Meet Our Choir Director
All of the choirs of St. John’s Music Ministry are directed by Deborah Krauss Smith, St. John’s Director of Music and Organist. 2010 marks Deb’s 40th year as a professional church musician, with over half of those years spent directing, working with, and writing for children’s choirs and children’s voices. A Monroe native and graduate of UW-Eau Claire with a degree in K-12 vocal music education and a double applied major in organ and voice, Deb was an elementary music specialist in the Monroe School District from 1977 – 1984. She previously worked at St. John’s from 1986-1996, developing a strong graded music program that included three choirs for young voices through grade 12, as well as a women’s triple trio, handbell choir, and of course, the Sanctuary Choir. Following a 10-1/2 year stint at Asbury United Methodist Church in Madison and a year of “semi-retirement”, Deb returned to St. John’s staff in January 2008.
Meet Our New Kids Club Leader
Recent budget cutbacks meant the end of Kids Club…until Kristy Schindler stepped forward and agreed to run the program this year as a volunteer! Self-described as “very crafty and creative”, Kristy is equally passionate about the continuation of Kids Club…so a BIG THANK-YOU Kristy! She enjoys spending time with her family, which includes husband Michael and three children.
Adult Music OpportunitiesSanctuary Choir
WHO: For youth singers entering grades 9, 10, 11 or 12, as well as adults
WHEN: Rehearses in the choir room on Wednesdays from 7:00 – 8:00 pm and sings for worship approximately three times per month. Starts Wednesday, September 8
WHAT:
- Continue to develop an understanding of the choirs’ role in worship
- Continue to learn about Christian concepts and church seasons through song
- Learn a wide variety of sacred choral music repertoire
- Develop part singing skills and refine singing techniques
- Experience a sense of team in an intergenerational setting, including a sense of responsibility and commitment
Bells of Praise
The Bells of Praise is a 3 octave handbell choir. We have enough bells to expand to a 5 octave choir if personnel are available. Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:00pm. This group plays for services on one Sunday each month, plus special services.
To be a member of Bells of Praise, you must be able to read music and make the commitment to be at all the rehearsals. Ringing technique can be taught and will improve with consistent practice. This group is open to adult men and women of St. John's.
Youth Music Opportunities
Children's ChoirWHO: Young singers entering grades 1, 2 or 3
WHEN: Rehearses in the choir room Wednesdays from 4:00 – 4:30 pm and sings for worship approximately once-a-month
Starts Wednesday, September 8
WHAT:
- Learn about the choirs’ role in worship
- Learn about seasons and important observances of the church year
- Learn Bible stories and Christian concepts through song
- Develop basic music concepts such as high/low, fast/slow, loud/soft, etc.
- Work on developing listening skills, matching pitches (singing in tune) and developing a sense of rhythm
- Develop a sense of team by being part of a group
Junior ChoirWHO: Singers entering grades 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8
WHEN: Rehearses in the choir room Wednesdays from 3:30 - 4:00 pm and sings for worship approximately once-a-month
Starts Wednesday, September 8
WHAT:
- Continue building on all concepts begun in Children’s Choir
- Foster solo singing skills
- Work on basic music reading skills
- Work with rhythm instruments and hand chimes
Recent and not-so-recent graduates of Junior Choir, or any other students in Grades 7 – 12, who are interested in singing for worship, are invited to sign up for Youth Ensemble. Starting in September, Youth Ensemble will meet from 5:15 - 6:00 pm in the Cinema Room, with the schedule for singing on Sunday morning to be determined after the group gets going again.
United Children's Choir
A Special Children's choir will be formed beginning in February to prepare music for the Lent and Easter season. There will be a separate sign up for this choir and all St. John’s children in first grade through sixth grade will be encouraged to sign up. This is NOT an audition only event so all children will be welcomed whether or not you have previously participated in choir.
Did you know… |
Kids Club
WHO: For any child entering grades 1 - 8
WHEN: Wednesdays, 3:30 – 4:00 for grades 1 - 3
Wednesdays, 4:00 – 4:30 for grades 4 - 8
WHAT: Kids Club is a fellowship time that runs concurrent with the Children’s and Junior Choir rehearsals, but also runs independently of the choirs. While most children participate in both Kids Club and Children’s/Junior Choir, families have the option of having their children participate in only one or the other. Kids Club offers activities and projects that nurture fellowship and provide foundations for long term friendships.
To Register for Children’s/Junior Choir or Kids Club:
If you have already registered for Faith Zone, just email debstjohns@tds.net or call 325-2165, ext. 15. REHEARSALS AND KIDS CLUB BEGIN ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8.