The music ministry of Redeemer Church
Organist, Becky Smith
Cantor/Choir Director, Bill Smith

We have started a regular choir practice schedule - every Sunday morning from 9:30 to 10:00. This gives everyone a little time between choir practice and church to relax a bit, have a cup of coffee, and "robe up". We have a couple of new choir members, and welcome any and all who like to sing.

You don't have to be a trained singer to sing in a church choir. Trained voices make a poor choir because they will have forgotten how to blend together. The best quality a choir singer can have is not wanting to be heard above the others, but merely to add to the mix. Anyone who can sing "Jingle Bells" with children at Christmas time can sing in a church choir. Most choir members can't even read music, so don't let that stop you. You can still learn to sing the melody or one of the harmony parts just by listening to it and repeating it back. And if you want to learn to read music, even better. Becky or Bill can teach you how. It isn't difficult. All it takes is time.

The choir repertoire is gradually expanding as we learn more of the wonderful hymns in our Episcopal Hymnal, along with other music and anthems.

Becky Smith is a graduate of Columbia College, SC, where she earned a BA in Music Education, then at Scarritt College, Nashville, TN, she earned an MA degree in Church and Community. Afterward, she attended Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, and earned an MDiv degree, was ordained in the United Methodist church, and worked as such until her ministry led her in other directions. Her convictions led her to the Episcopal church, where she works, now, as your organist. She has written music for many of the churches for which she has worked in the past, and will be playing and singing (along with the choir) much of it at Church of the Redeemer from time to time. You have heard some of it already.

Meanwhile, Bill Smith, who supplied at the organ immediately after Mr. Sorton's sudden departure for medical reasons, continues to serve as Cantor and Choir director. He also plays Irish whistle sometimes as organ/whistle duet, with the choir anthem, and/or with the congregational hymns. Bill, like Becky, comes from a musical family in Indianapolis, Indiana. His father was a concert violinist and later a well-known maker of violins, cellos, and one lute. His mother was an accomplished pianist. Bill, his sister, and one of his brothers play cello, while his other brother plays guitar/banjo and makes wine. After one piano lesson from his mother, Bill was "on his own", and taught himself to play piano and organ. Bill also came from a Methodist background, later joining the Episcopal church.

"Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord!"