Intergenerational Choir for April 28

Our choir directors, Brian Kohler and Stephanie McIlwain Miller, are putting together another intergenerational choir to share a ministry of music in worship on April 28.

This is another awesome opportunity for entire families to serve together and for folks who can’t make a longer-term commitment to a choir to sing with others who love praising God through music!  All that is required is the ability to read lyrics (words), a willingness to try something new, and the desire to praise God with the voice that you have been given.  Children and youth have already begun learning our song, and the Sanctuary Choir will begin rehearsals before too long. Details about possible rehearsal times will follow, but first, a little bit about our song, Yesu Kwetu ni Rafiki, by Mark Burrows.

In 2009, composer Mark Burrows started a music academy for children in Kenya. After finding out that What a Friend We Have in Jesus was a popular hymn in Kenya, Mark decided to arrange a version of the hymn using both the English and Swahili languages. Western and African cultures come together in this piece and enhance each other greatly.  As Mr. Mark says, “Every time you sing it, know that sixty smiling children in Kenya are singing with you.”

To get a little practice with the 6 Swahili words contained in the song (much easier than you may think) and to see how the two songs fit together, we are asking adults to come to 2-3 rehearsals total. There are lots of options, so hopefully, everyone can find a time that works for them. Adults may attend any of the following rehearsals. 

  • Wednesday, April 10, 6:30-7:00 in the church music room. (with the sanctuary choir)

  • Wednesday, April 17, 6:30-7:00 in the church music room. (with the sanctuary choir)

Brian wants you to know that you are welcome to stay for the entire rehearsal.

  • Sunday, April 7, 11:10-11:45 in rooms 18 & 19. (with the Joyful Noise)

  • Sunday, April 7, 1- 1:30 in rooms 18 & 19. (with Youth Music and the Arts)

  • Sunday, April 14, 11:10-11:45 in rooms 18 & 19. (with the Joyful Noise)

  • Sunday, April 14, 1- 1:30 in rooms 18 & 19. (with Youth Music and the Arts)

Dress Rehearsal for Everyone: Sunday, April 21, 11:10-12:00 in the sanctuary.

Please let Stephanie smmiller@kentmethodist.com or Brian briantkohler@gmail.com know if you plan to participate so they can let you know if there are any unexpected changes to the schedule. Stephanie will be conducting the intergenerational choir this time around.

Arrival for April 28 will be 9:15 in the music room.

Come help our young people learn this foundational hymn of our faith, and they’ll help you with the Swahili. 

Let us praise God together through song!

Children’s Choirs

Our developmentally based children’s choir programs are designed to encourage children’s active and knowledgeable participation in worship while providing a strong musical foundation. They also offer many opportunities for fun and fellowship.

  • Angel Choir (PreK-K) – will continue to work to differentiate speaking, whisper, shouting, and singing voices, learn about loud and soft sounds and high and low sounds, and play musical games. We have begun work on a song they will be singing as part of an intergenerational choir later in the spring. This choir meets as part of Sunday school.

  • Kids of the Kingdom (1st-2nd grade) – will continue developing unison and independent singing skills while learning two songs and playing musical games.  They will sing during worship on March 3.  They are also beginning work on the high-energy intergenerational choir piece for April 28. This choir meets as part of Sunday school.

  • Joyful Noise (grades three and up) – we will continue learning our songs for both March 3 (an invitation to Holy Communion) and the intergenerational choir piece.  We are also learning to listen louder than we sing and discovering how singing in a choir is different from singing along with the radio. This choir meets on Sunday mornings, 11:10-11:45, in rooms 18-19.

Here is what each of the choirs is focusing on in March.

Now is an excellent time to give children’s choir a try.  We are near the beginning of the rehearsal process for songs we will be singing in worship in March and April. If you would like more information, please contact Ms. Stephanie – at smmiller@kentmethodist.com.

This program is led by Stephanie McIlwain Miller, Director of Children and Youth Music and arts. For more information, please contact the church office at 253-852-3900 or by email at general@kentmethodist.com.