Music
A Joyful Noise!
We are blessed to have a music program led by the incomparable Jeffrey Miller for 23 years! One focus of Red Clay's music program is to lead the congregation in singing, strengthened by the voice of Barb Vanderkraats. Most choirs participate in Sunday worship services on a regular basis. In addition, they present music for special services, such as Lessons and Carols at Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Evensongs. We are also very proud of our growing children's choir which sings under instruction of Deena Andrews.
Alongside the singing choirs, the church also has an adult bell choir led with dedication by Lisa Nichols. Music outreach activities are a continuing priority, led by the Reach & Rejoice Choir. This choir was formed in order to sing at retirement communities, nursing homes, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities.
Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir provides the backbone of the Music Ministry. They sing weekly at Sunday morning worship, as well as various special services throughout the year. Membership is open to all. From time to time, the Chancel Choir becomes the Festival Choir as it is amplified with the Lauda singers and additional voices from local vocal talent. We are also blessed to have a regular rotation of soloists and instrumentalists (violin, flute, oboe, guitar, percussion, etc.) that add texture to the main choir.
Children's Choir
Contact: Deena Andrews
Our Children's Choir meets in the Children's Music room directly after worship. Parents can enjoy coffee and fellowship in Founders Hall or some quieter time in the "Holy Grounds Cafe" located directly across the hall from the music room. The children learn to sing together and share music in worship once every month or two. The children love Ms. Deena!
Reach and Rejoice
Rehearsals: 2nd Tuesday of the month
Contact: Barbara Vanderkraats
Dedicated to bringing a variety of music to those in hospitals and nursing homes, this choir is one of our church’s most active outreach efforts. They sing a variety of music, including traditional hymns, show tunes, and country music. Membership is open to anyone available during the day.
Lauda
Contact: Jeffrey Miller
Lauda (which is Latin for “Praise”) is a multi-generational vocal ensemble for singers of any age. Rehearsal is offered on the first and third Wednesdays every month, 7:30 to 9:00 PM. The ensemble sings 2-3 times per month during the worship services. Directed by Jeffrey Miller.
Bell Choir
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 7:30 to 9:00 PM
Contact: Lisa Nichols
The Bell Choir plays in worship once a month and presents a concert at Christmas. The choir consists of 11 ringers, 5 octaves of bells, and 4 octaves of chimes. Regular attendance and a basic ability to read music and are a must.
Special Events
Contact: Jeffrey Miller
Highlights of our church year include special musical offerings prepared by our staff. We always look forward to periodic noonday concerts, festival ensembles on Christmas Eve, Palm Sunday, and Easter. In addition, we have an annual concerts for our anniversary weekend (third weekend of November) a benefit concert in January as part of our month of service, a Scottish concert that coincides with our Kirkin' o' the Tartan every April, and a cartoon sing a long in May to benefit our Service Trip.
