Music

Make a joyful noise to the Lord.

That call to worship is the driving force behind our music ministry at Christ Church Cranbrook. Our choral and handbell choirs and guest instrumentalists serve to inspire the congregation to worship God in song and to enhance our experience of God’s presence in the beauty of our majestic sanctuary.

Photo by Hart Hollman

All are welcome to join the music ensembles at Christ Church Cranbrook. For more information, please contact John Repulski at 248.644.5210, Ext. 37 or Dr. Christopher Reynolds at 248.644.5210, Ext. 17.

Music Opportunities for 2012-2013 Season

Do you like music? Do you have experience singing or playing an instrument? Do you have an interest or ability to offer your time and talent to our congregation through music? If so, please consider participating in one of our musical groups. There are several different ensembles to choose from, each with a unique focus. Now is the best time to sign up, but new members are always welcome throughout the year. For more information, call the music office at 248-644-5210 extension 37 or email John Repulski at Jrepulski@christchurchcranbrook.org.

The NEW “Everybody Sings” Inter-generational Choir is for anyone who likes to sing from ages 8 to 100. This is an all-volunteer “come-as-you-are” choir with music that is accessible and engaging for everyone, young and old, even those who have never sung before. Meeting on the first Sunday of the month, anyone interested in participating should just show up at 9 a.m. in the choir pews in the chancel for a 45 minute rehearsal to learn a simple anthem and review the hymns of the day. No long term-commitment required, just show up!  Staring the first Sunday in October, the “Everybody Sings” Choir  is a way to give you a chance to have a fun and rewarding choir experience without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated. Everyone is truly welcome and this is a great activity for families to do together — give it a try! The only stipulation is that younger children need to have an adult participate with them. For more information, contact John Repulski, director.

Christ Church Cranbrook Choir leads the congregation in singing and presents prepared anthems at the 10:00 a.m. service on the second, fourth, and fifth Sundays from September through June; as well as holiday services, special concerts and other events. Regular rehearsals are on Thursdays evenings. The Christ Church Cranbrook Choir is a widely acclaimed advanced ensemble that sings a greatly varied repertoire, including a significant amount of standard sacred choral literature from all periods of music.  Individuals who can read music and have previous choral experience are best suited for this group, but it is open to anyone who is willing and able to take on the challenge and willing to work hard making beautiful music. For more information, contact John Repulski, director.

The re-instated Saint Francis Choir is for all boys and girls from kindergarten through second grade and meets weekly after the 10 a.m. service on Sundays for 30 minutes. A musical enrichment experience, participants learn basic singing skills, rhythm, and elementary musicianship through varied activities and learning fun bible-based songs. This group sings a few times during the year for special occasions. For more information, contact Kate Bublitz, director, at kate.bublitz@hotmail.com

C3 Music Ensemble leads worship on the third weekend of each month performing a wide variety music styles – folk, jazz, gospel, contemporary Christian, world music, etc.  This exuberant ensemble is open to experienced singers and instrumentalist who enjoy non-traditional sacred music. To schedule an interview, contact John Repulski, director.

Cranbrook Ringers Handbell Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Using seven octaves of bells, this lively ensemble plays for the 10 a.m. Sunday service about once a month, as well as occasional special services,concerts, and other fun events through out the year. Membership is open to adults and youth who have some music-reading ability. Previous handbell ringing experience is not required. For more information, contact Bethany Henson, director, at bethanyhenson@gmail.com.

For those who are not musically-inclined but would still like to support the music ministry at CCC, volunteers are always needed to help with our monthly Salon Concert series, taking place in the Guild Hall on the second Wednesday of each month. Offering high tea during these delightful afternoon events, anyone able to help prepare and serve refreshments, and help clean up afterwards, are regularly needed. Please contact Leslie McNamara at lesliemcn@comcast.net.