Music at New Hanover
Music is an important part in the life of the congregation. In recognition of our Lutheran heritage and the significance music plays in our Worship Services, the following music ministry opportunities are available for adults and children:
Please note that it is not necessary to be able to read music to participate – music reading skills are taught in all of the choirs.
Kinder Choir
Ages 3 1/2 years to 5 years. Directed by Vivian Speca. This beginning choir sings at approximately eight
Sunday services a year: Thanksgiving morning (live broadcast over WPAZ),
Christmas, spring musical , and/or other special services. Rehearsals are
held in the nursery area onWednesdays from 6:45 PM until 7:15 PM.
Cherub Choir
Grades 1-2. This choir sings
at approximately eight Sunday services a year: Thanksgiving morning (live broadcast
over WPAZ), Christmas, spring musical , and/or other special services. Rehearsals
are held in the nursery area on Wednesdays from 6:45 PM until 7:15 PM.
Junior Choir
Grades 3-6. Rehearsals are held in the choir room during the school year on
Thursday evenings from 4:30-5:30 or 6:15-7:15. The choir sits together each
Sunday they sing an anthem. They sing approximately once month, for special
services (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.), and are involved in the spring musical
or the 300 voice Junior Choir Festival which rotate every 3 years.
Youth Choir
Grades 7-12. Rehearsals are held in the choir room during the school year on
Sunday mornings from 8:40 - 9:10. The choir sits together each Sunday they sing
an anthem . They sing approximately 2 anthems per month, for special services
(Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.), and alternate singing at the 7:30 and 10:15
Service. They are involved in the spring musical or the 75 voice Youth Choir
Festival which rotate every 3 years.
Sanctuary Choir
For all adults, post-high school and older. Rehearsals are held Wednesday
evenings from 7:30-9:00 PM., September thru the middle of June. The Adult Choir
wears robes, sits together at the 10:15 Service, sings an anthem every Sunday
and at all festival and special services. New members are always!
Matins Choir
For all adults, post-high school and older. Rehearsals are held Tuesday evenings
from 7:00-8:00 PM., September thru the middle of June. The Matins Choir, new
this year, is presently an informal choir that sings an anthem every other
Sunday at the 7:30 Service and for some of the festival and special services
throughout the year. New members are always welcome!
Carillon Handbell Choir
This handbell choir plays 3 octaves (36 notes), of bells and is for Youth and
Adults. Once a month the choir plays at both the 7:30 and 10:15 Worship
Services. This choir presently has 10 members and is “filled”. If interested in
playing handbells, please join the newly formed Liturgical Handbell Choir which
is looking for new members. The choir practices on Thursdays from 7:15-8:15.
Liturgical Handbell Choir
This newly-formed handbell choir is for youth and adults and will meet on
Tuesdays from 8:00-8:45. There is no limit to the number of ringers for this
choir and you can join any time throughout the year. This choir will ring once a
month and will alternate playing at the early and late Services.
Musical
Every three years, members of the Youth, Junior, and Cherub Choirs present a
Biblically-based musical during the middle and late Services. Much volunteer
help is needed for this part of the choir’s ministry.
Cantor
Any confirmed member who wishes to serve as a cantor for the 7:30 or 10:15
Worship Service may contact the Director of Music Ministry for training. The
cantor sings the Kyrie, (Lord Have Mercy), at the beginning of the Service.
Other Musical Opportunities/Instrumentalist
We recognize that some members are unable to make a scheduling commitment to
the Music Ministry by participating regularly in our choir program, but desire
to offer their musical gifts as a soloist. Opportunities for vocal and/or
instrumental solos can be arranged by contacting the Director of Music Ministry,
Bruce Tonkin