The Ministry of Music serves the congregation through leadership in Christian worship, education, outreach, and fellowship, and represents the congregation through musical witness to the community. Music has always provided the people of God a natural and satisfying way to express their praises. The Ministry of Music assists every member of the congregational family in presenting an offering of praise, and it provides training and fellowship for those who use their musical gifts as choir members and instrumentalists.
CHOIRS
Our graded choir system is at the heart of our music program. Although the primary function of choirs is to lead the congregation in worship, choir members frequently find that their own worship takes on a deeper meaning through their musical expression. Choristers also find that their lives are enriched by increased knowledge of the art of singing, by improved musicianship, and by deeper acquaintance with numerous works of sacred music.
Christian fellowship within each choir is a source of strength, encouragement, and pleasure, and each group has social events from time to time to reinforce this fellowship and to balance the commitment to rehearsals.
Carol Choir (K -2nd grades) rehearses 45 minutes each week and sings at worship services once a month. Choristers learn the basics of rhythm and melody, learn simple hymns and anthems, and learn to match pitches and project the tone. The choir sings for the family Christmas Eve service.
Junior Choir (3rd - 5th grades) rehearses one hour each week and sings at worship services once a month. Choristers learn about rhythms, melodies, music notation, and form. Part-singing is introduced through rounds; hymns and anthems appropriate to this age level are taught; tone quality is developed. The Junior Choir sings for the family Christmas Eve service, presents a children’s musical, and sings for one or two other special programs, sometimes including an outside engagement.
Chapel Choir (6th - 12th grades) rehearses one hour each week and sings at worship services once a month. Goals for this choir include achieving a good vocal blend in music up to four parts, strengthening tone quality and breath support, and singing a wide variety of music from medieval to contemporary. The Chapel Choir sings at additional services during Christmas and Holy Week.
Chancel Choir (college age and above) rehearses weekly and sings every Sunday at the 11:00 worship service, including presenting a cantata or major musical masterwork at one or two musical worship services each season. Additional singing includes special Christmas and Holy Week services and several concerts featuring major cantatas or oratorios accompanied by orchestra, sometimes combining with another choir. In order to have a well-rounded repertory, the Chancel Choir studies and performs a cross-section of music from all periods, from ancient plainsong to the most contemporary music.
Gospel Choir was formed in 1995, as a short-term commitment opportunity. It sings in services about three times a year, preceded by three rehearsals over a several-week period. This group specializes in music in the contemporary Black gospel tradition, as well as spirituals.
Men’s Chorus, first sang in June, 2003. It is open to all men and boys and sings in 4-part men’s harmony about three times a year, each preceded by three rehearsals.
Praise Team, usually a vocal quartet, leads music in the contemporary style at First Service. Contact: Julie Vidrick Evans.
BELL CHOIRS
Bell Choirs are open to 3rd graders through adults. Westminster Bell Choir is the training group, in which basic ringing techniques are taught, using easy to medium level music. Whitechapel Bell Choir is an intermediate group for junior and senior high school students. The Chevy Chase Handbell Ringers is an auditioned group which plays more advanced music and presents programs for outside groups, as well as playing in services here. Each group rehearses weekly, and enjoys some social functions as well. We ring a 5-octave set of Whitechapel English handbells and a 3-octave set of Malmark choir chimes. Contact: Kyoko Meredith
INSTRUMENTALISTS
The Revelations is a guitar group that leads worship in First Service about once a month, presenting an informal evening Coffee House about twice a season, and plays outdoors for some church social events. Additional players of guitar, bass guitar, drums, and keyboard are welcomed. Contact: Rich Lindahl
All Church Orchestra plays several times a year, each preceded by three rehearsals. Instrumentalists of all levels of experience and ability are warmly welcomed and encouraged to participate in this inter-generational group.
Recorder Ensemble Individuals meet at arraged times to play the entire family of recorders, from soprano to bass. Contact: Beth Mullin.
Instruments of all kinds are used frequently in our services of worship, to accompany choir anthems and to play solos, duets, and ensembles. We will gladly work with you to put together new groups of instrumentalists or vocalists.
CHURCH SCHOOL MUSIC
Under the leadership of Kyoko Meredith,church school children have a time of music on Sunday mornings immediately before their classes. This insures that those who are not in a choir receive at least some musical and singing experience each week.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Artists and artisans of many kinds are needed to share their gifts for special occasions; those who could help with care and mending of choir robes are always welcomed; any with expertise (artistic and/or computer) in graphic design of flyers and printed programs or set and scenery construction are appreciated. See Mr. Workman.
OUR MUSICAL RESOURCES
Our Memorial Organ enhances our worship and music-making. Built by Rieger of Austria and installed in 1975, it is a 3-manual, 40-stop (50-rank) tracker organ containing over 2500 pipes, encased in wood and glass. It was dedicated to the glory of God and to the service of the entire church and community, with the understanding that it be made available for workshops, recitals, concerts, competitions, demonstrations, practice, and lessons, in addition to leading worship. In 2000, it underwent a major cleaning and refurbishing, including the addition of three 32’ digital pedal stops by Walker.
Other musical resources include the recently rebuilt 100-year-old Steinway grand piano Model B in the Sanctuary (a fine, recital-quality instrument), other pianos, a 7’ harpsichord (in the style of a 17th century Italian harpsichord), a Kurzweil 88-note electric keyboard, a pair of Ludwig timpani, Deagan symphonic orchestral chimes, a collection of Studio 49 Orff instruments, a pair of full sized congas, and various percussion instruments.
LEADERS
Julie Vidrick Evans, Director of Music, received her Bachelor of Music degree from James Madison University and a Master of Music degree from The Catholic University of America. She has experience serving other churches in the area. She is assisted by a professional Children’s and Youth Choir Director, Kyoko Meredith, a graduate of Oberlin College (major in music and religion) and Westminster Choir College. She has had experience serving in churches in New Jersey, Japan, Ohio, and Maryland. A number of volunteers assist in directing other choirs and in other ways.
Kyoko Meredith, Associate Director of Music, is a graduate of Oberlin College with a major in music and religion and of Westminster Choir College. She has had experience serving in churches in New Jersey, Japan, Ohio, and Maryland. She began her work at CCPC in 1999 with the children and youth choirs and now directs the bell choirs and other programs as well.
AN INVITATION
You are invited to share your gifts and be a part of the Ministry of Music. Children and youth who wish to join a singing choir may do so simply by coming to the next rehearsal of the appropriate group. For a current rehearsal schedule of all the groups, see the calendar listing in the weekly bulletin. Persons wishing to join the Chancel Choir or bell choirs should call Julie at (202) 363-2202 to determine best placement. Instrumentalists and those in other related arts are encouraged to let Julie know of their availability.