händel, to Graham Kendrick, Barry Rose, Malcolm Archer, Dave Brubeck and other contemporary musicians. We also sing American (Sacred Harp, Spirituals) and European traditional tunes. Often, an easy item for all of the kids will be paired with a more challenging anthem for the more advanced singers.
How old do I have to be? Six years or older, with a reasonable ability to read words. There is as yet no upper age limit; over the next couple of years we hope to split into Children's and Youth Choirs to cater for the increasing age spread. Younger kids (probationers) are mentored by older members (choristers).
What about more challenging music? More advanced singers can attend an extra midweek rehearsal at which they learn two and three-part music. The same children join the Adult Choir for Choral Evensong (6:00 pm, first Sunday of odd months) and in occasional anthems and larger works. For example, on Trinity Sunday 2007, we sang Vivaldi's Gloria; currently we are learning parts of Vivaldi's Magnificat for future performance.
Can I join in with my instrument? Instrumentalists from our ranks accompany the Choir on piano, viola, clarinet, percussion etc. on an occasional basis.
Anything else? We are affiliated to RSCM America (www.rscmamerica.org). This organization helps with leader and chorister training and runs Summer Camps and weekend workshops for choristers. Two of our girl choristers recently attended the RSCM Rocky Mountain Course. Click here for a report and some photos.John Singleton
661-2666
j.singleton1@physics.ox.ac.uk
Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church
3900 Trinity Drive, Los Alamos, NM 87544
(505) 662-5107
Website: www.latoth.org
