LIKE TO SING?
The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, founded in 1845, has a rich history of liturgy and music. The Canterbury Choir, an auditioned ensemble of 25 adult singers, leads music for the principal Sunday Eucharist (usually at 11 a.m.), as well as occasional Evensongs, Holy Week liturgies, and major feast days. The St. Cecilia Choir, with 13 members aged 7-17, is directed by a volunteer and contributes to the church’s musical life as well.
St. Cecilia Choir
Ages 7 – 17
The St. Cecilia Choir rehearsals are fun and musically challenging. We rehearse each Wednesday from 5:00-5:45 p.m. beginning on September 13th. Regular commitment to attend rehearsals is important to the development of our singers. In addition to preparing anthems, we learn the music of the church through the singing of hymns and liturgy. There is an intentional focus on serving the church, and ministering to our church family and community through our music. The directors for this group are Dr. Robert Henry and Angee McKee.
This outstanding, energetic choir sings for Sunday morning worship at 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. approximately five times during the church year. They lead worship at the early Christmas Eve service each year. Check the current schedule for exact dates.
Our singers learn challenging treble music, sing in harmony, build music literacy skills, sing hymns and descants, and learn to sing with a beautiful tone. An important part of our time together is spent learning the Episcopal liturgy and following the liturgical seasons.
Come, join our exciting children’s music program at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension. We welcome all singers between the ages of 7 – 17 with unchanged voices. Contact Dr. Robert Henry or Angee McKee or the church office at (770)-382-2626 if you would like to become part of this musical community. You’ll always have supportive friends, and you will sing your faith the rest of your life!
Canterbury Choir
It’s clear that music holds a special place in the life of the Church of the Ascension, both as an offering of worship and as a means of fostering community. The commitment to the Anglican choral tradition is a wonderful foundation, and the embrace of a wide range of sacred music—from Gregorian chant to contemporary compositions—ensures that the church’s musical life remains vibrant and diverse. This broad musical scope likely appeals to both the tastes of the congregation and the talents of the choirs, offering them a rich variety of repertoire.
The strong sense of fellowship and joy within the Canterbury Choir is particularly important, as it helps to nurture not just the musical skills of the members, but also the spiritual and communal bonds that arise when people come together in song. That balance of excellence in music-making with a focus on relationship-building is one of the hallmarks of a thriving church music program.
The Canterbury Choir sings at the 11:00 a.m. Sunday service weekly, as well as at other special services, including Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the Great Vigil of Easter, and several Evensongs. The regular choir season runs from September through May and rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Rehearsals during summer months are Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m.
Those interested in joining the choir are encouraged to contact Director of Music, Dr. Robert Henry.
