The Children & Youth Choirs strengthen the benefits of a musical education, introduce children to Christian ministry through music, and encourage growth into adults whose faith lives are enriched through music.
St. Dunstan's has 3 age-appropriate music ministry opportunities for children & youth:
St. Nicholas (4 yrs - 3rd grade)
Children learn simple songs that follow the liturgical seasons of the church.
St. Nicholas Choir Director:Ms. Angela Stengl
Rehearsal: Sundays 5:00pm-5:45pm in BEC 301. Meets September - May. Newcomers are always welcome. Children must be signed in and out by a parent or guardian.
Performance: St. Nicholas will lend their voices to the glory of God at the 9:00am service on appointed Sundays and a few special services throughout the year. On the morning of performance days, children should sit with their parents at the 9:00am service and will adjourn when the priest dismisses the children for Children's Liturgy. St. Nicholas choir members will warm up/rehearse during this time and will quietly process back in to church to sing at the Offertory. Children will be vested in choir robes. Sunday best attire is recommended on the occasions that robes will not be used.
St. Cecilia ( 4th - 12th grade)
An opportunity for inter-music disciplinary study of classic, gospel, and modern Christian music. Choristers will work on various choral techniques, reading music, and music history. Older students will help build up generations of musicians through mentoring each other. Students that currently play an instrument are encouraged to bring their instrument to practice.
St. Cecilia Choir Director:Mr. David Horn
Rehearsal: Sundays 5:00pm- 6:00pm in the Parish Hall. Meets September - May. Newcomers are always welcome.
Performance: St. Cecilia will lend their voices and instruments to the glory of God at the 9:00am service on appointed Sundays and a few special services throughout the year. On the morning of performance Sundays, students will warm up at 8:00am in the Parish Hall. Sunday best attire is recommended for all performances.
Chimes (4th - 12th grade) on pause until 2025
Chimers learn how to make beautiful music through chime bells. Chimers learn how to work as team, read music, and music performance.
Chimes Choir Director: Ms. Naomi McElroy
Rehearsal: Sundays 4:15pm- 5:00pm in the Choir Room. Meets September - May. Newcomers are always welcome.
Performance: Chimers will lend their chimes to the glory of God at the 9:00am service on during appointed Sunday services throughout the year. On the morning of performance Sundays, students will warm up at 8:15am in the Choir Room. Sunday best attire is recommended for all performances.
Rehearsal Dates for Fall 2024:
September: 8, 15, 22, 29
October: 20, 27
No Rehearsal Oct. 6, 13
November: 3, 10
No Rehearsal Nov. 17, 24
December: 1, 8
No Rehearsal Dec. 15, 22, 29
Performances Dates for Fall 2024:
St. Nicholas Choir
October 6: Blessing of the Animals 4:00pm
November 10: 11:15am service
December 22: 9:00am service
St. Cecilia Choir
October 6: Blessing of the Animals 4:00pm
November 10: 9:00am service
December 15: Lessons & Carols 4:00pm
December 24: 4:00pm (pageant)
Attendance makes a difference!
Due to the nature of choral singing, attendance at rehearsals and liturgies is important. We depend on each other to create a blend of voices and the overall sound. Even one or two voices missing or added later can change that sound. That applies even more so to the Chimes Choir--an absence means that one or more notes are completely missing from a piece--like playing a piano with broken keys. Your child's presence makes a difference!
Children are asked to be present for rehearsal in order to participate effectively in a performance. Incentives are offered for frequent attendance by directors. Parents are asked to drop off and pick up choristers at designated rehearsal spaces.