Parish Choir
The Parish Choir is one of the most highly regarded church choirs in the greater Hampton Roads region. Though the choir is largely volunteer, most of its members have had extensive training or experience as choral and solo singers, many on the professional level. Its repertoire extends from medieval chant to 21st century anthems and motets. Joining the choir is by audition for singers high school and up.
The Parish Choir sings each Sunday at the 10:15 a.m. service and at other special services during the year. Rehearsals are Sunday morning at 9:15 a.m., Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m., and as needed during the program year. Non-singing choir volunteers may also participate in this ministry by assisting in various fundraising events and other administrative and management areas, such as the care of vestments and music library work.
Our Choir frequently collaborates with other choirs in Hampton Roads and Richmond. Beyond Virginia, the choir has sung in New York City (2004 and 2015), Washington, D.C. (2018) and have had several residencies at British Cathedrals, including Norwich Cathedral and Gloucester Cathedral in 2016 and Wells Cathedral in 2019. In 2019, they also traveled to France to sing at the American Cathedral in Paris and the great Church of St. Eustache.
Choristers
Singing Opportunities for Children
Do you know a child who likes to sing? Our children’s choirs are resuming soon, and we have restructured the choirs this fall for different age groups. Mark your calendars now, as we know they start to fill up as summer ends! Please contact Kevin Kwan or Melinda Van Niel for more information.
The Choristers (8-18 years old)
Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00 p.m. beginning on September 11. The Chorister program is based on the Royal School of Church Music and sing for Sunday services once a month. They learn advanced musical concepts, team work, leadership skills, and take occasional trips. Contact Kevin Kwan for more information.
The Junior Choir (5-7 years old)
Wednesdays from 5:30-6:00 p.m. beginning on September 11. Each week we will sing together and learn foundational music skills in a fun, hands-on way. Our goals are to learn to love music, to tune our listening ears to notes and rhythms, and to be comfortable sharing our voices with others. The Junior Choir sings during the Sunday service several times a year – a great way to practice what we learn in a very supportive setting. This time overlaps the older children’s Chorister rehearsal, which will allow for us to collaborate with them on occasion. A parent or guardian for each child must be present during rehearsal time. Contact Melinda Van Niel for more information.
New! The Cherub Choir (3-4 years old)
New this year, cherub choir class for 3-4 year olds will run in 5 week sessions on Wednesdays: January 22 through February 19th; March 12- April 9 and April 30 – May 28. Each session is Wednesday afternoon from 5-5:30 in the Gold Room. Cherub choir class is built around learning to love music; singing songs, playing with instruments and props, dancing, and having lots of fun together. A parent or guardian for each child must be present during rehearsal time unless attending from the Williams School Preschool. Contact Melinda Van Niel for more information. Children must be potty trained to attend.
