The Children’s and Youth Music Program offers choral opportunities for children age 3 through 8th grade. Whether your family is interested in a year-long rehearsal commitment or would like to selectively prepare only for festival services during Christmas and Holy Week, 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 (Ages 3—5) An introduction to choir singing which teaches children to use their vocal instrument, experience rhythm and creatively express themselves in song. Sunbeams is designed for children who are ready to independently participate in group activities without the assistance of an adult. Sunbeam singers are invited to sing with the larger LightShine choir at seasonal church events including Christmas Eve and Palm Sunday. Please enroll in Fridays, 8:50-9:15 a.m. in CLC 203 (beginning Oct. 7) or Sundays, 10:10-10:30 a.m. CLC 108 (beginning Oct. 16) Christina Engelbrecht, Friday director and program coordinator, Christina@ArtAndAbout.com. Colleen Whitelock, Sunday director.
LightShine (Kindergarten—3rd grade) A beginning choir for all Kindergarteners, and for lower elementary-aged children who want an informal choir experience without a weekly rehearsal commitment. LightShine sings at LOPC festival services on Christmas Eve and Palm Sunday, and as part of the LOPC Family Choir. LightShine introduces children to the art of worship leadership through choral music. Participants in LightShine are urged to attend rehearsal as often as possible, but it is designed for those with anticipated conflicts throughout the choir season. Rehearses Sundays, 10:10-10:30 a.m. in CLC 205A. Begins Sept. 18. Christina Engelbrecht, director, Christina@ArtAndAbout.com.
Psalmsters (Grades 1—3) is an intermediate choir for children who are interested in preparing more complex music and learning the foundations of part singing. Singers must be able to make a reliable commitment to weekly rehearsals from September-April. Choristers learn to properly use their vocal instrument while preparing anthems for Sunday morning worship, 3-4 times a year. Psalmsters also rehearses weekly with the LightShine choir to participate in Christmas Eve and Palm Sunday services. Rehearses Sundays, 10:10-10:50 a.m. in CLC 205A. Begins Sept. 18. 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 rehearsal as the group prepares to participate in monthly worship services, the LOPC Christmas Concerts, Christmas Eve services, music festivals and other special worship events. Rehearses Sundays, 10:10-10:50 a.m. in the Chapel. Begins Sept. 18. Dr. Julie Ford, director, julie@lopc.org.
GodsGroove (Grades 4—8) A choir for children and youth who would like to sing a few times a year with a short-term rehearsal commitment. GodsGroove meets for two rehearsals prior to singing in worship Nov. 6, and for two rehearsals during the Christmas season in preparation to sing Dec. 24, and in Lent to prepare for Palm Sunday. Rehearses Sundays, 10:15-10:45 a.m. Those registering for GodsGroove will receive specific rehearsal dates prior to each event. Greg Murai, director, greg@lopc.org.
All age and grade specifications are guidelines only. Please contact the Music Program Coordinator for Children and Youth to discuss developmental placement for your child based on maturity and music experience, or for any other questions.
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.