An Invitation to Make Music

Music is an important part of worship and is integral to the life of Shallowford. We are proud of our rich tradition, yet continue to explore new things. Whether you enjoy music from the pews during worship or you participate by singing, ringing, or playing an instrument, we hope that music helps you encounter the mystery of God.

Choirs for Every Age

We encourage anyone with a love for music to participate in music ministry at Shallowford. Our groups remain open for enrollment throughout the year. Our choirs serve as small groups for spiritual enrichment as well as musical enrichment. We have a “church music school” philosophy, aiming to provide music education for children, teens, and adults. As our children grow, they are taught the skills they need to become responsible young musicians. As the children mature, they continue to share their gifts of music as teens, often coming back to Shallowford to sing or play as adults. By providing such a broad range of music ministry activities, we hope your entire family can participate in music at Shallowford.

Ages 3—Kindergarten

The children experience music in a variety of ways, including singing, dancing, and playing instruments. They learn to sing in their head voice and keep a steady beat, as well as what it means to lead in worship and to praise God through singing. Each week we will have a bible story theme, a craft, and a snack following our music time together. Please let us know if your child has any dietary restrictions.

The Cherub Choir is under the direction of Anne Thomas. The choir meets Sundays during 11:00 a.m. worship. Immediately following the “Time with Young Disciples” during 11:00 a.m. worship, the children will walk with Ms. Anne to the Joyful Noise room. Parents can pick up their singer following worship on the 3rd floor of the Children’s Building.

Grades 1—2

These children are continuing on the path to being musical leaders in the church. These singers work on singing in unison and on reading basic rhythms and melodies. In addition, this choir prepares music to sing alone and with our other children’s choirs throughout the choir year.

The Trinity Choir is under the direction of Anne Thomas. The choir meets Wednesdays, September through May, from 5:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Joyful Noise room.

Grades 3—5

As our oldest children’s choir, these singers take a leadership role in the Children’s Choir program and lead worship for Children’s Sunday and the spring musical each year. The repertoire for this choir includes more hymns of the faith, rounds, canons, and anthems. The children continue to sing in unison and are also introduced to singing in harmony. They expand their musical literacy through anthems and singing/reading games.

The Westminster Choir is under the direction of Anne Thomas. The choir meets Wednesdays, September through May, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Joyful Noise room.

Grades 3—5

A music background is not necessary to join this choir, but joining early in the fall is essential to learning the fundamentals of music. By the end of the year, all choir members know the basics and can read music.

The choir meets Wednesdays, August through May, from 5:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the atrium.

Grades 6—12

Shallowford’s Youth Choir is made up of 80+ students ranging across all skill levels from schools around Atlanta who have a ball while learning to sing, making new friends, working hard, goofing off, and, most importantly, touring a concert each summer. Students are committed to participating in weekly rehearsals as well as presentations during occasional Sunday morning worship, holiday services, and fundraising events.

The Chapel Choir is under the direction of Anne Thomas. The choir meets Sundays, August through May, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Choir room.

Grades 6—12

Students of all skill-levels can join our handbell choir, which is made up of more than twenty youth. We work hard, rehearsing and have a blast performing during worship services on some Sundays and during special events. Our bells add a bright, vibrant piece to worship.

The choir meets Wednesdays, August through May, from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. in the atrium.

Adults

The Chancel Choir involves singers with varying levels of experience. The choir leads 11:00 a.m. worship every Sunday. Several times a year, the choir sings a large work with an orchestra. In the past, this choir has sung Mass for the Children by John Rutter, Gloria by Antonio Vivaldi, Messiah by G. F. Handel, and Requiem by Johannes Brahms, just to name a few. The choir sings in a variety of styles of music, from baroque to bluegrass, classical to gospel, and hymn arrangements to jazz. Parties and retreats are an important part of our experience together as we grow as a community of faith.

The Chancel Choir is under the direction of Dr. Emily Hobson-Gallardo. The choir meets Thursdays, August through May, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Adults

The Joy Chorale invites singers with varying levels of experience to participate in a choral ensemble. The choir will occasionally sing in worship as well as for special events throughout the year. Repertoire will include a variety of styles of music. Are you retired and looking for a meaningful daytime activity? Do you prefer not to drive at night? Are you a stay-at-home parent looking for a way to get involved while the kids are in school? Then this is the choir for you, and we know you will find joy singing with us!

This choir is under the direction of Lynn Rogers and meets Mondays at 11:00 a.m. in the Choir room.

Annual Traditions

Youth Choir Tour

Every summer Shallowford’s Youth Choir embarks on a 10-day tour across the United States. As part of the Chapel Choir ministry, the annual summer choir tour nurtures young Christians as they learn about God together with their peers and witness with communities.

Evergreen Fundraiser

Each fall, youth help manage the orders, sales, and pick up of fresh evergreen trees, wreaths, and roping brought to Shallowford straight from a North Carolina tree farm at the start of the Christmas season. A portion of the proceeds goes back to the choir to help fund instruments and equipment, as well as upcoming tours.

Sounds of Christmas

It has become tradition that each December, Shallowford’s Music Ministry hosts a Christmas concert featuring an instrumental ensemble, paid soloists, and Shallowford’s combined choirs of all ages. This community event welcomes people of all ages and stages!

Virtual Classroom

Children are invited to join Ms. Anne in her virtual online music classroom anytime!  Click the items in the room to hear music clips and even practice reading different music examples.