Lancaster Church of the Brethren

Music

Lancaster Church of the Brethren is a musical church! We sing our faith to God in a variety of ways, with ensembles for all ages and in a variety of styles. Come join us as we praise God through song! Find upcoming news about Traditional Music News at LANCOB

Chancel Choir

The Chancel Choir, under the leadership of Director of Music, Matthew Fritz, provides music for our Sanctuary worship service with great music from the past and from modern composers. In addition, the choir is the centerpiece for the annual Starlight Tea Epiphany Concert, held on a Sunday evening in early January. Accompanied by Sanctuary organist Margaret Marsch, rehearsals are fun, fast-paced events! The choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings, 7:45–9:15, September through mid-June. An informal audition is necessary—some music reading skills required.

Carillon Bell Choir

The Carillon Bell Choir, also directed by Matthew Fritz, is comprised of eleven ringers who dedicate much time and effort to create the magical effect of handbell ringing! They ring in Sanctuary services approximately monthly, and are also featured in the Starlight Tea Epiphany Concert and in occasional area concerts. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings, 6:30–7:30, September through mid-June. Strong music reading skills are required for this advanced ensemble. There are often opportunities for substitute ringers due to travel or other scheduling issues. Please contact Matthew Fritz if you’d like to try ringing—it’s fun!

Chapel Worship

Our Chapel Worship service at 8:00 AM is ably served by Chapel organist Jeanne Heck, who is also responsible for scheduling special music for that service. There are opportunities for soloists (both instrumental and vocal) in all of our worship services—the Chapel service at 8:00 AM, the Contemporary service at 10:15 AM, and the Sanctuary Worship service at 10:15 AM. We would love to talk with you if you are interested in singing or playing to the glory of God!

Contemporary Praise Band

The Contemporary Praise Band consists of persons who are devoted to sharing their musical talents in service for the Lord. Music is relevant to contemporary spiritual expression, both upbeat and meditative. Instrumentalists (keyboard, acoustic guitar, bass, percussion, and sax) and vocalists provide music for the Contemporary worship service each Sunday, year-round. Rehearsals are held Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM. Informal auditions are required.

Children & Youth

Ages 0-2

Tuesday evenings—This class is for newborns through age 2 (right up until they turn 3). In this class, our youngest friends experience music, with a parent or caregiver, in a variety of ways. It is a beautiful way to introduce your child to music and to experience community with other parents/caregivers.

Ages 3 and older

Wednesday afternoons/evenings—Four music class options are available. For preschoolers (ages 3, 4, and 5s who have not yet entered Kindergarten), we offer two class times: 4:30-5:00 p.m. and 5:45-6:15 p.m.  Choose the one that suits your family’s needs.  The preschool classes enjoy singing, movement, musical games and stories, and instrument play. They are a perfect all-inclusive musical experience! From 6:15-6:45 p.m. we offer a music class for children in grades K-2 and from 6:45-7:15 p.m. we offer a music class for children in grades 3-5.  In both of these classes, we focus on singing, movement, and instrument play (primarily on Orff instruments, Boomwhackers, and assorted unpitched percussion instruments). Please contact Jamie Nace to register your child for any of the music classes.

All music classes will be held in room 221 which is located on the second level of the church. Classes are typically held in the Fall, Winter, and early Spring. Check the events page for scheduled classes.

Please note: There is a staffed children’s activity room and parent room available for your use while your child(ren) attend music class.