Join the Music Department at Bay Shore Church
I am just about to begin my third year here as the Director of Music at Bay Shore Church. It has been an exciting time in Rich’s and my life as our children, whom you have watched growing up playing trumpet in front of the church with their dad, have now both gone on to college and are beginning the journey to their future. Since first coming here as an alto soloist many years ago, and then later arriving to lead the Chancel Choir and the Children’s Choir, I have been impressed by the support of the congregation for a quality music program in every way, shape and form. As you read on the front page of the August 10th Carillon, our instruments are in good repair, and we are ready to begin a new and fresh choir year.
This brings me to my next thought – why don’t you become part of our program! We have many groups that could use your time and talent, so allow me to tell you more about them so that you can consider joining us:
Chancel Choir: The ensemble meets from 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm on Thursday nights in the Chapel. We have fun, fellowship, and care for each other. We also prepare to sing each week in the Sunday morning worship service. During the Christmas and Lenten season, we prepare a special musical presentation for the morning worship service. We have many social activities, such as a yearly potluck at the director’s home, a Christmas party, a Christmas Eve potluck, and an end-of-the-year brunch. Come and see for yourself! Our first choir rehearsal is on Thursday, September 4th at the home of Julie and Rich Ramsey. Contact Julie Ramsey for details.
The Bay Shore Bells: The ensemble meets from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm on Wednesday nights in the handbell room on the east side of the library in the Christian Education wing. The ensemble rings five octaves of Schulmerich handbells and chimes providing for music during the worship services once a month, the three Christmas Eve services, a twenty-minute prelude during Lent, and, the two Easter services. In addition to the ringing for worship, the ensemble provides an off-site musical experience for members of the church that are not able to come to church, at hospitals, and to the people that share the meal at Christian Outreach in Action on the December Wednesday when our congregation provides the dinner. Christmas programs have been offered as silent auction items for the fundraisers contributing to the General Fund of the church. In addition, for the last four years the ensemble has rung for a large Christmas party in Hollywood. On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the group enjoys ringing a program of Christmas music on the grounds at Spinnaker Bay for the lighting of the Christmas trees and afterwards enjoy a potluck dinner at the home of Leslie Groene. On Sunday, September 7th and 14th at 11:00 am, there will be “Learn to Ring” sessions, so if you are interested please come see what the handbells and chimes are all about.
Children’s Choir: The ensemble meets from 11:00 – 12:00 noon most Sundays after church. The children in our program range from 1st grade through 8th grade. We have fun, sing songs, prepare to sing in the worship service, and present two musicals a year during a worship service. For 2008-09, our musicals are called “Light of the World” and “Elijah.” There are parts for everyone, so come try us out! And, parents, there are always needed props, sets, and costumes for the musicals, and any help you can be to us is always greatly appreciated!
As you can see, there are many opportunities for musical participation at Bay Shore Church. And if you do not choose to become part of our groups, be sure to be out in the congregation to hear us. How much better it is when there are many of you present to share in people of all ages making “a joyful noise unto the Lord!”
Onward!
Julie Ramsey
Director of Music