The music we sing mirrors the diversity of the parish and the church universal. We try all kinds of hymns that reflect the season and/or the readings, from the very old to the very new. We don’t just stick with only a few well-known selections. This is a singing congregation with a choir that loves to add descants.

Our service music changes seasonally, along with the kinds of prayers and forms of the Eucharist. That way, our understanding of the Divine can be broadened, deepened and challenged. We all have our preferences, and by embracing several kinds of music, there is something for everyone. Lovers of plainsong (Gregorian Chant) will thrive in the Lenten season. If Schubert’s settings warm your heart, you’ll enjoy major feast days. Almost everyone seems to like the Epiphany season, when we use African-American versions from Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.

The adult choir rehearses in the choir loft from 9:00-10:05 a.m. Sunday mornings with some at-home review and monthly sectionals on Thursday evenings at 7:00. In the early fall and as we prepare for special events, we have weekly Thursday evening rehearsals. As with the hymnody at Harcourt, our selections are certainly eclectic: Renaissance motets sung a capella, arrangements of folk melodies, Taize chants, works by classical composers (Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, etc.), Gospel selections, and arrangements of hymns with parts for the children’s choir and the congregation.

This is a warm, fun-loving group that always welcomes newcomers. We strive for excellence but never lose the focus that our music is not a performance, but an occasion to offer our gifts and glorify God. We also care about and pray for each other and enjoy our time of fellowship. For more information, please speak with Sharon or any choir member.

There are some opportunities for solos, duets, and small ensembles. Instrumentalists are encouraged to share their talents in solos, ensembles and/or as choir accompaniment. Please let Sharon know of your willingness to play.

The children’s choir welcomes toddlers through 12 year olds. We rehearse in the undercroft on Sunday mornings from 10:10-10:25 and sing once a month in worship. Our songs range from catchy, fast-paced ditties with motions to more meditative tunes to parts of anthems that we sing with the adult choir. For more information, please speak with Sharon or Lisa Strayer.