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 Advent's 2008 Adult Choir

Music

 

            About the music program

            Adult Choir

            Youth Choirs

            Instrumentalists and Handchime Ringers

            Musik Ekklesia: baroque-ensemble-in-residence

            Special events and concerts

           

 

About the Music Program

 

Advent’s music is dedicated to the glory of God and we embrace Luther’s proclamation that “music is a noble, wholesome, and joyful creation” and second only to theology when it comes to proclaiming the Gospel.

 

Meet our 3 staff members:

 

Director of Music, Phil Spray

 

Assistant Director of Music, Debalyn Trewartha

 

Deb, husband Kevin and their 3 children joined Advent in1997. Over the years her responsibilities have grown to include assisting Bonnie with the Adult Choir, leading the Youth Music program, directing the Handchime Ringers, and organizing the music and helping with arrangements for the Heritage Tours to Germany. Deb is also Advent’s Preschool Director, has her music Master’s degree, taught at the High School level and is a trained soprano.

 

Organist, Phil Lehman

 

After serving other churches in Indianapolis and South Carolina, Phil returned to Advent in 2007. Besides playing for services, he assists Deb with the youth, accompanies the choirs and is the dedicated wedding organist. He applies his computer skills by recording and posting services on the church website. Phil is is active in the American Guild of Organists and other organizations, and has earned many credentials in the areas of piano, theory, organ performance, liturgy, worship and choral music.

 

 

 

Adult Choir

 

The Adult Choir, led by Phil Spray, has about 40 members and meets on Tuesdays in the loft at 6:45 p.m., September through May. All interested singers high school age and above are invited to join us. There are no auditions and no experience or formal training are necessary. A love of music and a desire to praise God is all that is required. We have people who are professionally trained and some who don’t read music. But we’re all there (joined in fun and fellowship!) to prepare pieces for worship and to lead the congregation in hymnody and liturgy.

 

We call ourselves the “no guilt” choir! It is understood that attendance at all rehearsals is not possible. We usually sing 3 Sundays a month at both services with most members leaving after the second service anthem. For various reasons, some members are only able to attend one service or the other and, again, this is understandable. During the months of June-August we have occasional “Summer Singer” Sundays when we gather before the 8:15 a.m. service to rehearse the anthem for the day.

 

Youth Choirs     

 

Advent’s children have music instruction during the 9:30 a.m. Sunday School hour. The preschool-second graders meet in the Library for an opening and then proceed to their classrooms. Third-sixth grade students meet in the lower level for Junior Youth Choir rehearsal with Deb Trewartha. Seventh-twelfth grade Senior Youth Choir meets at 10:15 a.m. for their session with Deb. All ages sing occasionally for worship services, and they participate in the annual Christmas programs and concert. Phil Lehman is the youth

assistant and accompanist.

 

Instrumentalists and Handchime Ringers

 

We have some very fine musicians in our congregation and some budding young players with lots of potential! Anyone who plays an instrument is encouraged to participate in some way, whether it be in a brass ensemble or playing handchimes.  Rehearsals are currently on an “as needed” basis. Anyone interested in playing should contact Phil Spray, Deb Trewartha or Phil Lehman.

 

Musik Ekklesia

 

Our baroque-ensemble-in-residence, Musik Ekklesia, is directed by our music director, Phil Spray. This group of professional musicians plays “music for the church” on instruments typical of the baroque period. Because of their relationship with our church, they play for our worship services several times a year, including during the season of Advent and on Good Friday. They also participate in our annual Christmas concert in December.

 

Special Events