Music is an essential element in the spiritual formation of children. The Children’s Choir Program at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church provides spiritual nurturing for children in pre-K through 5th grade by integrating choral music and worship leadership in the Christian tradition.
Sunbeams introduces the basic choir experience to 4 and 5-year-olds. Children sing, use instruments, do rhythm activities, act out Bible stories and create crafts. Sunbeams meets Friday mornings from 8:50-9:15. Sunbeams combines with God’s Groove to sing in worship 3-4 times a year. Christina Engelbrecht, director, Christina@ArtAndAbout.com
God’s Groove is for Pre-K and Kindergarten kids to explore Christian themes
through music and movement on Sunday mornings, 10:15-10:30. The program year focuses on preparing a song for worship during Advent, Christmas Eve, Palm Sunday and on Children’s Musical Sunday in May. Joel Bullock, director, Joel@lopc.org
Psalmsters, for 1st and 2nd graders, emphasizes choral teamwork through singing, role-playing, movement and creative exercises. Vocal, rhythmic and ear training exercises help choristers develop individual music skills, including pitch, tone and correct vocal technique. Psalmsters learn music leadership through offering several presentations in worship. Psalmsters rehearses Sundays, 10:10-10:50 a.m. Christina Engelbrecht, director, Christina@ArtAndAbout.com
Joyful Noise, for 3rd-5th graders, focuses on proper singing techniques, musicianship and the role of music leadership in worship by exploring the richness and vastness of Christian choral literature. Joyful Noise rehearses Sundays, 10:10-10:50 a.m., and sings in worship several times a year. Xiomara Di Maio, director, xiomydma@gmail.com
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.
Participation in LOPC’s Children’s Choirs is free and open to anyone in the community. The choir season runs September-May, with an emphasis on traditional choral literature through March, and an emphasis on the Spring Musical until May. Participation in the musical is optional for choir members.
Questions? Contact Christina Engelbrecht, Children’s Music Coordinator, Christina@ArtAndAbout.com or 925-297-0127.