Music
Music Programs at Redeemer
We are blessed at Redeemer with a music-loving congregation, a wonderful organ, and an acoustic that works beautifully for services and concerts. Music for the 10:30 Eucharist is provided by Organist/Choirmaster Sheila Bristow and the Redeemer Choir. Feast days, evening services, and concerts feature additional guest musicians from the parish and the professional music community.
Read more about the music at our church on our Arts and Music blog.
E-mail our Choirmaster at music@redeemer-kenmore.org
How can I participate in the music program?
- Continue your fabulous singing during services!
- Attend evensongs and concerts, and bring friends.
- Donate funds for guest musicians (Holy Week is a special need).
- If you are an instrumentalist, talk to Sheila about playing for a service.
- If you are a singer, please consider joining the choir. Regular commitment is Wednesday night rehearsals and Sunday warm ups (9 am!), September through June. Some folks with choral backgrounds and busy schedules join for occasional services.
How much fun will I have if I join the choir?
Read the following notes from choir members!
“I stand behind the tenors, and they rock my world.â€
“The best thing about choir begins with the warm ups: which rather than being drudgery or boring, prepare us for what we are going to sing, whether it’s a musical interval, or vowel sound, or some strange rhythm, it’s all done with fun and enthusiasm. Imagine, if the whole community could have this much fun.”
“I really enjoy being in choir. By Wednesday night, I’m exhausted from a long week, and sometimes I think I cannot make it through choir. But I always end up feeling more invigorated and ready to face the rest of the week after choir. I really miss it, when I have to miss it. Yes, it’s one more thing. But it’s one more thing I want to do and I feel better when I do it”
“We have loads of fun in choir, with a great balance of focus & frivolity, study and play, prayer and song. All of the music is great to sing, and some is so beautiful, it’s humbling to be a part of making such beauty.”
“The director has a great way of getting us to try things we never would have, didn’t think we wanted to, don’t think we like. By the end of a few practices, we enjoy singing it, have a sense of accomplishment and with her conducting & support, contribute to the worship with great song.”
“I like to sing. Sheila has taught me to sing with some skill in addition to my usual enthusiasm. It is very satisfying to be part of an ensemble that seeks and often achieves beautiful sound. The work that goes into that accomplishment creates a cohesive group that shares laughter as well as companionship on our spiritual journey. Season by season the music we sing provides connection to our liturgies and focus to our journey. It is important to note that preparing and singing the music for Holy Week adds to the power of that already powerful experience. I find that being part of the choir is an enjoyable and satisfying way to enhance my spiritual life and contribute to the spiritual life of our Redeemer community.”