The 35-voice Chancel Choir is comprised of adult singers,
college-age and older. The group sings an impressive variety
of a cappella and accompanied literature, including music by
Beethoven, Vivaldi, Bach, Gibbons and Mozart, in addition to
present-day composers such as Alice Parker, John Rutter, Daniel
Pinkham and Andrew Carter. While the Choir sings at the 11a.m.
worship service only (except for Christmas and Easter, two services),
9 a.m. worship features soloists and/or instrumentalists, many
of whom come from the congregation, in addition to performers
from the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. The organist, Marianne
Sandborg, trains most of the singers for the early service,
and performs quite often herself.
Christmas and Easter worship services traditionally highlight
a major work with a brass ensemble and/or other instruments.
Commitment Sunday is also a special service, featuring the Choir
and a special guest instrumental ensemble.
The Church possesses two pipe organs; a 58-rank Goulding &
Wood, Op. 43 (2005) in the main sanctuary, and a five-rank Moeller
(1985) in the chapel.
The Chancel Choir offers a college scholarship stipend for
strong singers who are good musicians as well. These students
are selected based on auditions and are required to attend Thursday
evening choir rehearsals (7:30-9:00 p.m.), 11:00 worship, and
provide solos for the 9:00 service when necessary. Representative
schools include Roanoke College, Hollins University and Radford
University.
Anyone interested in participating in the Chancel Choir program
may contact the church at (540) 343-3659.
Our children's choirs encompass preschool through eight grade.
Rehearsals are generally every Sunday afternoon with dinner.
Our choir directors this year are Beth Vaught-Jenkins, Patti
Clevenger, Alison Conte, and Susan McDowell.
