Adults

Chancel Choir

Important dates for 2012

The Chancel Choir is the flagship ensemble of Reid Memorial. The choir sings usually at the weekly 10:30 a.m. worship service and in concerts from time to time. The repertoire is ambitious, and a weekly rehearsal commitment is asked. Some of the major works sung by the choir include Vivaldi’s Gloria, Handel’s Messiah, Rutter’s Gloria and Te Deum, Holst’s Christmas Day, and Poulenc's Gloria.

Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays, 7:15-9 p.m. and are held in the Choir Room of the Music Suite. Each fall, the choir travels to Bonclarken Conference Center for a retreat, during which it prepares music for the Advent and Christmas seasons. The Chancel Choir’s season begins in late August and concludes with a Sacred Music Sunday service in spring or early June.

Auditions are not required: All we ask is a strong desire to sing and a commitment to regular rehearsals.

The Chancel Choir of Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church has recorded for The Georgia Public Broadcasting System.

The Master’s Ringers

Reid Memorial is privileged to own two sets of Schulmerich handbells (three- and five-octave), and a five-octave set of handchimes. The Master's Ringers is an adult choir of advanced ringers who play moderately difficult music. Rehearsals take place on Sunday evenings 6-7:30 p.m., and are held in the Handbell Room of the Music Suite.

Prior experience in ringing handbells is not necessary, but participation requires some musicianship skills such as note-reading and rhythmic training. Some advanced techniques such as four-in-hand and shelley ringing are employed. The choir rings for Sunday worship services about once every six weeks during the school year, and occasionally for special services during Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter. Rehearsals are a mixture of music-making, fun, and fellowship – a spirited gathering of folk who like to make a joyful noise. Our worship at Reid Memorial is greatly enhanced by the inclusion of handbell music in the service.

Members of The Master’s Ringers attend the annual winter handbell workshop at Luther Ridge Conference Center and Camp in South Asheville, North Carolina. They also perform for area events such as Augusta’s Westobou Festival. The choir is a member of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers.

Instrumentalists

Reid Memorial is fortunate to have members of all ages who play various woodwind, brass, and string instruments.

Instrumental music greatly enriches our worship, and offers many who may be shy about singing an avenue for musical expression. Ensembles meet as the need arises, and play for special worship services during Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter.