Music & Choirs




	About Us Worship Schedule Sermons New! Calendar Ministry Schedules Newsletter & Press Events Album Vestry Preschool Gift Shop	Music & Choirs Interim Director of Music / Robert Lind / 847-381-2323 ext. 26 St. Michael's Music Vision St. Michael's Choir St. Michael's Choir sings each Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, September through May. The choir leads congregational singing of service music and hymns, and also prepares an offertory anthem which is appropriate for the season or a particular Sunday of the church year. High standards and goals are set for the group, which is made up completely of volunteers with varying levels of ability. St. Michael's Choir events throughout the year may include an offering featuring a major work with professional instrumentalists, Choral Evensong, choir retreats, an Advent Service of Lessons and Carols, visits from guest musicians, and additional special services on feast days or other occasions. The group works hard and puts in long hours, yet balances that with fun times at choir parties and post rehearsal gatherings. Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings from 7:30 p.m to 9:30 pm. Anyone who enjoys singing, reads music or has a good ear, and is willing and able to make the time commitment to the choir is encouraged to call Interim Director of Music Robert Lind at 847-381-2323 ext. 26. Cantor Choir Cantor Choir has customarily provided musical leadership for the 9:00 a.m. service of Holy Eucharist, September through May. Singers who prefer more contemporary music in worship should call Interim Director of Music Robert Lind at 847-381-2323 ext. 26. for further information about the Cantor Choir. St. Michael's Handbell Choir St. Michael's Handbell Choir is always happy to accept new members. Requirements are minimal and the Handbell Choir is an opportunity for almost anyone to be a part of the music making at St. Michael's. Reading music is not necessary — you just need to be able to count and to ring on cue! Rehearsals are currently held on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 pm. For more information please call Interim Director of Music Robert Lind at 847-381-2323 ext. 26. Youth Choirs The Youth Choirs of St. Michael's have been affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music program for many years. Their ministry is currently on hiatus, but interested young singers are encouraged to keep their singing voices warmed up and ready for when the program returns. St. Michael's Music Vision St. Michael's Mission Our mission is "Lives being formed and changed...through deeper intimacy with Jesus Christ." Music Vision Music supplies a path to support lives being formed and changed… through deeper intimacy with Jesus Christ. Philosophy Music is a powerful prayer language and allows us to receive from God and to offer something back. We have all been instructed in Psalm 100 to: Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness; and come before his presence with a song Music is uniquely able to express emotions and engender spiritual awareness that is beyond words Range of vocal and instrumental styles, language and idiom sets fundamental mood and tone of worship, ranging from deep sorrow, profound awe, simple happiness to ecstatic joy Music is relevant to our spiritual life Opens our hearts to the presence of God in a unique way Supports worship of the day, the lessons and the season Is anchored in the Anglican tradition, as is our worship Incorporates scripture into fabric of our lives Music ministry invites and encourages all to participate Music ministry is an integral part of outreach Purposes Worship experience: Infuses energy and beauty Attracts newcomers and sustains attendance among core parishioners Inspires participation in hymn singing Honor the movement of the Holy Spirit through song to glorify God above all Draw the congregation together Encourages fellowship within and between groups Music program provides another language for the prayerful development of community Provide a variety of expressions to inspire all worshipers Develop the members' skills in praying chorally as one voice Provide a growth opportunity for all members Increase the flexibility of the music program to seek and find the best in the liturgical musical tradition, past and present Recommended Program Initiatives for 2008 Identify and hire new music director/staff aligned with our vision; adult and children's choirs must be served Look at ways to expand and broaden music program for 2008 (especially during the summer, perhaps focusing on regular vocal and instrumental soloists and/or ensembles from within the congregation for the non-choir season) Begin to develop strong music ministry for children and youth, incorporating the training methods of the Royal School of Church Music Communicate to Parish about the Music Program on a regular basis Advertise within parish and in area papers about special music events, such as Lessons and Carols, well in advance of performance date Use the Sword or pre-service instruction about church music (e.g., its meaning, why we do it, specifically relating to the music of that day/season) Let the congregation know in advance when the children will be singing or special guests, such as "10" from Barrington HS Design process for hymn and anthem selection, feedback on congregational, clergy and choir impact If possible, define and build a starting point for music patron program Desired Guidelines Hymns and anthems appeal to 80% of congregation Musical techniques and complexity should never trump emotional impact