(Yes, this is a bit of a commercial.) Auditions are underway for one of my very favorite things: the First Choristers are a growing group of auditioned singers, from grade 4 through grade 8, who commit to a weekly rehearsal, and then sing alongside adults in concert.  The music they sing is not “children’s choir” music, but full-blown choral music – providing the soprano part for the great works of music we prepare for the December Lessons and Carols Festival at church and, next year, a new Spring concert event. The benefits of this rehearsal and performance time are huge: Along with the music itself, kids get the opportunity to learn how to work together as a team, basics of choral singing and music reading, and how music is such a critical part of our spiritual self.  I’m excited that we already have a number of new children auditioning for this fall season.

In addition to the children’s aspect of our programs, we have offered adults an opportunity to sing with the choir for these special events.  Over the past two years, we have built a core of singers from outside the church membership that have joined with us for Lessons and Carols.  Once again, our upcoming events are open to anyone Grade 9 through adults, by audition.  Teamwork, commitment, and glorious music sung in praise are all hallmarks of singing for these concerts, and any choir member can tell you that the fun and community we share in our rehearsal time is something you’ll find you can’t live without!  Detailed info can be found at www.musicatfirst.org.