Music Ministry : The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration

Music Ministry

Music Staff

Joel Martinson - Director of Music Ministry & Organist
972-233-1898, ext. 243 or jmartinson@transfiguration.net

Kim Ahrens - Director of Children’s Choirs
214-707-7838 or kahrens@transfiguration.net

Patrick Unkenholz, Director of Youth Choir
469-223-7263 or patrick.unkenholz@risd.org

Section Leaders of the Transfiguration Choir

Volunteers Positions

About the Choirs
Our choirs and ensembles now have their new homes in the various rooms of the south wing, and can lead and support the music of the services from the renovated gallery. Our new Richards, Fowkes & Co. organ has arrived and continues to be installed and voiced. These improvements are leading to new growth in all areas of the ministry! As always, the music staff is looking forward to the coming season and to working with old and new members alike toward a wonderful year of music-making in the service of God and the people of Transfiguration.

We are eager for you to join us by participating in the choir or ensemble of your choosing. Please read the descriptions of the various groups printed on the following pages and feel free to contact the appropriate director via telephone or email for additional information.

Children’s Choirs
We have two choirs for children from kindergarten through seventh grades. These choristers learn the fundamentals of choral singing and receive formation in the music and worship traditions of The Episcopal Church. All that is required is a love of singing, a willingness to participate in group activities and an availability to attend Sunday rehearsals and services. Kim Ahrens directs both these choirs:

· Holy Family Choir: rehearses during the Children’s Chapel time during the 9:00 a.m. Sunday service. Children in kindergarten through third grade are invited to leave with the Children’s Chapel procession each week and receive music formation before returning to the service at the Offertory. This group sings approximately once a month at the 9:00 a.m. service.

· Canticle Choristers: composed of students in fourth through seventh grade, rehearse Sunday mornings from 11:10 a.m. to noon in the second floor Sunday School Gathering Room. (They will return to rehearsing in the Small Rehearsal Hall after equipment for the organ leaves that room.) This group sings approximately once a month at the 9:00 a.m. service, as well as on Christmas Eve and other occasions.

Jubilate Deo
This youth choir is for teens in grades eight through twelve who enjoy singing and leading in worship. Though no musical experience or background is required for participation, many members do have some training in choral, vocal or instrumental music. The choir rehearses on Sunday mornings from 11:10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. in the Large Rehearsal Hall. This group sings approximately twice a month, normally at the 9:00 a.m. service, as well as on Christmas Eve and other occasions. We also welcome youth instrumentalists in the choir. Patrick Unkenholz directs this choir.

Transfiguration Choir
This choir of adults of all ages provides music for the two principal Sunday services, as well as for Holy Day liturgies. The choir is a regular participant on our Transfigured Nights Series, singing Choral Evensong and Compline services as well as concerts in the course of the year. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m., with the choir normally dividing into two to sing either the 9:00 or 11:15 a.m. service. Occasionally a Saturday rehearsal is required in order to prepare for special events. Because of the challenging repertoire we undertake, it is very important – in addition to having a good voice for choral singing – to be able to read music and have previous musical experience. An informal audition is also required in order to place choristers in sections and to give advice for work on individual vocal issues. Joel Martinson is the director of the choir.

Bella Musica
Transfiguration’s handbell choir is open to both adults and youth of the parish who read music and enjoy being part of a musical ensemble. This choir rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., and plays approximately every four to six weeks during the school year. We also participate in special services, festivals or concerts during the course of each season. Full-time and substitute ringers are welcome. We are very interested in training new substitutes during this school year! If you read music and have an interest, please let us know. Joel Martinson directs this ensemble.

Men’s Schola Cantorum
This choir sings at Compline services, Tenebrae, as well as some Sunday morning Eucharists, during the course of the year. Rehearsals are usually held on Wednesday evenings prior to the full Transfiguration Choir practice. Please indicate your interest in joining this group to Joel Martinson. Belonging to the Transfiguration Choir is helpful, but not required.

Instrumentalists
Please tell us if you have experience playing musical instruments, such as strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, piano, harpsichord and organ. We currently have two instrumental ensembles (Strings & Brass) which rehearse and play for services several times a year, and are interested in establishing a woodwind ensemble as availability and volunteer personnel permits:
· Transfiguration String Ensemble
· Transfiguration Brass Ensemble
· Transfiguration Woodwind Ensemble

Choir Parents Guild
This group of volunteers assists the children’s and youth choir directors with logistics help at rehearsals, services and social functions. Duties may include help with piano accompaniment, vestments and choir vesting, taking attendance, car pool, snacks and folders. Please see any of the music staff if you are willing and able to assist us. This vital ministry allows us to concentrate more of our efforts on music planning, preparation and practice.

Music Volunteers
Keeping everything organized for our choirs and ensembles requires a great deal of behind-the-scenes assistance and organizational help. Most of these activities do not require any musical training and include checking-in new musical scores, music library work, office filing, folder organization, computer help, etc. Please see any of the music staff if you are willing and able to help us. This vital ministry allows us to concentrate more of our efforts on music planning, preparation and practice.

Transfigured Nights
Transfigured Nights Flyer (pdf)
Transfigured Nights continues in the Anglican tradition of enriching the lives of the people of God through art and music, whether in the liturgical rites of the church, in concerts, or other programs. Striving to create and host unique programs of quality featuring the finest sacred and secular music, they utilize the talents of parish musicians and local artists, as well as present concerts by national and international performers. The series offers musical experiences to Transfiguration parishioners and serves as an outreach to those in the community.

Capital Campaign – Opus 17 Organ
Learn more about the Sunday, April 18, 2010 Dedication Events
The vision of a great organ to complement the church’s sacred art and enliven its worship has been in the hearts of the people for over 40 years. At the time of construction, funds were not available for the anticipated instrument of more than 3,000 pipes.

The current organ was built in 1971 in the last days of the Aeolian-Skinner Company. While this organ of 13 stops has served us well over the years, it has limitations. It offers only a hint of the majestic sound that could complement the liturgical experience of the planned Opus 17 organ.

Learn more about the construction of the new organ and it’s builder Richards, Fowkes & Co.. See latest photos of the building of the organ. Follow the organ’s move from gallery to south transept. Get answers to all your burning questions, and find out how to Buy a Pipe. Our thanks to Robert Doyna, member of the Organ Committee, for his hours of work getting the organ site up and running!

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