Parish Choir
The cornerstone of the music program at Christ Church is the Parish Choir, directed by Gary Van Essen. Made up of volunteers, the choir performs modern and classic SATB choral repertoire for the 10 a.m. worship service each week (September – May) and for concerts and special events.
Our Parish Choir is actively growing and welcomes new members from the church or community. The choir is open to all high-school students and adults, without audition. Rehearsals are held on Sunday mornings after church from 11:25 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Contact Gary Van Essen, Minister of Music (music@ccpki.org) for more information.
Handbell Choir
Our Handbell Choir plays for the 10 a.m. worship service about once per month (September – May) and occasionally for special events. The choir is made up of eight members who play 25 Malmark handbells. The Handbell Choir rehearses every other Thursday from 6-7 p.m. New members (middle school – adult) with handbell experience or experience reading music are invited to join or to sign up as a substitute. Contact Gary Van Essen, Minister of Music (music@ccpki.org) for more information.
Concert Band
The Christ Church Concert Band plays for the worship service quarterly. The Band is made up of middle, high school, and adult instrumental musicians. Musicians are sent music about a month before the band is scheduled to play so they can learn their parts individually. The band meets together for one rehearsal before the service on the Sunday they are scheduled to play. This provides a low time commitment for instrumental musicians from the Parish and community who wish to continue playing with an ensemble, while also enriching our worship services. To be included as a musician for the next time the band is scheduled to play, contact Gary Van Essen, Minister of Music(music@ccpki.org).
Guest Musicians
Christ Church also invites guest musicians to sing or play instruments to enrich our worship. We frequently have vocal soloists, a bassoonist, a flutist, and a trumpeter. If you are interested in singing or playing in worship, please contact Gary Van Essen, Minister of Music (music@ccpki.org).