Welcome to Music Ministries

Overview

All of the music we do at Irvine Presbyterian Church (IPC) is informed by our belief that worship is for God. The purpose of worship is to glorify God, to give God pleasure. It's not primarily for our benefit. But as we worship God, things happen to us: blessing, healing, joy, nurturing, growth, admonition, repentance, revival, evangelism, learning, art, and fellowship. The Congregation's singing is the backbone of our music. We sing to God, to each other, and to the world. The ministry of choirs exists both to present music to God's glory on behalf to the congregation and the community, and also to encourage and admonish the listener. Choirs find that all the benefits named above happen to them, as individuals and as groups. Handbells are a special way of praising God with instruments in a choir setting. Bands, commonly called worship teams, differ from choirs in musical specifics, but not in purpose.

Congregational singing at IPC is led in a variety of ways, at times even within the same service. Sunday services are led by the choir, with instrumental leadership from the piano. Additional instruments such as guitar appear frequently. On occasion, we even sing completely a capella (without instruments). Saturday services are normally led by a full band (guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, and vocals). Sunday school classes are led in singing by a smaller music team, without amplification. Youth meetings include vigorous singing, led by leaders with guitars, or a full band on special occasions.

Choirs at IPC present music in a variety of formats ranging from formal Evensong services, to anthems and other music in services, to staged musicals and special presentations with orchestra.

Artists, whether young or older, in all media are invited to contact the Worship, Music, and Arts Ministry office at IPC to explore current and/or future opportunities for worship and service.

To provide opportunities for the expression of worship to God through the arts, IPC offers a variety of music ensembles as well as ever-expanding efforts in the dramatic and visual arts. Current ensembles include:

Chancel Choir

The Chancel Choir is the adult choir that leads us in worship on Sundays from September through June. The choir is also involved in other special presentations throughout the year including holidays. This choir is open to anyone college age and older who can carry a tune. Rehearsals are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. in the church Sanctuary.

Shine Like Stars

Leading worship at "Veritas" please contact Dale Huntington. (Formerly "The Union")
The Katie Hart Handbell Choir

The handbell choir is open to adults with some music-reading experience and offers music for the glory of God at Sunday services (about once a month) and special events, including an annual concert. Rehearsals are Monday nights from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Tintinnabulum

Beginning and Intermediate Handbell choir.

One Voice

Rehearsals: Alternate Thursdays, 6:00 - 7:15 pm and one Sunday each month from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.

One Voice provides an opportunity for students to serve God by singing their thanks and praise to Him, by leading other believers in the worship of God, and by telling the amazing story of God's love for the world wherever the opportunity presents itself. We accomplish this by:

* Performing the best of contemporary Christian music as well as great worship music
from other times and cultures.
* Providing training in singing, musicianship, and worship
* Welcoming new and experienced singers alike
* Serving as the core group for special projects in instrumental music and drama too
* Exploring what it means to be ONE in Christ!

A HIGH LEVEL OF COMMITMENT is required to promote both the unity of the group and the excellence of the resulting music.

Children's Choirs

The children's choirs sing in various worship services throughout the year, as well as a special performance in the spring. Music Fun - Classes for grades K-1 (contact the church office for meeting time and place). The Sonshine Singers (grades 2 - 4) meet from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. and the Chapel Choir (grades 5 - 8) meets from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays for rehearsals.