First Pres Fargo Adult Choir

Dazzling

2012-01-26T07:59:00.000-08:00

Join us this Sunday as we experience Charles Wood's beautiful anthem How Dazzling Fair (click title to see the music).

The poetry of this anthem is lovely but archaic. The phrase constructions are often tangling to the tongue. In preparation for Sunday, take a few moments and read the poetry aloud. And enjoy the beauty of it and it's meaning.

How dazzling fair art thou, my Life, my Light!
How comely is thy countenance, how bright!
Sun uncreate, how keen is the enjoyment
That Saints and Angels find in thine employment!
In view thereof sing I, by day and night,
How dazzling fair art thou, my Life my Light!

My soul, O Lord, is sore athirst for thee:
My heart doth yearn thy seemly face to see:
Dim is my sight; but one ray of thy kindness
Should quickly skill to cure mine eyes of blindness:
Meanwhile my song and my complaint shall be,
“My soul, O Lord, is sore a thirst for thee.”

When shall I come to hear that Angel song?
Nay, swell the chorus of the heav'nly throng?
Then join the noble company of Sages,
Who chaunt thee Lauds through everlasting ages?
Now ev'ry day methinks and all day long,
“When shall I come to hear that Angel song?”

Amen.

New Year, New Time, New Schedule

2012-01-05T12:53:00.000-08:00

New, new, new!

The adult choir resumes this Sunday, January 8.

Rehearsal time is now at 9:00am, due to our new worship schedule. We are already losing 15 minutes of precious rehearsal time from what we had last year. Let's plan to begin warmups promptly at 9am.

The full singing schedule is listed to the left so that you may include them in your calendar.

It's going to be a new adventure!

Here is a glance at this Sunday's anthem:

Christmas Eve

2011-12-23T12:40:00.000-08:00

Let's meet together, ready to sing at 4:20 on the steps in the Sanctuary this Saturday, Dec. 24.

We will NOT wear robes.

We WILL sit in the congregation and simply come forward to sing our one anthem.

Merry Christmas. See you on Saturday.

Christmas Eve Choir

2011-12-19T14:38:00.000-08:00

Join us at 6:15 this Wednesday, December 21 as we prepare for the 5:00 Christmas Eve service. Lovely but attainable music planned. Come and join us.

Wednesday Rehearsals

2011-12-13T16:31:00.000-08:00

We have an full but exciting rehearsal schedule planned for Wednesday, December 14.

Dinner is served from 5:00-6:00pm
Adult Choir ready to sing in the Sanctuary at 5:45.
Rehearse Carols by Candlelight music until 6:55
Rehearse Christmas Eve music from 7:00-7:20

We have the pleasure of having our composer-in-residence, Zeb Highben, with us to rehearse his new piece that we will be premiering this Sunday evening. Plan to be a part of the excitement.

Many Things, Much Music

2011-12-02T13:50:00.000-08:00

On this Second Sunday of Advent, we have the opportunity to work on many things and much music.

Note the schedule has been updated to include extra rehearsal times and call times for worship events.

This Sunday, following the 11:00 worship service the women of the choir and the church are invited to gather in the choir room for a 30-minute rehearsal on The First Noel.

IMPORTANT SCHEDULE ADDITION: Wednesday, Dec. 14

5:30-6:30 Carols by Candlelight Music Rehearsal with Zeb Highben
6:30-7:00 Christmas Eve Music Rehearsal

Please check the schedule on the left side of this blog page for new information and musical recordings.

The First Sunday of Advent

2011-11-23T10:06:00.000-08:00

If you will be in the F-M area this holiday weekend, join us as we begin the season of Advent this Sunday, November 27.

Rejoice, Rejoice Believers is going to be our seasonal hymn for the first two weeks of Advent. We will be using a different tune than has been sung in this congregation--one that is brighter and more hopeful than the hymntune provided by our hymnal.

For our anthem we will be using Zeb Highben's lovely setting of The Lord Shall Come and Not Be Slow.

These weeks leading up to Christmas are crucial in our preparation of seasonal music. You are needed. We hope to have you join us this Sunday and in the weeks to come.

Well-Earned Rest

2011-11-08T14:55:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who were a part of another meaningful Kirkin' service last Sunday.

Enjoy a well-earned rest from rehearsal or singing this coming Sunday, November 13.

Peace and grace to you all for your faithful service.

Kirkin' Morning

2011-11-04T20:29:00.001-07:00

This is Timechange Sunday. We meet, robed and ready to sing by 8am.

Could we each contribute something for a between service Breakfast Feast?

It’s going to be a lovely day. Hope to see you there.

The One and Only Kirkin' Choir Rehearsal

2011-11-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

Join us in the Choir Room on Wednesday, November 2, 7:45-9:15 for a single Kirkin' Choir rehearsal. This is a great opportunity to sing, especially for those who are unable to sing weekly with us.

Listen to an audio recording of our anthem The Lord's My Shepherd.

The Premier

2011-10-27T15:27:00.001-07:00

We have the opportunity to share the first of our new works by composer-in-residence Zeb Highben this Sunday. Be a part of The Premier.

We will rehearse at 9:15, joining the brass and the 7-12 choir later in the morning to bring this lovely work to life.

A Special Opportunity

2011-10-20T12:39:00.001-07:00

First Pres has been given the great gift of a talented composer-in-residence who is writing new music for us. We have the privilege to premier the first of his compositions on October 30. It is a special thing to put flesh on the bones of a new piece of music. And we need as many able-voiced singers as possible to make it successful.

Zeb Highben has set a beautiful text from the Old Testament book of Jeremiah. The piece features choir, organ and brass and was conceived an entree into the reading of the Jeremiah text, followed by a response which incorporates the hymn The God of Abraham Praise. It is a lovely combination of proclamation and comfort.

This Sunday we have the privilege of bringing this new piece of music to life. You are crucially needed for it to be successful. Plan to be with us at 9:15 am.

God is Our Refuge

2011-10-13T15:22:00.000-07:00

Join the choir as we sing a bright setting of Psalm 46--Allen Pote's God is Our Refuge.

Rehearsal begins at 9:15.

We are also working on the premier of a new piece written by our composer-in-residence Zeb Highben as well as Kirkin' music.

Hope to see you there.

Let's Get Together and Work Ahead

2011-10-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

We have exciting music ahead of us, including the first of our commissioned pieces from our composer-in-residence as well as Kirkin' music to begin.

It has been a challenge to prepare for upcoming weeks. Please know that your attendance is desired and appreciated. Let's get together and work ahead.

Hope to see you in the choir room at 9:15.

Work to do before the work begins...

2011-09-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, September 25 is a Mission BreakOUT Sunday. Following a brief worship service, the members and friends of First Pres disperse throughout the city doing good, practical work in our community. See the First Pres website for more info: http://www.firstpresfargo.org/

Before the work we begins at 10:45, we have wonderful opportunities for our musicians to do good work within our own walls.

Join us, ready to sing, at 9:00 am.

We are singing Don Hart's setting of The Lord of the Dance. We have had very little time with this anthem. Please listen to its link in the schedule list to the left and come ready to work efficiently as we bring it all together with our All-Church orchestra that morning.

We will not be wearing robes. Come in your work clothes, as dictated by your Mission BreakOUT site.

See you on Sunday.

New Developments = Schedule Change for the Choir

2011-09-14T12:42:00.000-07:00

We have had a happy development: the response for the All-Church Orchestra on Sept. 25 has been quite good, so we are adjusting our plans to take advantage of new opportunities.

CHANGE OF CHOIR SCHEDULE: We will only rehearse this Sunday, Sept. 18 as we prepare to sing at the Mission BreakOUT worship service on the 25th. We will do a setting of "The Lord of the Dance" with orchestra that morning. Click on that title within the schedule listing to the left of the blog page to hear it.

Though we are not singing this Sunday, our rehearsal is crucial for preparation for the weeks ahead. Hope to see you at Sunday at 9:00 am.

Singing this Sunday

2011-09-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

Join us for rehearsal at 9am as we prepare to sing for worship on September 11. We have a simple, manageable, but lovely setting of Children of the Heavenly Father (see listening link in the calendar at the left) to commemorate this day.

Launching into the Fall Season

2011-09-01T10:28:00.000-07:00

Kick-Off Adult Choir Rehearsal on Wed. Sep. 7th

Join us for one midweek rehearsal on Wednesday, September 7, 7:00 as we launch into the fall season by preparing to sing for Sunday, September 11. Beginning on the morning of the 11th, we will be rehearsing on Sunday morning exclusively.

Summer Break

2011-05-26T13:38:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your commitment to worship and music this past year. We are on break now until early-September.

The beginning Fall Schedule is already posted at the top of this page. Plan to join us when we resume.

Have a lovely summer season.

Musician Appreciation Sunday

2011-05-19T11:44:00.001-07:00

Thank you, choir members, for your faithful work this past program year. The contribution that you make to worship is incalculable. We will be recognizing all of you and the other musicians that make our church so musically varied.

This Sunday's worship will feature a lovely variety of music from the adult and 3-6 choirs, as well as brass and handbells. Please join us for one last week together; singing both services.

8:15 call time in the choir room
9:00 sing for worship
10:00 reception for Pastor Sam Hobson
11:00 sing for worship

There are recordings above of the pieces we will be singing. Let's all join together one last time for this program year. Thank you for faithfulness.

Our New Composer-in-Residence Visiting This Week

2011-05-09T14:39:00.000-07:00

We welcome our new composer-in-residence Zeb Highben to First Pres this week. (Please see the full article on the sidebar to the right.) This is his first visit to experience the musical life of our church.

Zeb will be observing a number of ensembles rehearse this week.

Wednesday, May 11
St. Andrews Brass
3-6 Choir
7-12 Choir
Adult Handbells

Sunday, May 15
Adult Choir

Please make every effort to be at your ensemble's rehearsal this week so that Zeb can appraise the many musical gifts with which he may creatively work in the coming year.

A Week Off

2011-04-27T15:49:00.001-07:00

Friends:

Thank you for your beautiful music on Resurrection Morning. You were thrilling in your intensity and joy.

Please enjoy this weekend off, free of rehearsal and leading in worship.

See you next on May 8 at 9:15.

Resurrection of Our Lord

2011-04-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

After the stark beauty of Maundy Thursday, we will gather in a completely different atmosphere this Sunday morning--Joy, brightness, hope.

All ensembles are gathering at 8 am Easter Sunday morning.

Adult Choir in Choir Room.

Handbells in Sanctuary.

Brass in Organist's Office.

We are singing for both services, with breakfast provided between.

Listen to two of the pieces we will be singing in the Rehearsal Resources Section, and join us early tomorrow morning.

Outdoor Palms

2011-04-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we begin our journey through Holy Week with a procession of palms, as we recall Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem and the subsequent chain of events that lead us to the cross.

The 11:00 congregation (and the choir) will gather outside, weather permitting, on the north steps to process as a crowd into the sanctuary. The choir will be wearing robes, but consider how you might need to dress underneath to be able to be outside for 10 minutes on a Sunday morning.

Note the Holy Week and Easter schedule of events in which we are participating. Worship wise, participating in as many services as possible during Holy Week truly enriches the experience of the Story. Hope you can be a part of it.

Joining the Youth This Sunday

2011-04-07T09:42:00.001-07:00

We have the pleasure of joining our youth choir as we jointly sing David von Kampen's There is a Balm in Gilead. This enjoyable setting is going to be a bright spot in this Sunday's worship as this week is Youth Sunday.

We will also be working on Holy Week and Easter music in addition to finalizing There is a Balm.

A Week to Prepare

2011-03-31T14:35:00.000-07:00

Join us for rehearsal only this Sunday. This will give us an opportunity to work on future music for Holy Week. These rehearsal weeks are very successful when as many of us as possible are able to be there. Hope to see you at 9:15.

I Will Arise...

2011-03-23T15:41:00.000-07:00

...and go to Jesus. This Sunday's anthem is beautiful in text and in setting. The words are of the type that will remain with you as a comfort throughout the week. Join us this Sunday as we prepare I Will Arise. There is a lovely recording of it in the Rehearsal Resources section.

TIME CHANGE This Sunday

2011-03-10T12:55:00.001-08:00

This Sunday, March 13, is the beginning of Daylight Savings Time: everything feels as if it begins an hour earlier.

We have a rehearsal-only week. Plan to join us at 9:15 to work ahead on music.

Ash Wednesday

2011-03-08T14:36:00.000-08:00

Join us at 6:00 this Wednesday, March 9 as we do final preparations for Ash Wednesday Worship at 7:00. Remember, dinner is available for you beginning at 5:00. Consider this as a time saver if you are coming from a busy day.

Hope to see you there.

True Light

2011-03-03T14:13:00.000-08:00

We come to the end of the season of Epiphany, singing about the True Light of God, by Keith Hampton. This is a thrilling piece to sing. Listen to the beautiful video recording and plan to join us this Sunday at 9:15.

Brahms Choir Cancellation

2011-02-28T12:47:00.001-08:00

Dear friends:

The music for the March 6 Brahms concert requires more voices than we presently have committed for this event. Consequently, we are cancelling the CHORAL portions of this program; although the recital will take place with a full program of keyboard works.

No rehearsal this Wednesday at 7:00. Come and enjoy the recital on Sunday, March 6 at 7:00 pm.

Rehearsal Only This Sunday

2011-02-24T14:04:00.000-08:00

We are fortunate to have a week to work ahead on music.

When you arrive for 9:15 rehearsal, please come to the Sr. High Youth Room on the lower level (essentially underneath the main stairway to the lower level). We will be rehearsing there for a portion of our time together as the Jamestown College Concert Choir, our musical guests at 11:00 worship, will be utilizing the choir room.

Last evening we had our first Brahms Concert Rehearsal. Thank you to those who took the time to come out for it. The group that was there is very small. If you were unable to be at rehearsal last evening but are planning to sing in the March 6 concert, please email David.

See you on Sunday.

Simple Things

2011-02-17T13:11:00.000-08:00

This Sunday we are singing a simple, but very pretty setting of Psalm 117. There is the added bonus of a recording AND a copy of music as a PDF in the Rehearsal Resources section.

We are continuing to work on our Brahms' music. Please join us for the two additional Brahms Wednesday rehearsals: Feb. 23 and Mar. 2 from 7:00-8:30 pm. This is a great opportunity for singers to join us, even if they have been unable to be involved in choir on a regular basis.

Note also that the full spring schedule is listed on the right side of this page.

Hope to see you there.

Time to Prepare

2011-02-10T13:55:00.000-08:00

We are gifted, this week, with a bit of time to prepare for upcoming weeks of music. Join us for rehearsal this Sunday at 9:15. In addition to the music for the Brahms Concert, we have some wonderful anthems to prepare. Hope to see you on Sunday.

A Little Rest, then Back to Work

2011-01-27T14:27:00.000-08:00

This Sunday, January 30, is a week of for everyone: no rehearsal, no singing. Consider taking advantage of Deb Dawson's adult ed update on her work in Africa.

When we come back together on Feb. 6, we will be singing the lovely Eternal Light, Shine in My Heart. Take a few moments to listen before we meet on the 6th. We will have only a short time to pull that anthem together.

Please look at the schedule, which is posted through early-March. Exciting things coming up!

We Have Seen

2011-01-19T15:14:00.001-08:00

We have seen the Lord, and he is beautiful.

We are moving into a time in the church year when we start to learn about Jesus and his ministry on earth. The idea that "we have seen the Lord" is very alive in the scriptures of the following weeks.

This week we are singing a traditional Tanzanian tune and text Nimemwona Bwana. It's an easy-to-sing partsong combined with the hymn Fairest Lord Jesus. Listen to it a few times in the Rehearsal Resources section and you will be well prepared for Sunday. Don't be afraid of the language; it is very singable.

New Year/New Music

2011-01-13T13:58:00.000-08:00

As we come back together again after the holidays, we have some new music to brighten these cold days.

Join us this Sunday, January 16 as we have a week to rehearse only, and prepare for weeks ahead.

We are particularly excited to begin preparing for the BASICALLY BRAHMS concert on Sunday, March 6 at 7:30 pm. See the webpage for that event here.

Preparing for Christmas Eve

2010-12-21T08:39:00.000-08:00

Join the Adult Choir this Wednesday, Dec. 22 at 6:30 for a final Christmas Eve rehearsal. We are preparing one new piece--Once in Royal David's City--and one familiar--the O Holy Night that we sang for Carols by Candlelight. Looking forward to another beautiful worship experience with you.

Here is the schedule for the remainder of the week for all ensembles:

Wednesday, Dec. 22

5:45: Brass in Sanctuary
6:15: Youth and Children's Choirs who are singing on Christmas Eve in their usual rooms
6:30: Bells and Brass in Sanctuary
6:30: Adult Choir in Jennie Roberts Room
6:45: Adult, Youth, and Children's Choir with Bells and Instrumentalists in Sanctuary

Friday, Dec. 24
4:15: Brass in Organist's Office
4:15: Adult, Youth, and Children's Choir with Bells and Instrumentalists in Sanctuary
4:40: Prelude music begins

After the Holidays
Choir resumes on Sunday, Jan. 9 at 9:15.

Wednesday Rehearsal

2010-12-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

Join us at 7:00-8:30 for our orchestral rehearsal as we prepare for Carols by Candlelight.

Rehearsal Only This Sunday

2010-12-09T14:36:00.000-08:00

We are treated to a Sunday, this week, when we can simply work ahead on music and not need to prepare something for worship that day. Join us as we continue to prepare music for Sunday morning, Dec. 19; Carols by Candelight 7:00, Dec. 19; and Christmas Eve 5:00. Hope to see you there.

Wednesday Rehearsals Continue

2010-12-07T12:51:00.000-08:00

Join us Wednesday, Dec. 8 from 7:00-8:30 as we prepare music for the
Carols by Candlelight program.

In addition to many carols, the choir will be featured in three works:

Advent Canticle by Mark Shepperd
Christmas Day by Gustav Holst
O Holy Night arr. John Leavitt

See/hear recordings for these three works in the Rehearsal Resources section.

This event proved to be an amazing venture last year. It is worth your time to be a part of it. Come and sing with us.

The Canticle of the Turning

2010-12-02T09:31:00.000-08:00

Join us this Sunday morning as we sing John Ferguson's setting of an Irish folk tune, The Canticle of the Turning. The text of this work focuses on the idea of the world gradually become the place, the Kingdom that Jesus hoped it would become.

There is a YouTube recording of the piece at the right side of this blog page. It is not the setting that we will be singing. However, the text is included on the video and that is the primary challenge of the piece: it moves quickly and there is a lot of text.

Remember, we are on our new Advent schedule with rehearsal at 9:00-9:50am then we break for intergenerational Sunday School--Advent-ure.

Wednesday Rehearsals Begin This Week

2010-11-30T13:04:00.000-08:00

Join us on Wednesdays, December 1, 8, and 15 from 7:00-8:00pm for adult choir rehearsal. We are adding these to compensate for our shortened Sunday rehearsals (9:00-9:50am), due to our involvement in Advent-ure, the intergenerational Advent Sunday School.

We are preparing to sing for worship on December 5 and 19, but also for the December 19 Carols By Candlelight program and Christmas Eve 5:00.b

This is a great time to join us, even if you have been away for a while or never involved in our church choir before. We have room for you.

Special Events and Schedule Beginning Nov. 28

2010-11-23T13:44:00.000-08:00

We begin our observance of Advent this coming weekend. As part of the preparation that is a part of every holiday season, we are encouraging our church's adult and children to take part in Advent-ure--intergenerational Sunday School from 10:00-10:45.

The adult choir is a group that never has the opportunity to fellowship with others or take part in education opportunities on Sunday mornings. We would like Nov. 28, and Dec. 5, 12, & 19 to be an opportunity to take part in those things.

Beginning Nov. 28, rehearsal is scheduled from 9:00-9:50 am. We will then dismiss to take part in Advent-ure, which is finished at 10:45. After that, get into your robe and line up for a processional in the Narthex.

During the service, we will sing the anthem Soon and Very Soon arranged by Mark Hayes.

In order to have enough rehearsal time to prepare for the holiday season, we will have Wednesday evening rehearsals on December 1, 8, & 15 from 7:00-8:00 pm.

We hope that these changes will result in some church-family building in the month of December. Hope to see you there.

They'll Know

2010-11-11T14:13:00.001-08:00

We are returning to our focus on the Core Values of our church. On November 21, it will be "Serving Compassionately" and we will be sharing an updated anthem setting of the well-known They'll Know We Are Christians.

This week is a rehearsal-only Sunday; time to catch up and look forward to exciting new things for Advent and Christmas. Let us endeavor to keep the energy from and excellent turnout on Kirkin' perpetuated throughout this next season. It is such a joy when we all come together to make music...and it is far less work and more rewarding for everyone than when only a handful are there.

Hope to see you at 9:15 this Sunday.

Kirkin' Choir Meets This Evening

2010-11-03T12:56:00.000-07:00

Join us from 7:00-8:30 in the choir room as we prepare for this Sunday's Kirkin' worship.

Reformation Sunday

2010-10-28T15:35:00.001-07:00

This Sunday--Reformation Sunday--we are singing a dynamic setting of A Mighty Fortress by John Ferguson which includes trumpet and congregation. We open the service with A New Day, which is a bright starter that is a joy to sing.

Kirkin' Choir Rehearsal This Evening

2010-10-27T10:01:00.001-07:00

Join us from 7:00-8:30 in the choir room on the lower level as we prepare for Kirkin' singing. See the recordings of Awake, My Heart and When the Saints Go Marching In in the right column of this blog. We will also be singing special settings of two hymns: God of the Sparrow and For All the Saints in addition to other service music.

Core Values

2010-10-21T15:10:00.000-07:00

We are in the midst of a series focusing on core values in our church--the things that we believe in enough to let them guide the choices we make as individuals and as a church. Cultivating growth in us by connecting with God is our focus this week. And we will be singing a commitment song: "O Jesus I Have Promised."

Our church has been going through a challenging time. Things like focusing on core values are intentional tools of healing. If we look past differences and disappointments and focus on being Christ-like in our attitudes and actions toward others, we cannot help but heal.

If you have been sitting on the sidelines, waiting for this church to become a different place, know that the responsibility to accomplish that change lies in each one of us. If you have been sitting on the sidelines, waiting for the choir to grow or the youth groups to become larger, come and be an active part of that growth.

"And Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow, my Master and my Friend.

World Communion Sunday

2010-09-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

This week we celebrate the fact that the worldwide Christian church is diverse and colorful. Our anthem will be sung during communion, A Festival Gathering. It is a medley which includes an Hispanic praise song, an African-American spiritual, and a contemporary hymn that focuses on being welcoming to all people.

Join us for the unusual rehearsal time of 9:00. We only have one hour as we will be breaking at 10:00 to attend the church congregational meeting. We will be singing for 11:00 worship, but we will not be wearing robes this week.

A Week Off...But Not Really

2010-09-23T14:24:00.000-07:00

This Sunday is Mission BreakOUT, where we leave the comfort of our church and venture out into the community to work. There is no choir rehearsal this Sunday, as we will gather at 9:30 for a brief worship service, organize our work teams and go out into the community.

If you have not signed up for a work site, we have three opportunities that still need to be filled.

The Great Plains Food Bank 1720 3rd Ave North, Fargo. Volunteers are needed to work with packaged food items

Luther Hall (Lutheran Social Services) 1505 5th Ave. South, Fargo. Painters are needed to paint a garage. Supplies will be provided.

New American Services 1325 11^th Street South, Fargo. Sorting warehoused clothing and materials for new members of our community.

Please remember to dress casually and appropriate for the work that you are planning to do. Bringing a pair of work gloves is always a good idea.

This is a week off from singing...but it's not really a week off. This is an opportunity to carry our faith into action and out of the church doors.

On October 17th, First Pres is hosting an American Guild of Organists concert, Basically Brahms. Our choir will be one of the anchor choirs for this event. Please let us know if you plan to participate. Visit the Basically Brahms Blog for concert and rehearsal information, as well as printable music scores and rehearsal resources. Consider using this event (and email the blog link) to invite a friend to join you in this community opportunity.

No Longer Mine

2010-09-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we are singing the old hymn text "Take My Life, That I May Be" in two distinct ways. With the congregation, a bright hispanic-styled setting will be sung that projects a feeling of the joy found in commitment to Christ. For the adult choir's anthem, we will be using a very introspective, personal setting of the same text that reinforces the idea of the personal nature of that same commitment to Christ.

"Take my will and make it thine;
it will be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne"
--Frances R. Havergal, 1836-1879

On October 17th, First Pres is hosting an American Guild of Organists concert, Basically Brahms. Our choir will be one of the anchor choirs for this event. Please visit the Basically Brahms Blog for concert and rehearsal information, as well as printable music scores and rehearsal resources. Consider using this event (and email the blog link) to invite a friend to join you in this community opportunity.

He shall gather the lambs in His arms

2010-09-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

Rally Day, Sept. 12, will focus on God's love and gathering of us--God's sheep. It is a fitting image as we come back together from our busy summertime, ready to minister through music once again.

Join us at 9:00 for warm-up and run-through, then walk in to the 9:00 service to sing our anthem (without robes), leave and take part in the brunch potluck, then resume our rehearsal before singing at the 11:00 service. This will be a meaningful way of starting our year, sharing our gifts with both the 9:00 and 11:00 congregations.

We have an exciting year of music planned; it is a rather ambitious one. (Note: the fall schedule and rehearsal resources are posted on this blog page.) If you have been considering singing with the choir, now is the perfect time to venture forward. The more people we have singing, the more interesting and beautiful choral music we can sing. Your place in this choir is important and valued.

See you on Sunday.

Thank You

2010-05-27T13:06:00.001-07:00

Thank you to all who made this a successful and meaningful year. Your faithful participation is greatly appreciated by this church.

We are presently on break for the summer months. The Fall 2010 season will resume on Wednesday, September 8 at 7:00 pm. We will have a one-time midweek rehearsal before we sing on Rally Day, September 12. On the 12th we will resume our weekly Sunday morning rehearsals.

Speaking in Tongues

2010-05-20T15:14:00.000-07:00

This Sunday is Pentecost--the celebration of God's sending the Holy Spirit to us. The choir will be contributing to the drama of the story of this event from the book of Acts by speaking in tongues. Here is the plan:

At a point in the reading, the Choir begins calling out the following phrases:

“Takwaba uwabanga Yesu!”
“No hay nadie como Cristo!”
“There’s no one like Jesus!”
“Jauchzet dem Herren, alle Welt!“
“Jubiláte Deo, omnis terra!”
“Poussez vers l'Éternel des cris de joie!”

Choose one and be ready to shout it aloud on Sunday. (The English is only a last resort!)

As if that weren't enough, we are also singing Heinrich Schutz's setting of Psalm 100 (in English) with the brass ensemble. See the recording below.

It is going to be an exciting, final day of the season.

There's No One Like Jesus

2010-05-13T09:55:00.001-07:00

The choir is going to be sharing a multi-lingual piece this Sunday: "Takwaba (There's No One Like Jesus)". It has rhythmic and textual challenges, but musically speaking it is very manageable. Please take a few moments to listen to the YouTube recording below in the Rehearsal Resources section. We are so pleased to have the Proclamation Choir joining us as well. They will arrive at 9:30 along with our percussionist.

We will not be wearing robes this Sunday, as we will begin the service sitting in the pews and will return there when we are finished. This will afford everyone the opportunity to see confirmation.

Fun music, African drum, and only a couple of weeks left to sing. It's going to be a good Sunday. Come and be a part of it.

An Important Sunday

2010-05-06T11:45:00.001-07:00

This Sunday is an important Sunday for many reasons. Most notably, it is Mother's Day. In addition to that, this Sunday is important because it is our rehearsal week. We are not singing for worship, so we are gifted with a full rehearsal to prepare for the weeks to come.

We will be preparing "Takwaba" and "Praise Ye the Father," two vastly different pieces for the weeks to come. Both are challenging in their own way. See the YouTube recordings below in the Rehearsal Resources section.

These are pieces that will be successful with repeated rehearsal, as they are not pieces that can be easily sightread. Plan to join us at 9:00am.

Communion

2010-04-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

Communion. Coming together.

The choir will be sharing Mark Hayes' anthem setting of "One Bread, One Body" this Sunday as communion music. We will be pleased to have the Proclamation Youth Choir singing with us on this anthem.

Additionally, we will be introducing the South African hymn "Hallelujah! We Sing Your Praises," leading it with the congregation. We will sing it in English.

There are recordings of both pieces of music below in the Rehearsal Resources section.

Let's come together this week. And commune through meal and music.

Sunday of the Good Shepherd

2010-04-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we focus on Christ as the Good Shepherd. The choir has a gorgeous anthem to share: "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need" arranged by Mack Wilberg. We will have the pleasure of singing it with its intended scoring of concert harp and two flutes. There is a YouTube recording of the piece below in the Rehearsal Resource section. Then we will close the service with a benediction response that we began last week, "Christ Be With Me" by Noel Rawsthorne.

Easter Continues

2010-04-15T14:18:00.000-07:00

After a week off from the exertions of Holy Week and Easter Sunday, we resume rehearsals this Sunday, April 18 at 9:00.

We will be sharing two pieces: an introit "Worthy is the Lamb" by Benjamin Harlan and a benediction response "Christ Be With Me" by Noel Rawsthorne.

There is a recording of "Worthy is the Lamb" that can be found online. Instructions are posted in the Rehearsal Resources section below, but here is a picture of what you will look for on the screen:

Holy Week and Easter were such a delight in great part due to the large number of singers that were there. Let's try to keep that energy and momentum throughout the remainder of the spring season. We have particularly interesting music coming up in the next month. Plan to join us.

Easter Morning

2010-04-02T12:49:00.000-07:00

Call time is 8:00 am for the Sanctuary Choir on Sunday morning. Meet in the Choir Room, in your robes.

We will be singing "Processional Alleluia" and "Christ Has Arisen! Alleluia" (recording below).

There is a logistics sheet for you as well, but here is the content from that sheet:

No hymnals necessary; everything is in the bulletin

We begin the service in our seats (in the transept; we will not be in the choir loft)

When the congregation stands to face the rear of the church, move into position on the steps for “Processional Alleluia”

Remain in place through the hymn, until the peace, then be seated

Move into position on the steps for “Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia” as children return to their seats

Commune at the 9:00 service

This is going to be a wonderful and meaningful experience for all involved. We hope that you can join us.

Final Holy Week and Easter Musical Rehearsal

2010-03-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

Join us this Wednesday, March 31st for our final rehearsal as we prepare to sing on Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday.

We will rehearse from7:00 to 8:00 this Wednesday evening. Please note that there will be no dinner served this week.

Hope to see you there.

Palm Sunday and Beyond

2010-03-25T11:02:00.000-07:00

This week we celebrate Palm Sunday with children processing with palms and the choir singing Moses Hogan's "Ride On, King Jesus." Within that service we turn the corner to Holy Week, and the choir shares Charles Wood's "Agnus Dei." There are recording of these pieces and most of the other music that we are singing for Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday in the Rehearsal Resources section below.

Rehearsal This Evening: Wednesday, March 17

2010-03-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

Hoping to see you at Sanctuary Choir rehearsal this evening from 7:35-8:30 in the choir room. We will be working on music for Holy Week and Easter.

Kyrie: Lord, Have Mercy

2010-03-10T11:15:00.000-08:00

This Sunday we are going to be singing the anthem we shared on Ash Wednesday, "Kyrie" from Missa Portae Honoris by Charles Wood. The focus of worship is praying for others when they need healing. The "Lord, have mercy" text is particularly appropriate for this.

Beginning next Wednesday, March 17 you are invited to participate in additional rehearsals as we prepare to sing for Holy Week and Easter. The choir will be a part of services on Palm Sunday (10:45), Maundy Thursday (7:00), and Easter Sunday (9:00 & 10:45).

If you have been unable to participate in the choir this winter, it is a wonderful time to step in. In addition to regular Sunday rehearsals (9:00-10:30), join us for the special Wednesday evening rehearsals on March 17 & 24 from 7:35-8:35.

We will also have a rehearsal for all Easter musicians early in the evening on Wednesday, March 31.

Communion Music and Looking Ahead to Holy Week and Easter

2010-03-04T10:53:00.000-08:00

We will be sharing music for Communion this Sunday, March 7. Join us to sing the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) from Charles Wood's Missa Portae Honoris. There is a score and part-playing recording in the Rehearsal Resources section below.

It is also time to be thinking ahead to Holy Week and Easter. Note the schedule has three additional Wednesday rehearsals (March 17, 24, & 31) where we can invite people who may not be able to join us on a consistent basis. There are recordings of most of the Holy Week and Easter music in the Rehearsal Resources section.

Catch-Up Week and Looking for a Lost Piece of Music

2010-02-22T15:28:00.000-08:00

This Sunday, February 28, is going to be a rehearsal only week--a time to catch up on the music for future weeks. Originally, we had this day scheduled as a day off, but we need some time together to prepare for upcoming singing. These rehearsal only days are particularly successful when there are as many of us in attendance as possible. Remember, singing in a choir is so much enjoyable when many are present. Your presence is important to your fellow singers.

We are looking for a lost piece of music that we sang at Christmas. If you have a copy of "Love Came Down at Christmas" by Leo Sowerby, please return it soon as it is borrowed music. It looks like this but the cover is a bright, school-bus yellow.

Singing for Ash Wednesday

2010-02-15T14:41:00.001-08:00

Ash Wednesday signals the beginning of the Lenten season. We will be singing a "Kyrie" by Charles Wood. The piece is in English rather than Latin, and its traditional petitions are perfect for the opening of this season of reflection:

"Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy."

The score and a bare-bones recording of the parts is available in the Rehearsal Resources section below.

Join us at 6:00 for rehearsal. Remember that dinner is served from 5:15 to 6:30. Consider this option if time is tight for you after work.

No Rehearsal This Week

2010-02-06T06:42:00.000-08:00

Enjoy the weekend off. We will not have rehearsal nor will we be singing this Sunday, February 7th. We resume next week as we prepare to sing Allen Pote's "God is Our Refuge and Strength."

Have a good week.

Winter Weather this Weekend

2010-01-21T17:11:00.000-08:00

We will be singing the lovely "A New Commandment" by Paul Carey this Sunday morning. There is a lovely recording of it below in the Online Resources section.

Since threatening weather is possible this weekend, here is our plan for the musicians involved in worship:

Before leaving home for rehearsal and worship on Sunday morning, consult WDAY television or radio. That is our first contact to announce the church closing.

They also have a list on their website: http://www.wday.com/event/severeweather/

We hope to see you on Sunday.

Stay safe and warm.

Baptism...continued

2010-01-14T15:14:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, January 24th, we begin a series in worship that focuses on local issues. Actually, they are simply human issues. Mental health and depression is this week's focus. We are going to continue the theme of baptismal identity which began last week in the music that the choir shares this week. We will open with an introit, "The Baptism of Christ" by Andrew March and will also sing the verses for the hymn "You are Mine." These upcoming worship experiences should be significant and memorable for all who are involved. Hope you can be a part of it.

Water, water everywhere

2010-01-07T15:10:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, January 10 we will be focusing on Christ's baptism and our own. There will be lot of a lot of water imagery in the music and in the liturgy. The choir will be sharing John Carter's setting of "Shall We Gather at the River" during a time for people to come forward and be marked with the cross of Christ in water on their foreheads.

There is a schedule change: we will be singing on Jan. 17. We have some lovely yet very manageable things that we will be doing: "The Baptism of Christ" and singing the verses to the hymn "You are Mine."

Worship should be particularly meaningful in these next few weeks as we have many special elements that we hope will connect with people. The music--and the choir in particular--will be a crucial part of that. Plan to join us.

No Wednesday Night at First Activities Tonight

2010-01-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

All Wednesday Night at First activities for tonight, January 6, 2010, have been cancelled due to winter weather concerns. Stay safe and warm tonight!

Coming Back Together

2009-12-29T10:27:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas.

Thank you for your excellent singing over the holiday season. We resume rehearsals this Sunday, January 3 at 9:00. This is a rehearsal-only week; it allows us to prepare for the weeks ahead without the pressure of singing this Sunday morning.

What we sing on the 10th will be decided at rehearsal. It will be one of the following:

"The Lord is My Light" by Hank Beebe
"Set Me as a Seal" by Rene Clausen (video/audio recording below Rehearsal Resources section)
"Shall We Gather at the River" by John Carter

Hoping to have all of you back together this Sunday.

Christmas Eve Contingency Plan for Musicians

2009-12-23T15:44:00.001-08:00

Good evening:

Since threatening weather is possible on Christmas Eve, here is our plan for the musicians involved in worship:

Before leaving home for rehearsal tomorrow afternoon, consult WDAY television or radio. That is our first contact to announce the church closing.

They also have a list on their website: http://www.wday.com/event/severeweather/

We hope to see you on Christmas Eve.

Thank you and Merry Christmas.

Preparing for a Musical Christmas

2009-12-22T13:05:00.000-08:00

After a tremendously successful Carols by Candlelight, we are moving on to Christmas Eve.

If you will be able to sing on Christmas Eve at 5:00, join us for rehearsal on Wednesday, December 23 at 6:30 in the Sanctuary. We will be finished by or before 7:30. The music for that evening will be "Jesus, Oh, What a Wonderful Child" and "Love Came Down at Christmas." See the Rehearsal Resources section below for recordings.

On Christmas Eve, we will meet at 4:20. That evening we will not wear choir robes; dress festively for the holiday.

Merry Christmas and thank you for your committed singing.

An Exciting, Musical Weekend

2009-12-17T09:37:00.000-08:00

December 20 is going to be a wonderful day.

We begin the day with a 9:00 rehearsal of the adults and youth/children's choirs, where we will work on "Climb to the Top" and "Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child." The adults will continue to prepare for the 7:00 Carols by Candlelight concert and Christmas Eve 5:00.

Sunday evening's call time is 6:15, ready to sing in the sanctuary with orchestra.Concert dress is festive holiday attire. (It can be colorful!) Ties for men, please.

This concert is going to be delightful. Many people are contributing time and talent to make it significantly meaningful. Hope to see you there.

Special Holiday Music Rehearsal, Wednesday, December 9

2009-12-08T13:50:00.000-08:00

Join us this Wednesday evening, December 9, 7:30-8:45 for a special holiday music rehearsal in the choir room.

This is an excellent time to re-connect with our ensemble if you haven't been with us recently. We will be preparing music for the Carols by Candlelight concert on Sunday, December 20 at 7:00 pm and for the 5:00 Christmas Eve service.

See the Rehearsal Resources section below for recordings of most of the music that we will be singing during the holiday season.

The First Sunday of Advent

2009-11-25T09:55:00.001-08:00

After enjoying our Thanksgiving holidays, let's gather together again on Sunday, November 29 for the First Sunday of Advent. We will be preparing "A Voice Proclaims" by John Bell. There is a partial recording of it in the Rehearsal Resources section below.

Back at it!

2009-11-19T15:26:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to all who were involved in the Kirkin' services. It was a wonderful morning and your singing was excellent. Thank you.

We resume our rehearsals this Sunday morning. Our rehearsal time will be greatly benefited if everyone takes a few moments to listen to "Thou Visitest the Earth" (below). The recording is exceptional because it also displays the music. This piece will be the introit at the very opening of the service.

The service will conclude with Marty Haugen's "Soli Deo Gloria." There is a brief recording of the choral verse which is the one challenging part of the piece.

Looking forward to working with you again on this music and advent music as well.

The Plan for Kirkin' Morning

2009-11-06T18:47:00.000-08:00

8:00 is an early start, but we jump directly into our rehearsing at 8:00 am this Sunday.

Shelley Z. will be working with you in the choir room.

This is The Plan:

Arrive early enough to get into your robe and have your music ready before warm-up time.

8:00 Warm-up

8:10 Speak, O Lord

8:20 Dismiss to Chancel Steps

8:25 All Things Bright and Beautiful

When finished, choir moves to loft

8:35 The Old 100^th Psalm Tune

8:45 Break time and line up in Celebration Hall

8:52 Prelude begins

These are the pieces that you need in your folder in addition to you bulletin:

The opening hymn is printed in your bulletin: "Sing With All the Saints in Glory," sung to the tune of "Joyful, Joyful..." in unison
"Speak, O Lord"
"Amazing Grace" hymn sheet
"All Things Bright and Beautiful"
"The Old 100th Psalm Tune"
"A Celtic Blessing"

Between services there will be breakfast in the choir room. Remember there are 30 fewer minutes between services now. The prelude for the second service will begin at 10:37.

Thank you for your commitment in being a part of this day.

See you at 8:00. It is going to be a wonderful morning.

Wednesday Kirkin' Rehearsal

2009-11-02T10:17:00.000-08:00

Let's meet together this Wednesday from 7:30-9:00 in the choir room to prepare music for Kirkin'. Three of the pieces that we are doing have recordings below. Take advantage of those resources so that we can maximize our brief rehearsal time this Wednesday.

Stay posted with further Kirkin' info later in the week.

An Important Rehearsal

2009-10-26T09:08:00.001-07:00

This Sunday, Nov. 1, we have the luxury of rehearsing without having to prepare to sing for morning worship. We are going to work Kirkin' music and other future things. It is a week to get caught up and be well prepared for our Scottish heritage services. This Sunday's rehearsal will be an important rehearsal. See you then.

Adults, Youth, and Drums

2009-10-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

Once again, the adult choir has the pleasure of doing a collaborative effort this Sunday, Oct. 25. We will be singing "Together a Dwelling" with the Proclamation Choir and additional percussionists. This is a rhythmic piece that moves quickly. Listen to the recording below to help you get the feel of it. The youth will be singing the solo parts and the adults will sing the choral parts that you hear on the recording.

We are also going to excerpt a potion of "To the Praise of His Glorious Grace" to be used as a benediction response. We will begin at page 6, measure 25. If you are listening to the recording in the Rehearsal Resources section, the portion that we will be singing begins at 1:15.

Adults and youth will meet at 9:00 in the choir room, and we will do our best to be finished around 9:30 so that the youth can get to Sunday School.

Adults and Children: Singing together on Oct. 18

2009-10-12T14:10:00.000-07:00

Our adult choir has the privilege of singing Allen Pote's "A Jubilant Song" with our 3-6 grade choir this Sunday. The children will be joining us early in our rehearsal time (at 9:15) to finalize details and participate in a final run-through.

Something Old, Something New

2009-10-05T12:43:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we will be singing something old and something new.

"All Creatures of Our God and King," arranged by Melody Bober, was written for the First Pres choir. The choir has sung this a number of times in recent years. It will be familiar to many of you. Unfortunately, there are no listening resources for this one.

"To the Praise of His Glorious Grace" is the new one. We are going to excerpt a potion of it to be used as a benediction response. We will begin at page 6, measure 25. If you are listening to the recording in the Rehearsal Resources section, the portion that we will be singing begins at 1:15.

Thank you for your fine singing thus far this season. And bless you for taking the time to prepare before we meet together again.

"Cordero de Dios" for World Communion Sunday, Oct. 4

2009-09-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

"Cordero de Dios" is the Spanish setting of the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) text. We will be using it during communion; singing it in Spanish as part of our awareness of World Communion Sunday. It is an awareness that the Christian church is global and no longer predominantly North American.

There is a fine YouTube video to assist you in preparing for Sunday. This is a piece that necessitates additional work outside of choir rehearsal. A pronunciation guide is located on the inside cover of the anthem. Please take some time to prepare before we meet this Sunday.

"Saints Bound for Heaven" for this Sunday, Sept. 27

2009-09-22T10:50:00.001-07:00

This Sunday, due to the limited time that we have together, we are going to need to begin rehearsal where we left off last week. If you weren't able to be with us at rehearsal last Sunday, take some time to work on or listen to "Saints Bound for Heaven." It is going to be a fun anthem to sing. If we are all prepared, it will be all the more enjoyable. Thank you for faithfully sharing your gifts with your church.

Brahms Concert Postponed

2009-09-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

Hello, friends:

We are indefinitely postponing the Brahms concert that was originally scheduled for Oct. 11. The idea to do this concert came late in the year, and we need a bit more time to prepare and publicize for it than we have. But we will keep this or something like it in mind for our future. Thank you to those who were quick to respond in support and participation of this event. The rehearsal, singing, and anthem schedules have been adjusted accordingly on this blog page.

"Rehearsal only" weeks

2009-09-14T10:09:00.001-07:00

With the new rehearsal schedule that we now have, there are two things that each of us can do to make this venture successful:

Make it a priority to attend rehearsals even when we do not sing for that morning's service; this coming Sunday is one of those. It will give us some time to prepare ahead, so that we are not scrambling each week to barely pull things together.
Use the recording links above to practice outside of our rehearsal time.

Before Sept. 27, take a few moments to listen to "Saints Bound for Heaven." If you have your music at home with you, the best preparation that you could do would be to get comfortable with the words. Chant them along with the recording and don't worry about the pitches for now. Facility with the text will make everything else seem much easier.

Our first rehearsal is approaching

2009-09-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

We are approaching our first morning with our new rehearsal format. Join us on Sunday, September 13 at 9:00 in the choir room for rehearsal. We will prepare to sing for the 10:45 service.

If you will be with us that morning, please look at the "Jubilate" by Wood (at the top of this page). It is a simple but lovely setting of a classic morning worship text that uses the familiar tune OLD HUNDREDTH, commonly sung as the "Doxology." There is a midi file that will give you a bare-bones idea of what it sounds like. Take a few moments before Sunday to acquaint yourself with this music.

See you on the 13th.