Music at Cedar Lane
Introduction
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The music program of a church is an essential element in building and
sustaining a church community, both through the music, which is an integral
part of worship, and in the involvement of the members of that community,
including children and youth, in all aspects of the program. We invite you to
explore the many opportunities available in the musical life of Cedar Lane.
There is a long-standing tradition of
excellence in music at Cedar Lane. The congregation has always
expected and supported a program which seeks to enhance the life of
the church with music of a consistently high caliber. A large adult
choir with some professional singers presents a varied repertoire of
choral music at worship services. Along with the junior, youth
and bell
choirs all ages are offered excellent opportunities to learn about
singing, music, and the role music plays in worship. Our newest
adult group, Gruppo Piccolo (Italian for "small group"), is a
small vocal ensemble, which generally performs "a capella" with no
more than three singers on a part.
Organ
In March of 1985, a contract was signed with Cannarsa Organs for the construction of a 51-rank, four-manual pipe
organ, at that time the largest instrument in Montgomery County. The
installation was completed in the fall of 1987, and was celebrated
by a year-long festival which included special services and an organ
recital series.
In December 2000, an overwhelmingly successful
campaign was launched to fund an extensive renovation of the organ.
Improvements included refurbishment of the console and a complete
update of the keying system which provided for an expanded stop list
and MIDI capability, as well as the addition of a number of new
digital voices from the Walker Technical Company. More digital
voices were added in 2007. The resulting
instrument is one of the finest in the Washington, DC area.
Staff
In the summer of 2008
our long-time Director of Music Ministries, Dr. Richard M. Darne,
retired after 40 years of service. Our choir director and Assistant
Director of Music, Mary Z. Darne, retired as well after working in
concert with her husband for many years to provide the outstanding
music program integral to the worship experience here at Cedar Lane.
We have hired our
Interim Director of Music,
Dr.
Henry Sgrecci,
hsgrecci@cedarlane.org,
to stay on with us as our Director of Music. We are pleased to have
our Organist, Thom Guthrie,
tguthrie@cedarlane.org.
Learn more about
Henry Sgrecci.
Rehearsal Schedules
Adult Choir Wednesday, 7:30-9:45 p.m.
(August - May)
Children's Choir Thursday, 6
- 6:30 p.m. (September - April)
Youth Choir Thursday,
6:30 - 7:15 p.m.
(September - April)
Bell Choir Thursday, 7:15
- 8 p.m.
(September - April)
Intergenerational Thursday, 8 - 9:15 p.m. (September - April)
Bell Choir
Summer Choir Sunday - June & July
- 9:15 a.m.
(Adults and Youth)
Notes from the Director of
Music
Sept. 3, 2010 Newsletter
Music Notes from Dr. Henry Sgrecci
HOW CAN WE KEEP FROM SINGING?
As we approach the Ingathering and Water Ceremony services on September
12, I am pleased to have heard from several individuals who have expressed a
desire to sing with the Adult Choir. What wonderful news! As we continue to grow
as a faith community my hope is that we continue to grow as a musical community,
contributing our diverse talents just as we contribute water from our diverse
summer travels.
GOT VOICE?
The Adult Choir is seeking all SATB singers and Gruppo Piccolo is
seeking one tenor and one bass. Adult Choir meets Wednesday evenings in the
Choir Loft from 7:30 - 9:30 PM while Gruppo Piccolo meets Tuesday evenings in
the Loft from 7:30 - 9:00 PM. For more information contact
hsgrecci@cedarlane.org or call 301/493-8300, ex 214.
GOT KEYBOARD CHOPS?
Gruppo Piccolo is seeking a rehearsal accompanist to assist in preparation of
its music.
Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings from 7:30-9:00 PM. For more information
contact
hsgrecci@cedarlane.org or call 301/493-8300, ex 214.
GOT YOUTH?
If so, we’ve got choirs! Our children’s and youth choirs will begin
rehearsals on Thursday evening, Sept. 23 in the Sanctuary. The Children’s Choir
is comprised of children from third through fifth grade and meets from 6:00 -
6:30 PM. The Youth Choir is comprised of young people from sixth grade through
high school and meets from 6:30 - 7:15 PM. The Youth Handbell Choir is open by
audition to young people from fourth grade through high school and meets from
7:15 - 8:00 PM. For more information contact
hsgrecci@cedarlane.org or call 301/493-8300, ex 214.
GOT BELLS?
Our Intergenerational Handbell Choir continued ringing through the
summer, welcoming several novice ringers fresh from our most recent Spring B
handbell class. We now have more than fifteen ringers in the CLUUC community who
have rung handbells during rehearsals and/or services. This is a fabulous
development! We look forward to continued interest in our handbell program, to
include the purchase of additional handbells. If you are interested in making
a contribution toward the purchase of additional handbells (both larger and
smaller), contact
hsgrecci@cedarlane.org or call 301/493-8300, ex 214.
GOT AN AXE?
Acoustic that is. Singer, guitarist, organizer, and CLUUC member Alexia
Roberts is assembling an acoustic ensemble for the purpose of creating
traditional Gospel and Bluegrass music for a CLUUC service. She is seeking a
bassist, a guitarist, and a country style fiddler. If interested please contact
Alexia at
alexiajroberts@gmail.com
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