Music

The music ministry of Christ Church is first and foremost based on the enthusiastic participation of the congregation as a whole. Whether we are enjoying old favorites, engaging in contemporary settings of liturgical music, or learning a new hymn - this is a church that sings! This fact is the basis of a healthy and exciting music program for both adults and children. The senior choir is a four part ensemble of between fifteen ad twenty members. We meet once a week to prepare for Sunday worship and special occasions throughout the year. We not only lead the liturgical music of the service, but also offer anthems both from the rich tradition of the Anglican Church and from the wide variety of new music becoming available. Rehearsals are held from 7:30 - 9:30 on Wednesday evenings.  Children have ample opportunity to sing as well! In addition to encouraging our parents to share their tradition of music with their children, Christ Church has included a regular music time into our Sunday School program. This weekly singing is augmented by a seasonal children's choir. At these times, children between the ages of six and twelve are invited to gather for several weeks in advance to prepare a special piece of music. We have found this to be a workable program for those of our younger members who love to sing, but whose families are unable to commit to a weekly rehearsal. In support of our programs, we are blessed to have a number of instruments at our disposal, including three pianos (in the Sunday School, Choir Room, and Sanctuary) and a 1972 Casavant pipe organ. At Christ Church, we strive to offer the best of the gifts that God has given us. But we must always be aware that our music ought to be more than beautiful or entertaining. It must be a vehicle for worship, and engaged with thoughtful and prayerful hearts. As we develop a deeper understanding of what we sing and hear, it is my hope that our music blossoms into a spiritual experience that brings us closer to God.

From The Organ Bench

Music is a holy place. Whether sounded in concert halls or pubs or within the walls of our church, music is a thing set apart. In today's society, people are often acutely aware of how they are perceived. We are careful in our dress, our speech - even our relationships are governed by rules of etiquette. But while some form of common culture is essential if we are to live together as a community, many times we embrace these protocols as a way to hide our innermost thoughts and feelings. We, both as individuals and as a church, wrap ourselves in a protective layer of appropriateness and keep our true selves private. Music is one of the purest expressions of our humanity. There is not a song that has been sung that does not contain a reflection of the person who conceived of it. It breaks down the walls that we have so carefully erected to hide our most vulnerable parts. Making music requires that we let a little of our security go, and allow a glimpse of our very being to be exposed. It is this reason, I believe, that so many people are self-conscious of their voice. To make music together as a community is an expression of the trust and openness that exists amongst our members. It is a rare opportunity for people to let their guard down and be intimate with each other. It is an opportunity, also, for us to be intimate with God. Through music, we can express the deepest yearnings of our heart, unencumbered by words and grammar. And God can respond, touching us through that little window that music makes in our "protective coating". In this age of isolation and carefulness, let us thank God for the power of music and the intimacy it fosters.

Link to Royal Canadian College of Organists