Welcome to
First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame

Definition and Mission

The Chancel Choir is a part of the congregation which has been given special music-making and musical worship leading responsibilities. It is not a separate entity but part of the congregation with a primary function to serve our congregation and to support the work of our clergy. Our responsibilities include leading congregational singing and involvement, presenting psalms and spiritual songs in worship and reaching out to the community at large through concerts and special events. As such we are part of a great tradition reaching back through the reformation. Choirs, singers, and cantors were part of the medieval church, the early church and even have their roots in the worship practices of ancient Jewish temple worship.

 

Rehearsal

Rehearsals are Thursdays from 7:30pm-9:30 and begin in the chancel of the sanctuary. After practicing music for the immediate Sunday, the choir moves to the fireside room to rehearse music for future coming Sundays. 

Click here for this week's choir rehearsal notes

Who is Welcome?

The Chancel Choir is open to all singers High School age and above. There is no audition required. We have singers of all levels, those with little choral background to the very accomplished with a lifetime of choral experience. This unique group is bound together through its love of Christ and the joy of making great choral music in his worship. New singers are always welcome. To sing with the Chancel Choir simply attend a rehearsal, or for more information contact Rick Smith at 650-342-0785, ext 225, or rsmith@burlpres.org

 

Repertoire

First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame is known though out our area for its Chancel Choir and its history of fine choral music. The choir’s repertoire includes anthems and worship music from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and serious modern eras in music. The choir also sings music representing new trends in hymnology and psalmody, such as World music, Taize music, music from Iona, and music from the African-American traditions.

 

Concerts, Larger Choral Works and Special Events

Several times each year the Chancel has the opportunity to present sacred music that includes instruments such as brass ensembles and chamber orchestras. The group also present concerts as part of the Sacred Arts Series of Events at First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame. In the past year some of our larger works and/or special events have included:

“Te Deum” – Rutter,

“Evening Service in G” - Stanford

“Christmas Day” – Holst

“Gaudete” – Ohrwall

“Service of Darkness” – Wood

“Five Mystical Songs” – Vaughan Williams

Taize Services

In June of 2008 part of the choir joined with other singers from Florida and Scotland to sing with Director of Music, Rick Smith on a “Musical and Spiritual Journey” to Scotland. They performed in St. Gile’s Cathedral in Edinburg and several other locations.