Music Ministries
Chris Fischer is the Minister of Music at First-St. Andrew's
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Chris Fischer, Minister of Music
Senior Choir
Director, Chris Fischer
Our Senior Choir leads the congregation in song each Sunday and at special services from September through June, proclaiming a message of hope, joy, and inclusive love to amplify the preached word in a variety of musical styles. This ensemble also participates regularly in the “Music at First-St. Andrew’s” concert series. New members (from high school age and up) are enthusiastically welcomed: some music-reading ability and prior choral experience are helpful and a commitment to regular attendance is essential. Rehearsals: 7:30 to 9:30 PM from the first week of September through the first week of June, in the Chapel.
Laudamus Bells
LEADER: Richard Frank
DETAILS: Our Laudamus Bell Choir is a friendly group of musicians who play at worship services about once a month. New members are welcome. Prerequisites include an ability to read music and knowledge of music to approximately the grade 6 level. Special training on bells is provided.
REHEARSALS: Monday afternoons at 1:30 from September through June
FSA Strings
LEADER: Igor Saika-Voivod
DETAILS: The Strings are made up of accomplished musicians from the area who play at various Sunday Worship Services, including the Christmas Eve Candlelight service and World Wide Communion. They also hold annual spring and fall concerts at FSA.
REHEARSALS: At the call of the director.
Children's Programs
Leader, Chris Fischer (assisted by Christina Lindsay)
This is a beginning handbell and chime group for children and youth from grades 3 to 12. We are learning musical skills, including score-reading and rhythm, in a fun atmosphere, and we ring in worship approximately every 6-8 weeks, including the service of Advent Lessons and Carols and Easter Day.
Rehearsals: Sundays, 12:00 to 1:00 PM, from September through May, in the Sanctuary.
Treblemakers: Leaders, Chris Fischer (FSA) and Lesley Andrew (El Sistema),
assisted by Christina Lindsay and parent volunteers.
An exciting and unique partnership with a community music school located in our building, Treblemakers is a choral program with children’s and youth choirs (ages 6-11, and 12-19, respectively), meeting concurrently each week. We prepare for public concerts through El Sistema (4 per year, at FSA and Aeolian Hall), in addition to 2 church services at FSA (Lessons and Carols, and Easter Day). All ages may also join GLEE, a class combining singing, acting, and dance, following choir rehearsal, and senior youth may register for the Leadership class with El Sistema Director Clark Bryan, which explores issues related to civic engagement and includes several guest speakers. There is a fee for each of the fall, winter, and spring sessions, which contributes to the cost of meals. (Speak to Christina Lindsay for more information.)
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, following dinner together (5:15 to 5:45 PM in Proudfoot Hall) – Choirs, 5:45 to 6:45 PM (juniors in the Chapel, seniors in the Sanctuary); GLEE (all ages) and senior (ages 12 and up) leadership class offered, 7:00 to 8:00 PM. September to June.
Eberhard Scholarship
The Eberhard Memorial Music Scholarship Fund was initiated in the spring of 1988 to recognize a family vital in the membership of the congregation of First-St. Andrew’s United Church. Memorial contributions and generous gifts from the Eberhard family and others allowed the start of this fund to help perpetuate a quality music program at First-St. Andrew’s.
Using the income from the fund, scholarship support is available on application for one or more vocalists to gain experience in church music and contribute to the wonderful voices of our senior choir. It is from this fund that the expenses are paid for the student vocal members of the choir from Western University.
The Director of Music, in consultation with the Selection Committee of the Music Committee, chooses "Eberhard Scholar(s) annually.