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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, 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 setting of the appointed psalm (Anglican Chant or plainsong), an offertory anthem, and a communion anthem 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 2012-13 Adult Choir Schedule.
Click here for the current Liturgical Music Listing (Epiphany - Easter Day 2013).
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 sixteen 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, 4:30 - 5:45 p.m. Sunday morning warm-up begins at 9:45 a.m. Children and youth whose families do not formally belong to the parish are most welcome in the Youth Choir!
Click here for the 2012-13 Youth Choir Schedule.
Click here for the current Liturgical Music Listing (Epiphany - Easter Day 2013).
A service of prayer and meditation in the style of Taizé is held on the first Monday evening of each month (October - June), at 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 children and youth in need. This week of musical learning and fun culminates in a unique, interactive performance for family, friends, and parishioners.
Summer Music Camp 2013 will take place Monday, August 5 - Friday, August 9, 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. daily. Click here for registration materials. Questions? Contact Thomas Smith, Director of Music: 301.229.3770 ext. 16 or music.redeemer@verizon.net.
Begun in the fall of 2005, Music at Redeemer is an extensive series of choral services and concerts held in the stunning acoustic of Redeemer's nave. 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 for the 2012-13 Music at Redeemer Series brochure (exterior).
Click here for the 2012-13 Music at Redeemer Series brochure (interior).
2012-2013 Season at-a-glance
Sunday, October 7, 2012, at 5:00 p.m.
Inscape Chamber Orchestra: "Studies in Space & Motion"
Sunday, November 4, 2012, at 5:00 p.m.
Solemn Requiem Mass: Setting by Gabriel Fauré with chamber orchestra
(Dr. Martin Neary, guest conductor)
Sunday, December 2, 2012, at 5:00 p.m.
A Service of Lessons & Carols for Advent
(Dr. Benjamin Hutchens, guest conductor)
Monday, December 24, 2012, at 10:30 p.m.
Festal Eucharist of the Nativity
(An extended prelude of carols, anthems, and voluntaries begins at 10:00 p.m.)
Sunday, January 13, 2013, at 5:00 p.m.
Eya & Illuminare: "Ladye Without Peer"
Sunday, February 3, 2013, at 5:00 p.m.
Inscape Chamber Orchestra: "Premieres & Impressions"
Sunday, February 17, 2013, at 5:00 p.m.
Choral Evensong for the First Sunday in Lent
Saturday, February 23, 2013, at 7:30 p.m.
The Yale Whiffenpoofs in Concert
Sunday, March 3, 2013, at 5:00 p.m.
Cellist Yvonne Caruthers in Concert
Thursday, March 28, 2013, at 7:30 p.m.
Choral Eucharist for Maundy Thursday
Friday, March 29, 2013, at 7:30 p.m.
The Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday
Saturday, March 30, 2013, at 8:30 p.m.
The Great Vigil of Easter
Sunday, March 31, 2013, at 10:30 a.m.
Festal Eucharist of the Resurrection
Sunday, April 14, 2013, at 5:00 p.m.
Organist Colin MacKnight in Concert
Sunday, May 5, 2013, at 5:00 p.m.
Mozart in May: "Music by the Master"
Sunday, May 19, 2013, at 5:00 p.m.
Inscape Chamber Orchestra: "Vienna Redux III"
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 2012-13 season. Under the direction of Richard Scerbo, Inscape will perform on the Music at Redeemer Series in October, February, and May. 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 nave during summer 2007. It was dedicated in a series of performances by organists Nathan Laube, Henry Lowe, Martin Neary, and John Walker.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of a Redeemer parishioner, two additional ranks will be added to the instrument during Summer 2013: an independent chorus reed on the Great (8' English Trumpet) and a high pressure solo reed (8' Tuba).
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 large 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 Thomas Smith, Director of Music: 301.229.3770 ext. 16 or music.redeemer@verizon.net.
Click here for the Friends of Music contribution card.
