I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have being.
Psalm 104:33
More research is only confirming what many of us have believed for a long time…that music is the universal language of humankind. Findings suggest that not only is music deeply rooted in our human nature, but some types of songs transcend cultural boundaries.
Regardless the type or style, there is no doubt in the power of music in our common human experience. With transcendence and meaning often without the use of words, music also provides important paths of expression to enhance our spiritual life. Certainly from ancient Biblical times until now, dance, instrumental music and song continue to be important and integral parts of our worship experience.
Montreat Presbyterian Church honors the importance of music in our spiritual life and worship through a variety of ways:
CHANCEL CHOIR
Weekly rehearsals are held on Sunday afternoons, with rehearsals taking place in either the Allen Building or Upper Anderson. At any time, we encourage interested singers to “Come Try Choir” – we welcome you to try this uplifting experience of blending our voices together in unison or beautiful harmony.
Why do we sing?
Our music is rehearsed in preparation for weekly worship to give honor and glory to God, to provide worship leadership, and to enhance our worship experience.
The choir is a gift to the congregation to help in all these ways:
1- to elevate the congregation’s singing
2- to sing pieces which the congregation cannot
3- to be a small church group for faith formation
4- to give glory to God
What types of music do we sing?
Our anthems and responses come from a wide variety of music styles – from classical to contemporary, global music of the world church, spirituals and Appalachian music, contemplative and Taize styles, and more. Our music is rehearsed in preparation for weekly worship, and occasionally for other worship services in the community.
Seasonal Choir Retreats
We enjoy occasional choir retreats for special seasons of the year especially Advent/Christmas and Lenten music, This is open to all in choir and others as well who may only be able to sing during a special season.
CHILDREN’S MUSIC GROUP
In our weekly time together, children are involved in learning music through songs, bells, and the new addition of drumming. We also hope to involve some adults who are interested in learning bells as well.
INSTRUMENTALISTS
It’s time to get out those flutes, trombones, trumpets, baritone horns, saxophones, harps, and violins. Or maybe you have a flugelhorn, bouzouki, mandolin, bagpipes or banjo. If you play proficiently, all are welcome and we would like to involve you and your music to be part of our worship experience.
If you would like to be involved in choir or as an instrumentalist, please let our director, Vivian Hare, know your interest. All are welcome!
Making music together, as happens in congregational singing, creates beauty and builds relationships in several ways. In effect, we become one body with many voices. When singing in unison, many voices combine into one. When singing in parts, each voice has its role and range, and together they create a beautiful harmonic tapestry. Whenever we sing with others, whether in unison or in parts, we must listen as we sing. This teaches us not only to make sound, but to hear sound and respond to what we hear. This dialogical foundation also stands at the core of transforming conflict, peace-building, and worship itself. It is an essential ingredient in how we bless others with our music. – Benjamin Bergey