Do you love to sing? Do your kids love to sing? Join a choir!
Whether you're five or 75, there's an opportunity for you to explore and share your musical gifts at West Side. No prior experience is required, and rehearsals are flexible. (There's a Zoom option for adults!)
Adult Choirs
The Chancel Choir, for ages 18 and up, rehearses on Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:30 pm and sings during 10:30 am worship.
The High School/Young Adult Choir rehearses on Sundays from 6:00 to 7:00 pm and sings on Family Sundays (once a month) at 10:30 am as well as on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Eve.
The Westminster Bell Choir, for ages 18 and up, rehearses on Tuesdays from 7:15 to 8:30 pm and plays on Easter Sunday, Christmas Eve and other special occasions throughout the year.
Bless, O Lord, Your servants who minister in your temple. Grant that what we sing with our lips we may believe in our hearts, and what we believe in our hearts we may show forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Children's Choirs
Grades K-1 and 2-3 Choirs meet on Thursdays at 4:00 pm and sing on Family Sundays (once a month) at 10:30 am as well as on Easter Sunday and Christmas Eve.
Grades 4-8 Choirs meet on Thursdays at 4:45 pm and sing on Family Sundays (once a month) at 10:30 am as well as on Easter Sunday and Christmas Eve.
During rehearsals, children learn how to read music, and play bells and Orff instruments. They also learn teamwork and problem-solving skills, boost their vocabulary and language skills, gain confidence, expand their social circle and have fun!
"Singing in a choir teaches a different kind of teamwork than on the soccer field or baseball field," says Deborah Holden-Holloway, minster of music at West Side. "It's a great leveler because everyone's participation is equally important. In a choir, there really are no stars. And no one sits on the bench in choir!"
Summer Choir School
It's our 51st year of offering children this fun and meaningful summer experience combining joyful music with faith formation, community and a choice of activities like sports and games, arts and crafts, dance, handbells and Orff instruments. The program runs from August 14 to 18, 8:30 am to 1:15 pm daily, and is open to kids who are currently in grades 2 through 8, regardless of church affiliation. Cost: $70 per child. The registration deadline is July 14.
An excellent staff, some of whom were once Summer Choir School choristers, will lead the program under the direction of Deborah Holden-Holloway, minister of music at West Side.
Little Learners Music Camp
Children entering kindergarten through second grade will explore singing, Orff instruments, Bible stories, crafts and more under the direction of our caring, nurturing staff. This fun summer program runs from August 14 to 18, 9:00 to 11:00 am daily. Cost: $30 per child. The registration deadline is July 14.
