The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation has a large and active music program to fill the worship needs of our congregation. On any given Sunday, four of our five services involve music prepared by a choir or music organization. In total nearly 200 dedicated people give of their time and many talents to ensure that each worship experience is the best that we can offer to God on behalf of His church. In addition, the choirs are involved with the recording of compact discs, an active concert series for the general public, and tours both local and abroad. In the summer of 1998, three of our choirs were in residence at Chichester Cathedral and Westminster Abbey in England, singing the daily services and experiencing our Anglican heritage; summer 2000 saw the choirs in residence at Wells Cathedral and again at the Abbey and in the summer of 2002 they returned to the Abbey and were in residence at Lincoln Cathedral. The parish is often host to seminars and workshops on church music, is active in diocesan events, and has commissioned new music for use in the Church.

We welcome your participation in the musical life of Church of the Incarnation. Do look over the following list of ensembles and call the music department for further information.

Choirs for Young People

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Cherub Choir, Robin Cate, Director – The Cherub Choir is for the youngest of our choristers: children in Kindergarten through 2nd Grade. Rehearsals are on Wednesday in the Bethlehem Chapel from 5:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., after which they enjoy pizza with their parents, the Children's Choir and the music staff. The Cherub Choir sings preludes to services in the church and the chapels throughout the year and are participants in the Christmas Pageant and Christmas Eve service at 2 o' clock.

Children's Choir, John Hammond, Director – The Children's Choir is open to children in 2nd through 6th Grade. Rehearsals are on Wednesday in the choir room from 5:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m, after which they enjoy pizza with their parents, the Cherub Choir and the music staff. The Children's Choir sings preludes to services periodically in the church throughout the year where they join with one of our adult choirs. The Children's Choir also sing at the Christmas Pageant and lead the 2:00 p.m. service on Christmas Eve participating in the building of the crib scene.

Choirs for Adults

The Parish Choir, Kevin Clarke, Director – The Parish Choir is for all men and women vocalists of high school age and up. This choir sings principally at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, leading the music and worship of this service by singing hymns, service music and suitable anthems. The music ranges from the Middle Ages to this century and is of easy to medium difficulty. It provides an excellent opportunity for families to sing together and for adults to begin their experience with music of the church. Participation in tours and recordings is possible. A simple placement audition is usually required but may be waived. Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 8:30 a.m. in the choir room.

The Compline Choir, Kevin Clarke, Director – The Men's Compline Choir sings plainsong psalms, anthems and canticles for Sunday Evensong and also at selected special services during the year. The choir has toured and been involved in recording projects. No experience in music is necessary. The choir rehearses in the church at 4:00 p.m. on Sundays when they sing.

The Chancel Choir, Kevin Clarke, Director – The Chancel Choir is an auditioned choir comprised of men and women musicians of at least high school age. This choir sings principally at the 11:15 a.m. Sunday service, as well as Evensongs, special feast days, Lessons and Carols and regularly in concert. The choir has been heard on bi-weekly local radio broadcasts and has recorded five nationally distributed compact discs. Liturgical music from two millennia, including Anglican chant, masses, cathedral anthems and canticles, are carefully rehearsed. An audition is required. Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. in the choir room and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in the church.

Handbell Choirs

The Incarnation Handbell Choir, John Hammond, Director – The Incarnation Handbell Choir is open to high school students and adults who can read music. Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. - 8: 00 p.m. in the Handbell Choir Room (in the South Balcony of the Memorial Chapel). Incarnation is blessed with bells of all sizes. The tower holds some 26 bells which are heard daily. The Handbell Bell Choir has some sixty White Chapel bells played by fifteen ringers. The Handbell Choir performs frequently at Sunday services, for weddings, in concerts and at other community and occasional out-of-town affairs. At Christmas time this group hosts "Ring we now of Christmas" - a bell choir festival concert that includes other visiting bell choirs who ring Christmas carols with the Incarnation Handbell Choir. This group enjoys their fellowship together as much as their music-making!

Beginners Bells, John Hammond, Director – Watch this space. Once our second set of bells is repaired we will be starting classes for beginners, both children and adults.

Instrumental Ensembles

Chapel Band, Justin Milici, Director – The Chapel Band is open to instrumentalists from high school age upwards. Inquiries about vacancies and musical levels required should be addressed to Justin Milici. The band rehearse each Wednesday evening from 7: 00 p.m. - 8: 00 p.m. and lead worship at 9: 00 a.m. each Sunday in the Memorial Chapel. Contact the music office for further details.