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Music

Music

For nearly a century, Calvary’s music program has sought to inspire and to be inspired by the power and transcendent beauty of sacred music. Through singing in a choir or joining the collective voice of the congregation in hymn and psalm-singing, ringing handbells, or simply listening, we believe that God’s love is shared and experienced as a community. Rooted in the unique Anglican heritage of music in the Episcopal Church, our primary purpose is to support the liturgy of the church, whether that is at a Sunday morning Eucharist or Sunday night Evensong. Beyond that, we offer special services, concerts by internationally renowned musicians, and organ concerts featuring our 1935 Aeolian-Skinner (G. Donald Harrison) pipe organ.

Our doors are open to all, and we invite you to find out more about our choirs, our liturgies, and our concert series to define your own musical experience at Calvary.

Calvary CHOIRS

Parishioners of all ages participate in the creation of music at Calvary. Contact: Organist-Choirmaster Kristin Lensch for more information on any of the Calvary choirs.

Calvary Choir

Both professional singers and auditioned volunteers make up Calvary’s primary group of choristers: the Calvary Choir. The choir sings each week at the 10:30 a.m. worship service, monthly Evensong, and offers special liturgical services and concerts during the year. While strongly based in the music of the Anglican church, their repertoire spans the centuries and global traditions, from plainsong to spirituals. In addition to making music at home, the Calvary Choir has traveled to England to participate in a week-long choral residency at the Bristol Cathedral. They are known for both their dedication to and love of music and close camaraderie. Interested singers should contact Organist-Choirmaster Kristin Lensch.

St. Cecilia Choir: Grades K–2

Director and Music Educator Melissa Warwell leads a rehearsal for the youngest voices of Calvary who are in Kindergarten – 2nd Grade. They sing periodically at the 10:30 a.m. worship service and at special services. Using a variety of activities, the choristers learn to use their voices by means of hymns and other sacred songs. The choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 6:15 to 7:00. At the conclusion of rehearsal, they attend Compline in the church until 7:15 p.m.

Boys and Girls Choir: Grades 3 and up

The Boys and Girls Choir, made up of students with unchanged voices in grades 3 and up, sings semi-monthly at the 10:30 a.m. worship service. Using the Voice for Life curriculum established by the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM), Organist-Choirmaster Kristin Lensch promotes a complete and quality approach to children’s music ministry that is as much a Christian education experience as it is a musical training experience. Choristers often become peer leaders over time as they progress through the program. Rehearsal is Wednesdays from 6:15 to 7 p.m. Afterward, they attend Compline in the church until 7:15 p.m.

Calvary Ringers

Calvary’s liturgical five-octave handbell choir, the Calvary Ringers, rehearses weekly on Wednesday evenings and always welcomes new members. The ability to read music is not required. Calvary Ringers is directed by Joseph Powell.