Music & Choir

The English Choral Tradition Is Alive And Well At The Episcopal Church Of The Ascension.

Ascension has four choirs that provide music at worship services and on other occasions. Director of Music Nancy Whipkey coordinates planning and scheduling of the service music. The choirs rehearse weekly to ensure the attainment of the quality of music described in the mission statement of the music program:

“As the love of Christ charges us to use our talents, so the mission of music at Ascension Church is to enhance and encourage the spirituality of its community and maintain Anglican tradition through its choral music and promotion of a variety of musical styles.”

For performers, there are many opportunities!

Adult Choir
The Adult Choir sings at services from September through May, except when another choir is scheduled. The Adult Choir also provides special music at major holidays and other services including Choral Evensong and Advent Lessons and Carols.

The choir practices every Wednesday night from 7:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Persons interested in joining this choir should call Nancy Whipkey below.  A schedule of all events will be published in the Calendar.

Youth Choir
The Youth Choir composed of girls and boys, third grade and up, provides music at several Sunday services during the year. They will also participate in several other musical events and once again will join the Minnesota Orchestra for holiday concerts. A full schedule can be found using this link: Youth Choir Schedule.

The Youth Choir rehearses every Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. followed by supper provided by members’ parents. Parents of potential new members of the choir should call Nancy Whipkey below.

The Youth Choir Mission Statement: The Youth Choir of Ascension Episcopal Church strives for excellence in quality sacred music while creating educational, cultural and spiritual experiences for its members. The lives of choir members are further enriched and encouraged as they develop self-discipline and accountability in themselves and others.

Parents of choristers: Follow these links to see the Dinner Schedule or Dinner Ideas.

Contact Nancy Whipkey
Email: nwhipkeyaechurchorg  (nwhipkeyaechurchorg)  
Phone: 651-439-2609 ext.20
 

Absolute Harmony

Absolute Harmonie is a group of older boys whose voices are in transition from treble to lower vocal ranges. They join with the Youth Choir and the Adult Choir in special services and provide music at other services on occasion. They also enjoy quite a few social events during the year which are planned by their director, Lisa St. Ores – 651-292-1843 or 651-274-6418 .

Absolute Harmonie rehearses every Wednesday from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. and joins the Youth Choir for supper at 6:15 p.m.

Bell Choir

The Bells of Ascension, is a hand bell choir of ten to fifteen ringers. They play prelude and communion music and accompany service music, chants, hymns, and choir anthems. The bell choir rehearses every Wednesday from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. under the direction of Ruth Meyer – 651-430-1989