As followers of our Lord Christ, Who is High Priest and Celebrant, we, the people of the Advent, are called to proclaim the Gospel as our primary reason for being through our worship, our preaching and our personal witness in the world.
The Episcopal Church of the Advent is committed to providing a world class music program for its parishioners and the community at large. Music is used to unite the congregation in song, and to enable parishioners to use their God-given gifts by offering several choral and instrumental groups. Since 2003, the music program has grown to NINE groups for people ages 4 to 104. All of these ensembles strive for excellence in their ministries, and making a joyful noise unto God! The ensembles meet in the choir room upstairs in Pendleton Hall, unless otherwise indicated.
CHOIRS
Adult Choirs: The St. Cecilia choir is a Rite II focused adult ensemble. It sings a variety of church music, including classical Anglican anthems, early American hymnody, gospel, jazz, and occasionally renewal songs. Although the choir does sing in four-part harmony, some pieces are sung in unison or just two parts. If you are new to choral singing, this is the perfect group to join! You don't need to be able to read music; you just need a willingness to sing! However, even if you are an experienced singer, there will still be plenty to challenge you. This group meets on Tuesdays at 6:15 p.m. This choir sings at the 9:00am service.
The Advent Schola is a Rite I focused adult choir. It sings very traditional Anglican Church music (though not necessarily from England) spanning several centuries. It also sings classical masterworks (e.g. Handel, Mozart, Brahms) and occasional sings large-scale works (e.g. Cantata No. 140 - "Sleepers wake" by J.S. Bach). To this end, some experience singing in choirs is desired, and the ability to read music is an asset. This group meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. This choir sings at the 11:15am service.
The Occasional Choir is
the latest group, having been formed for those who enjoy singing but aren't
able to commit to a choir on a regular weekly basis. It sings on the fourth
Sunday of the month at the 9 a.m. service.
The call time is at 8:15 a.m. and the
music is VERY easy, easy enough to be learned in the space of one morning.
Adults and children (supervised by adults) are welcome to join.
Children's Choirs: The Youth Choir gives teens grades 7-12 an opportunity to further their musical skills. Changing and changed boys voices are bothwelcomed and encouraged. This group meets on Sundays at 4:00pm.
The Junior Choiris for children grades 2-6, although second graders may sing if they feel ready. It sings music geared for children which also prepares them for future church leadership. The Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) program from England serves as a model for this choir. The children learn how to read music and understand the parts of an Episcopal service. This group meets on Wednesdays at 5:15 p.m.
The Angel Choir is for children in grades K-1. The children learn good singing techniques and memorize age-appropriate songs that get to be heard in front of the congregation. The children also play games, play instruments, and learn about the liturgical year. This group meets on Wednesdays at 5:15 p.m. in Room 106 of the Parish and CommunityLifeCenter.
The Cherub Choir is a choir for 4-year olds that shows children how much fun singing can be! They sing songs and play games, and they also get time to play on the playground. They sing in church twice a year, once at Christmas and once at Easter. The Cherub choir meets on Thursdays @ 12:30 p.m., approximately six weeks before Christmas and Easter in Room 106 of the Parish and CommunityLifeCenter.
Instrumental Groups:
Gabriel's Instruments is a group for anybody age 13 and up who wants to play his/her instrument in church. The music is never too difficult, although absolute beginners should wait a year or two before joining. The group meets on an "ad hoc" basis, usually a few weeks before special services, at a mutually convenient time.
The Advent Toners is the church's first ever hand chime ensemble! Anyone age 13 and up is welcome to join. Absolutely no musical experience is necessary; all you need to do is be able to count to four and recognize shapes. The group plays on special occasions and meets on Thursdays between 6:15 and 7 p.m.
The Carilloneurs Guild provides bell pealing in the Cleveland Memorial Tower before and after church services. No musical experience is necessary, but you should be able to negotiate stairs and be willing to use your fists to make the bells sound. The carilloneurs are also called upon to play for weddings and funerals. No meeting time is scheduled for this group; call Brennan Szafron to join, and training will be provided.
