Emmanuel Choral Program

Sir John Rutter has said on repeated occasions, that a church without a choir, is like a body without a soul.  He has strongly emphasized the vital role of choral music in the church and human life, and it is his belief, as it is mine, that choral singing provides immense social and communal value, offering a spiritual “soul” for communities and serving as a fundamental part of human expression and prayer.  Singing in a choir offers individuals a chance to leave their daily worries behind and find renewal through the shared act of making music.  Rutter argues that choral music is not a luxury, but a fundamental necessity for the spiritual well-being of a community.  I couldn’t agree more

The choirs of Emmanuel share that important role.  In reading the history of our parish, particularly in the early decades, the vestry notes indicate the strong desire to develop and improve the choirs of our parish.  They have taken on various forms over the last century and a quarter and tt has only been since the 1980s that the choirs of Emmanuel have developed into a more formal and important form.  As a longtime member of Emmanuel related to me this week of an earlier era of our parish, “I remember when the choir was 10-12.  Maybe-maybe 5-6 on either side (of the divided chancel). Our job was to holler loud.”

Our choral program has come a long way since those days and in recent years our choirs have presented major choral works as part of our musical outreach, offered choral evensong several times a season, and prepared thoughtful and meaningful music for our weekly Sunday Eucharists.  When I attend newcomer dinners, a common theme is how valued and appreciated the choirs are, and how they attracted them to worship at Emmanuel.

In the last year, a series of choir members retiring, moving, and experiencing life changes, has created an ebb in our current choir membership.  Those changes are normal in any community, and it creates an opportunity for involvement by new members and friends.  We have choirs for all age groups; I hope that you’ll take the time to consider making the choir part of your service to our community. 

The Cherub choir is for our youngest singers, for those aged 3 through 2nd grade.  They sing every 4-6 weeks at our 10 A.M. service, and rehearse on Wednesdays from 4:00 P.M. to 4:45 P.M.

The Chorister Choir is for singers in grades 3-12.  The choristers sing every Sunday at the 10 A.M. service in support of The Emmanuel Choir, singing the soprano line.  They rehearse every Wednesday from 5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. and earn a weekly stipend for their service to the church.

The Emmanuel Choir is the primary musical leader of our parish, for adults aged 18+ and supported by the chorister choir.  Members rehearse every Wednesday at 6:30 P.M. and provide critical musical support in the singing of Psalms, hymns, and anthems for our 10 A.M. service.  They also provide the musical support for Evensong services, Christmas Eve, Lessons and Carols, memorial services, and musical outreach programs. 

This Sunday, our Cherub Choir, for those aged 3 through the 2nd grade, will be singing.  We currently have five wonderful children involved, but there is room for many more!

As you consider involvement in our choral program, either for your child, grandchild, neighbor, friend, or yourself, here are a few reasons to get involved.  While these below are children’s choir specific, the reasoning applies equally to the adult choir.

Music Appreciation

Music appreciation is always enhanced by music education, and choirs are fertile ground for some basic music education.  The basics of note reading, rhythm, and harmony can lay a foundation for a lifetime of music appreciation for those children in the choir who will most likely make their living someday outside of music.

Train Them Up

Proverbs 22:6 says “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” “Train up” a child in the children’s choir and there’s a good chance that child will keep singing their whole life long – hopefully in the adult choir eventually. And even if they don’t remain in an organized choir program, having a positive experience at church can stay with them into adulthood, making it more likely they’ll continue as a churchgoer.

You Raise Me Up

Singing in a choir at an early age helps develop self-esteem, studies have shown. Performing in front of people when the choir is fully prepared and confident imprints a powerful positive impression on the child. And take things a step further: Performing heightens the experience and confidence level for successfully tackling the challenges of childhood (and success breeds success, helping the child develop into a healthy adult with the confidence to tackle the challenges of adulthood).

A Little Child Shall Lead Them

Every time a children’s choir sings in a worship service, it’s a special event. Uncles, aunts, cousins, and others who might not be regular churchgoers come to church to hear their special one sing. It’s a wonderful moment that is commonly captured on those “devices of choice” and cherished for years to come.

Music Is Therapeutic

As you know, there are entire college degree programs based on the practice and career of music therapy. Studies have shown music has a positive impact on the child’s motor/sensory and academic/cognitive functions. By having children actively involved in a choir on a weekly or at least seasonal basis, the inherent therapeutic benefits of music can shine through.

Music Is Transformative

There are plenty of quality team-building, social interaction, you-name-it activities in which children can engage that don’t involve music. But as we know, music is a unique, God-given transformative experience like none other. Sure, the child will probably always remember that goal they made that won the soccer match for the team, but can they sing that twenty years later? (Therefore, reproducing the original transformative experience practically verbatim… note for note).

In Spirit and Truth

Singing in a worship service, and therefore helping lead the worship service, helps children feel the power of the presence of God in the context of worship. It will make them better worshipers as they start to grasp the impactful beauty of the worship experience. Singing in a choir at school or in a community group is its own unique experience. And likewise, so should singing in a children’s church choir… with the additional spiritual (and yes, eternal) aspect.

Building Social Intelligence Through Harmony

In today's digital world, children need authentic face-to-face connections. Choral singing provides exactly that—an environment where young people work together to create something beautiful that no one voice could achieve alone.

Emotional Development and Expression

Growing up involves navigating complex emotions, often before children have the vocabulary to express what they're feeling. Music provides a powerful alternative language for emotional expression and understanding.

Developing Discipline Through Enjoyment

This consistent commitment teaches valuable lessons about time management, responsibility, and following through on obligations—all while engaging in an activity they love.

Physical Benefits of Singing

Choir teaches proper breathing techniques that engage the diaphragm fully, similar to methods used in meditation and stress management practices.  The breathing techniques learned in choir also support improved lung capacity and respiratory function, a benefit that serves children well in other physical activities too.

The Lasting Impact of Choral Education

The benefits of participation in a quality choral program extend far beyond a child's active membership years. These programs create the increasingly rare opportunity for children to be fully present in an activity that engages their hearts, minds, and voices together.