Bay Shore Choir Update: Yearly Recap, Summer Plans In Place, Looking Ahead to Fall
Hello Bay Shore,
The Chancel Choir has had a season of growth this year. Musically, the choir is improving their singing and musicality by leaps and bounds. I’m so proud of their commitment, and bravery in singing with less inhibition, more attention to detail of the text, and being communicative singers. Our numbers are still growing. Last year in September we had 3. Now we have 12 regular singers.
The Easter season was a success for us. The Hallelujah Chorus was really well received at Easter. And I think it will now be a tradition. Our scholarship singers Ariel, Lauren, and Sian are crucial components to our success. The church’s financial support for them is SO crucial and is the backbone of our sound, and a bright spot in the choir and church community.
Our final choir rehearsal of the season was on May 29. On the Sunday mornings of June 1 and June 8 we had a “pop up” choir—which means we are singing songs that anyone can join in and sing. No experience was required, and it went great. We’re trying to attract as many people who want to serve in this musical ministry as possible.
On June 22, I and several other choir persons led our music for the “in church” Worship in the Park. It was a great service, and the Bible Impov was lots of fun. Another tradition to continue.
This Summer you may have also noticed, each week we have a cantor or more leading our hymns, worship music and more. This was not in the budget, but the staff feels we are responding to the requests to have this. All we have heard are good things.
Next Year:
I have spoken to the “choir council” (Wilanna and Christel), and Pastor Sarah, and we are proposing to the choir that we sing three Sundays a month during the next choir season. I believe that the choir will be excited to do that, and it would help increase participation and enjoyment of the worship experience.
Rehearsals will stay the same (Thursday from 7 to 8), and I’m planning on adding a ‘Voice Class component from 6 to 6:45 for singers who want to improve their skills. Totally optional, but several members have asked for that and I think it will be a great resource and development space.
I am also working on being more intentional in choosing music by underrepresented composers. The past two years I have leaned on songs I already know, but my intention is to broaden the music we sing and include voices that have not been heard widely, but deserve to be.
We will also be working to include lay musicians in more music. Hymns and service music, as well as anthems. As well as Cantoring the service (not just UWM singers or Ben).
Children’s/Youth Music:
It would be beneficial for our children and youth to learn and sing music for worship services and more if we could set a standard time to practice. I would like to explore finding a time that works for our families and community to offer a children’s music experience weekly. possibly on Thursday before Choir. More to come on this in the weeks ahead.
Thank You: Lastly, I would like to thank the Council, Pastor Sarah, Kate, Dulcie and Marissa for supporting our choir, and me, during this year. Your support, kindness and love has been a bright spot and a joy for me. Thank you for allowing me to serve with you in God’s service here at Bay Shore. It truly is a joy and honor.
Sincerely, Ben
Ben will be starting his THIRD season with us as Choir Director. We are grateful for his leadership and enthusiasm, and we encourage all persons who would like to join the choir to do so! You do not need to be a member of Bay Shore to be in our choirs! Contact Ben for more info,