MUSIC AT CHRIST CHURCH
Music at Christ Church
Music is integral to worship at Christ Church Parish. From the hymns of the congregation to the psalms and service music; from the choral anthems to the organ voluntaries, in each note of music we make, we seek to glorify God in his temple.
The Christ Church Parish Choir
The Christ Church Parish Choir sings for the 10:30 a.m. Eucharist throughout the year. In addition, the Choir sings for Advent or Christmas Lessons & Carols, Christmas Eve Eucharist, Holy Week services, and offices of Choral Evensong. The Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Choir Room.
Anyone interested in joining the Parish Choir is invited to contact Dr. Jason Hobratschk, Director of Music Ministry.
The Christ Church Choristers
The Christ Church Choristers is open to all students of reading ability, generally, 3rd grade and older. The Choristers rehearse weekly throughout the academic year, and singers may join the Chorister program at any point during the academic year. First-year Choristers are considered Apprentice Choristers and earn their cottas (the white liturgical vestment) the second year of their participation.
Junior Choristers comprise girls from the 3rd through 5th grades and boys from 3rd grade until voice change. Junior Choristers rehearse Tuesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Choir Room. Junior Choristers join the Parish Choir and Senior Girls to sing the 10:30 a.m. Eucharist approximately one Sunday per month.
Senior Girls comprise girls from the 6th through 12th grades. Senior Girls rehearse Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Choir Room and join the Parish Choir to sing the 10:30 a.m. Eucharist approximately two Sundays per month.
A portion of rehearsal time is dedicated to music education according to the Voice for Life curriculum published by the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM). Since Christ Church Parish is an RSCM affiliate, choristers also have opportunities to participate in week-long summer music courses throughout the U.S. Additionally, Choristers receive instruction in basic music theory (pitch, rhythm, sight singing); musicianship; comportment; and history and practice of sacred music and liturgy.
The Kney Pipe Organ (1975)
Christ Church is home to a mechanical action (tracker) pipe organ built by Gabriel Kney & Co. of London, Ontario in 1975. The Germanic neo-Baroque instrument is an exemplar of the Organ Reform Movement popular at the time of its installation. The result of a single gift in 1973, the organ comprises 60 ranks in 43 stops across three manual divisions and pedal.