The Choir of Robertson-Wesley
The Choir of Robertson-Wesley United has always been an integral part of worship. They sing everything from Byrd to Britten, Handel to Howells, as well as spirituals and newly-written material.
Membership to the senior choir is open to all high-school students and adults. Although no formal audition is required, it is requested that interested persons consult with the Director of Music, before attending their first rehearsal. New choristers may also join for a certain season. Choir practices take place on Wednesdays from 7:30-9:30 pm, and the choir sings at most of the Sunday services from September to June. Eight Sundays a year the choral music is provided by one of the Cantilon Choirs.
Special Services
The choir also provides music at several special services throughout the year, such as the Festival of Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve, during Holy Week, and at other special events.
Section Leads
The choral programme at R-W also includes the addition of four or more section leads in each section of the choir.
Performances
The choir has performed at many special events including the CBC reading of Dickens’ Christmas Carol, at a Bach festival, Alberta and Northwest United Church Conference events, St. Stephen’s College convocations, have toured England, have sung at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and continue to include outreach amongst their ministries performing at care facilities for the elderly.
Hiring the Choir of Robertson-Wesley for Events
The Choir of Robertson-Wesley has performed in many weddings, corporate events, Christmas celebrations and at music conferences. If you would be interested in hiring the choir for your special event, please e-mail music@rwuc.org
Choral Links
From the Choir Alberta site you can find a lot more information on choral events and opportunities in Alberta!
Handbells
Robertson-Wesley has two groups of handbell ringers: Nova Bells (for newer ringers) and Robertson- Wesley Ringers (more experienced ringers). Both groups ring at church services from time to time and do community outreach as well. Rehearsals for the groups are on Thursdays (Nova – 5:15-6:30 – RWR 7-8:15) in the rehearsal hall in the church basement. New members are welcome! Please contact Dr. Allan
Bevan at music@rwuc.org for further information.
Heritage
Handbell ringing has been a part of Robertson-Wesley for over 50 years! Originally introduced to the church family by music director Douglas Millson in 1966, handbells have become a popular fixture in our worship services.
Bells and Handchimes
The handbell choir is very fortunate to have the use of a 5-octave set of Malmark handbells, a 4-octave set of Schulmerich handbells, as well as 5 octaves of handchimes.
Choral Morphosis
Acommunity fun choir
Nurturing Transformation
Morphosis means to have a profound change in form from one stage to the next in the life history of a being. We hope that this choir will make a profound impact in nurturing transformation through enjoyable singing! Participants will be enjoying community in a safe environment, while experiencing and singing a wide range of music from African tribal chants to old time hymns as well as a variety of secular music. Singers will also become familiar with movement and instruments.
An Open Invitation
This is a non-auditioned choir and is open to anyone that is interested no matter what their musical abilities are. The choir rehearses on Saturday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 at Robertson-Wesley. See the Choral Morphosis website for more information.