Music Director's Welcome to NSUC's Music Program
Welcome everyone, beginner and experienced alike, to NSUC’s dynamic music program. You’ll find something for every skill level, and have a lot of fun while improving your capabilities.
The Choir
The main adult Choir is a group of some 40 dedicated and talented singers who come out every Thursday evening (7-9 pm) to rehearse a wide range of repertoire. I select the music to both enhance the services, and challenge the choir members to keep developing their musical skills. We sing repertoire ranging from Bach to Gospel, to the best of contemporary music.
Choir practices are both challenging and fun, with lots of laughter, singing, and of course some time for chatting.
The choir sings at least one anthem for church services roughly every three weeks, an entire choral service at the beginning of December, a fairly traditional Christmas Eve service, and a major choral concert in late May or June.
The choir has performed Vivaldi’s Gloria, the Mozart Missa Brevis, Jenkins’ Adiemus, and his Armed Man to audiences in the West Van United Church, St. Andrews Wesley, and the Chan Centre.
In December 2007, congregation members will perform Menotti’s one act operetta Amahl and the Night Visitors. In the spring of 2008 we'll put on a lively concert for our vibrant congregation and friends.
The Chamber Ensemble
For those eager to fine tune their choral singing skills, the Chamber Ensemble is a small group of 12-16 singers who work to bring to the services the great classical repertoire.
Usually singing without accompaniment, we work in-depth to fine tune harmonies, ensemble singing, and interpretation.
This ensemble has sung Bruckner, Bach, Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, and the works of many other great composers. They rehearse from 6:15-7:00 pm on Thursdays, before our regular Choir practice.
Some reading and singing skills are necessary for participation in this ensemble.
The Advanced Instrumental Ensemble
We are privileged to have several highly trained musicians among our congregation. A few times each year they gather to rehearse and bring to the service some of the great instrumental works.
This ensemble has performed Bach’s Brandenburg Concertograde #4, Telemann’s Tafelmusic, Bach’s Cantata Jesu Meine Freude, and several other works.
If you play an instrument at grade 9 level or up, and would like to play in this ensemble, please contact Alison at 604-947-0120. We would love to have you join us.
The Band
This Congregation loves a huge variety of music, both to listen to, and to sing. So this year we have created a band to lead the congregation in their joyful and exuberant singing of our gospel, and contemporary hymns. For more information contact Alison at 604-947-0120.
And a Thank You
A varied music program such as we have at NSUC can only happen in an environment of joyful creativity, and steady commitment. I would personally like to thank the many individuals who make this ministry possible, whether participants, audience, or church supporters.
Thank you all!!
Sincerely, Alison
