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Praise the Lord Music Ministry at St. George's UMC

"O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth." Psalm 96:1

If expressing yourself through sacred music is something you like to do, St. George's UMC is for you. St. George's is a very musical congregation and we provide a number of opportunities for you to use and develop your musical gifts for our Lord.

From a musical standpoint, St. George's is a great place to make music. The large sanctuary provides excellent acoustics and space for up to 60 performers. We have an excellent grand piano and an Allen ADC-5400 organ, the original instrument installed in the Kennedy Center. Each year, a number of student recitals and orchestra concerts are presented in this very special space. If you are interested in scheduling a recital, please read and submit our recital contract.

CHANCEL CHOIR NEWS
Please do not forget our extra rehearsals and services during Holy Week:
- April 1: Maundry Thursday service at 7:30pm
- April 2: Good Friday Rehearsal from 5:00-6:45 pm, Refreshments in 204, Service at 7:30pm
- April 3: Holy Saturday Rehearsal with orchestra from 3:00-5:00pm

Our choirs and musical groups include:


Music Service Schedule:

DATE 8:30 SERVICE 11:00 SERVICE THEME
March 14 Chancel Celebration Fourth Sunday of Lent
Scout Sunday
March 21 Celebration Chancel Fifth Sunday of Lent
March 28 Chancel/Children's Processional
Liturgical Dancers
Chancel/Children's Processional
Liturgical Dancers
Palm/Passion Sunday
*** *** *** ***
Thurs, April 1 7:30 Holy Thursday Service Chancel Maundy Thursday
Fri, April 2 7:30 Good Friday Service Chancel Good Friday
April 4 Chancel/Celebration Chancel/Celebration Easter Sunday


Chancel Choir Concert Chancel Choir
Adults and College students
Rehearses Thursdays, 7:30-9:00pm, Music Room

This choir sings nearly every Sunday morning, with a repertoire ranging from William Byrd to 21st century music. Instrumental players or music ensembles often join the Chancel Choir. At Advent/Christmas and Easter, the Chancel Choir presents special music. No audition is necesssary - just join us for Thursday night rehearsal and for worship on Sunday mornings.

If you love to sing, we welcome you! Join us. Please contact Michael Lonneke, Music Director by email or at (540) 540-4500.


Celebration Choir Celebration Singers
Middle and High School students
Rehearses Sundays, 5:00-6:00pm, Music Room

This is an exciting and highly active musical group for students in Middle School and High School. The focus is solid musicianship and fellowship. Each spring, the Celebration Singers join other youth at St. George's to present "Celebrate Broadway," a wonderfully entertaining presentation of Broadway, pop and rock music, comedy, and dance staged to raise funds for our annual youth mission trip. Meets September through June. Contact the music office or Julie Moore for more information.


Children's Musical - Noah's Animals Alleluia Choir
Grades 4-6
Rehearses Thursdays, 6:00-6:45pm, Music Room

This hard-working, fun-loving group meets once a week to learn new songs and experience the joy of singing music to the Lord. There is a strong emphasis on worshipping God through song, while learning music fundamentals and musicianship. The Alleluia Choir sings usually once a month during worship services and presents a children's musical in the spring. Meets September through June. Contact the music office for more information.


The Hosanna and Alleluia Choirs Hosanna Choir
Grades 1-3
Rehearses Thursdays, 6:00-6:45pm, Room 204

The first through third graders have a great time singing and learning basic music skills in the Hosanna Choir. They rehearse once a week and learn the importance of singing praises to God. The Hosanna Choir sings usually once a month during worship services and joins the Alleluia Choir in presenting the spring musical. Meets September through June. Contact the music office for more information.


Cherub Choir
Ages 3 - Kindergarten
Rehearses Thursdays, 6:00-6:45pm, Room 202

In a loving and happy environment, Mrs. Denise Jones teaches our youngest singers songs they will always cherish. Singing with others and following the director are two skills that will serve each child well for a lifetime. Bring your children ages 3 through Kindergarten to the Cherub Choir to start their musical development early. Meets September through May. Contact Contact the music office or Denise Jones for more information.


Handbell Choirs Jubilation Ringers
Middle School - Adult
Rehearses Tuesdays, 7:00-7:45pm, Music Room

St. George's has a complete, five-octave set of hand bells. This allows us to do simple to very intricate selections. Some of our ringers did not read music before joining us. We will teach you how to do it! Just come! Contact Michael Lonneke, Music Director by email or at (540) 540-4500 for more information.


Liturgical Dancers at Christmas Liturgical Dance Ensemble
Elementary through High School
Rehearses as needed

Now into its third year, St. George's Liturgical Dance Ensemble, directed by Carol Henry-Chappell, brings a special form of worship to services and special occasions at St. George's. The Bible is replete with references to believers expressing praise to God through sacred dance. Carol Henry-Chappell operates her own dance studio in Fairfax and has extensive experience in this very specialized area of dance. Some, but not much, dance experience is recommended. Contact Ms. Henry-Chappell if interested.


Instrumental Ensemble Instrumental Ensembles
All ages
Rehearse as needed

St. George's has a number of talented instrumental musicians and, from time to time, special ensembles are formed to perform. If you are proficient on a musical instrument, contact Michael Lonneke, Music Director by email or at (540) 540-4500 for details. We look forward to hearing you play!


Forms

To schedule a recital:

The following information is for those participating in the children's choirs:

If you do not wish pictures of your youth to appear on the website, the following optional form is available:


Music Ministry Staff and Volunteers

Music Director: Michael Lonneke or phone: (540) 540-4500
Staff Accompanist: Kristin Bruck
(See the Staff Directory Website for further staff information.)

Celebration Singers: Julie Moore
Alleluia Choir: Megan Wood
Hosanna Choir: DeDePlante
Cherub Choir: Denise Jones
Liturgical Dancers: Carol Henry-Chappell
Church Office: 703-385-4550


St. George's United Methodist Church ~ 4910 Ox Rd., Fairfax VA 22030 ~ 703-385-4550

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