Cantemus had an inspiring introductory rehearsal yesterday! Thanks to all who could attend, and we’re looking forward to meeting new faces when rehearsals resume 10:15-10:50 a.m. on September 12, CLC 205A. Greg Murai will be teaching a song he has written especially for Cantemus!
New Season Offers New Opportunities to Sing
The Children’s and Youth Music Program is changing and growing this year to give choral opportunities to everyone in Pre-K through 8th grade. Whether your family is interested in a year-long rehearsal commitment or would like to focus on participating in seasonal church festivals, the choirs at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church provide spiritual formation and nurturing through integrated instruction of choral technique and worship leadership.
All choirs are free and open to the community, although registration is required. Please register by following the link in the left-hand menu.
Sunbeams (Pre-K/Kindergarten) An introduction to choral music which teaches children to use their vocal instruments, experience rhythm and creatively express themselves in song. Sunbeam singers are invited to sing with the LightShine choir at seasonal church events including Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), Palm Sunday (April 17) and Children’s Ministry Sunday (May 8). Rehearses Fridays, 8:50-9:15 a.m., beginning Oct. 8. Christina Engelbrecht, director, Christina@ArtAndAbout.com.
Psalmsters (Grades 1-3) introduces children to the art of worship leadership through choral music. Choristers learn to properly use their vocal instrument while preparing anthems for Sunday morning worship, 3-4 times a year. Psalmsters also participate in the LightShine seasonal choir to prepare music for Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), Palm Sunday (April 17) and Children’s Choir Sunday (May 8). Psalmsters is for children able to make a substantial commitment to Sunday morning rehearsals, October-May. Rehearses Sundays, 10:15-10:50 a.m., beginning Oct. 10. Christina Engelbrecht, director, Christina@ArtAndAbout.com.
LightShine (pre-K through 3rd grade) A seasonal choir that meets for 4-5 rehearsals to prepare music for Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), Palm Sunday (April 17) and Children’s Choir Sunday (May 8). For children in pre-K and Kindergarten, LightShine serves as an introduction to choral music and worship leadership. For children in grades 1-3, LightShine provides an opportunity to participate in church festival events with short periods of rehearsal commitment. Rehearses Sundays, 10:15-10:50 a.m., beginning Nov. 28. Christina Engelbrecht, director, Christina@ArtAndAbout.com.
Cantemus (Grades 4-8) A choir for children and youth who can sing a melody and are ready to learn harmony and part singing. Cantemus requires a steadfast and reliable commitment to Sunday morning rehearsals, especially as the group prepares to participate in events such as the Sacred Choral Festival at LOPC (Oct. 9), the Christmas Concert (Dec. 11 & 12), Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), Good Friday worship (April 22) and an off-site music festival during the spring semester. Cantemus also sings monthly during Sunday worship services. Rehearses Sundays, 10:15-10:50 a.m., beginning Aug. 29. Dr. Julie Ford, director, julie@lopc.org.
GodsGroove (Grades 4-8) A seasonal choir for children and youth who would like to sing at church festival events, with a short-term rehearsal commitment. GodsGroove meets for 2-3 rehearsals prior to the Christmas season, Holy Week and Children’s Ministry Sunday. GodsGroove sings for Advent (Dec. 5), Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), Palm Sunday (April 17) and Children’s Ministry Sunday (May 8). Rehearses Sundays, 10:15-10:45 a.m., beginning Nov. 14. Greg Murai, director, greg@lopc.org.
All age and grade specifications are guidelines only. Feel free to contact the directors to discuss developmental placement for your child based on maturity and music experience.
There is a rehearsal attendance expectation for all choirs. Please give careful consideration to your family’s schedule and ability to fulfill a choir commitment before registering. For more information about the rehearsal process, please read The Importance of Rehearsal.