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Music
sing unto the LORD, all the whole earth."
Overview
The primary focus of the music program at The Church of the Redeemer is the preparation and performance of beautiful, finely-crafted music for the glory of God and the edification of the worshipping community week after week. Parishioners of all ages are participants in this endeavor. The music program also serves as a valuable tool for outreach to the local community, the diocese, and beyond. For more information about these and other musical offerings at The Church of the Redeemer, please contact Thomas Smith, Director of Music: 301.229.3770 ext. 16 or music.redeemer@verizon.net
The Adult Choir, a volunteer ensemble augmented by professional singers from the Washington, D.C. area, provides musical leadership for the 10:30 a.m. Choral Eucharist each Sunday (Homecoming Sunday through Trinity Sunday) and for special liturgies throughout the year. With a focus on the music of the English cathedral tradition, the repertoire of the Adult Choir spans many centuries. In addition to leading the singing of congregational hymns and service music, the Adult Choir sings a musical setting of the appointed psalm (Anglican Chant or plainsong), an offertory anthem, and an anthem at the communion each Sunday. Rehearsal is held on Thursday evening, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Sunday morning warm-up begins at 9:15 a.m. Membership in the Adult Choir is open to all parishioners and members of the wider community. No previous choral experience is necessary.
Click here for the 2009-2010 Adult Choir Schedule (pdf).
Click here for the Autumn/Winter 2009 Liturgical Music Schedule (pdf).
The Youth Choir joins the Adult Choir in providing musical leadership for the 10:30 a.m. Choral Eucharist each Sunday (Homecoming Sunday through Trinity Sunday) and for special liturgies throughout the year. Although there is no minimum age requirement for membership in the Youth Choir, all choristers must be able to read. At present, choristers range from six to eighteen years of age. During rehearsal, choristers do more than just sing. Instead, they enjoy a well-rounded musical education (vocal production, basic music theory, and sight reading) as they become acquainted with the rich choral heritage and liturgical practices of the Anglican tradition. For special services, members of the Youth Choir are often chosen to serve in other liturgical capacities (i.e. thurifer, crucifer, torch bearer, acolyte, and lector).
Rehearsal takes place on Wednesday afternoon, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Sunday morning warm-up begins at 9:45 a.m. The choristers sing Evensong on the first Wednesday of each month, at 5:30 p.m. Dates for Fall/Winter 2010 are:
Wednesday, 7 October
Wednesday, 4 November
Wednesday, 2 December
Children and youth whose families do not formally belong to the parish are most welcome in the Youth Choir!
Click here for the 2009-2010 Youth Choir Schedule (pdf).
Click here for the Autumn/Winter 2009 Liturgical Music Schedule (pdf).
A service of prayer and meditation in the style of Taizé is held on the first Monday evening of each month (7:30 p.m.), and every Monday evening during the season of Lent (7:30 p.m.). The Taizé Ensemble provides musical accompaniment for the sung portions of this contemplative service. Rehearsal is held monthly. The music of Taizé is accessible to individuals of all levels of musical ability. Additional singers and instrumentalists are always welcome!
Intergenerational Summer Choir
The Intergenerational Summer Choir provides musical leadership for the 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist each Sunday during the summer months. In addition to singing hymns and service music, the Intergenerational Summer Choir occasionally offers a simple anthem at the Offertory. Rehearsal takes place on Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. Families are especially welcome!
Each summer, Redeemer is pleased to offer a music camp for 25-30 children and youth from the parish, local community, and beyond. Using portions of the Orff and Dalcroze methods, two professional music educators, assisted by Director of Music Tom Smith, offer instruction in rhythm, theory, vocal production, and improvisation. Volunteers from the parish organize games, outdoor recreation, and arts and crafts. Lunch is provided daily. Full scholarships are made available to underprivileged children and youth from parishes in the Diocese of Washington. This week of musical learning and fun culminates in a unique performance for family, friends, and parishioners.
Please stay tuned for more information about Summer Music Camp 2010.
Click here to view the Washington Window's September 2006 coverage of Summer Music Camp (see pp. 10-11).
Begun in the fall of 2005, Music at Redeemer is an exciting series of choral services and concerts held in the stunning acoustic of Redeemer's sanctuary. The series is one of the key outreach components of Redeemer's growing music program. For centuries, the church has played an important role in the cultivation and promotion of artistic endeavors. That tradition continues here. We invite you to join us!
Click here to view the 2009-20010 Music at Redeemer Series brochure - exterior (pdf).
Click here to view the 2009-20010 Music at Redeemer Series brochure - interior (pdf).
2009-2010 Season at-a-glance
Inscape Chamber Orchestra in Concert (I)
Sunday, 11 October 2009, at 5:00 p.m.
Choral Evensong for the Feast of All Saints
with Martin Neary, guest conductor
Sunday, 1 November 2009, at 5:00 p.m.
A Service of Lessons & Carols for Advent
Sunday, 6 December 2009, at 5:00 p.m.
Festal Eucharist of the Nativity
Thursday, 24 December 2009, at 10:30 p.m.
(An extended prelude of carols, anthems, and voluntaries begins at 10:00 p.m.)
Organ Recital: Nathan Laube
Sunday, 10 January 2010, at 5:00 p.m.
Italian Treasures: The Countertop Quartet and Illuminare in Concert
Sunday, 24 January 2010, at 5:00 p.m.
Choral Evensong for the First Sunday in Lent
Sunday, 21 February 2010, at 5:00 p.m.
Inscape Chamber Orchestra in Concert (II)
Sunday, 7 March 2010, at 5:00 p.m.
Choral Eucharist for Maundy Thursday
Thursday, 1 April 2010, at 7:30 p.m.
The Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday
Friday, 2 April 2010, at 7:30 p.m.
The Great Vigil of Easter
Saturday, 3 April 2010, at 8:30 p.m.
Festal Eucharist of the Resurrection
Sunday, 4 April 2010, at 10:30 a.m.
Inscape Chamber Orchestra in Concert (III)
Sunday, 25 April 2010, at 5:00 p.m.
The Choir of Men & Boys of St. Paul's Parish, K Street
Friday, 21 May 2010, at 7:30 p.m.
Inscape, one of the Washington area's newest, most innovative chamber orchestras, will once again serve as Ensemble-in-residence at The Church of the Redeemer during the 2009-2010 season. Under the direction of Mr. Richard Scerbo, Inscape will perform on the Music at Redeemer Series in October, March, and April. In addition, members of Inscape will, from time to time, join the choirs in providing music for worship on Sunday mornings and for special services during the year. For more information about Inscape, please contact Evan Solomon, Executive Director, at solomonevan@gmail.com.
Di Gennaro-Hart Pipe Organ
In January 2006, while in the midst of a successful Capital Campaign, The Church of the Redeemer entered into contract with The Di Gennaro-Hart Organ Company of McLean, Virginia, for a new two manual, 28-rank pipe organ. The organ was installed in the sanctuary during summer 2007. It was dedicated in a series of three performances by concert organists John Walker and Nathan Laube, 19-21 October 2007.
Click here for more information about the organ, including specification (pdf).
Yamaha Grand Piano
The Yamaha Grand Piano (Model G-3) is used for concerts, rehearsals, and private instruction, as well as occasional choral accompaniment during services. This beautiful instrument was given in 2005 by a parishioner who saw her contribution as the fulfillment of a great need for a growing music program and an important building-block toward the construction of a pipe organ.
Musical programming at The Church of the Redeemer is underwritten, in part, by the generosity of the Friends of Music at Redeemer, a fundraising effort approved by the Vestry in Fall 2007. Please consider making a contribution to this musical ministry, benefiting both the parish and the wider community. For more information, please contact Tom Smith in the Music Office.
Click here for the Friends of Music contribution card (pdf).
