Lifting a joyful noise unto the Lord through voice and instrument, in praise, prayer, and thanksgiving.
The youth music program at the American Church in Paris offers activities for children and youth of all ages. Under the direction of Sara Barton, children learn to play handbells and percussion instruments and to develop a solid choral technique through work on contemporary anthems for young voices. They sing or play approximately once a month during worship service. This program has been continually growing for the past several years, reflecting the changing needs and focus of the American Church in Paris.
The goal of the Youth Music Ministry is to uplift the spiritual life of the church community through high quality choral and handbell music, and to provide musical education to singers and players through a structured program.
Each group provides a safe community where children can explore and develop musical literacy and vocal technique, becoming confident participants in worship, bringing themselves and the congregation closer to God.
There is no charge for this program, but you are of course very welcome to make a donation to the church. Please contact Sara Barton for more information.
Rehearsals are every Wednesday beginning on 21 September 2022
(except during school vacations), according to the schedule below:
- 13h30-14h00 Angel Choir (ages 3-6);
- 14h00-14h45 Spirit Choir (ages 7-18);
- 14h45-15h15 Choirchimes (ages 7-18);
- 15h15-15h45 Ethereal ensemble (audition-based, ages 10-18).
It is very important that all children regularly attend rehearsals so that we can maintain an energized excitement to our work. If children are frequently missing we will need to spend rehearsal time reviewing old material which will slow down our learning curve and make our participation in worship less effective for ourselves and the congregation. To this end, all interested children are invited to come to a trial rehearsal, but if they decide to participate they will be requested to be present and on time to all subsequent rehearsals. When circumstances prevent attendance they are responsible for informing the director as far in advance as possible, especially when it involves participation in a worship service or concert.
Angel Choir (age 3-6) meets Wednesdays 13h30-14h00
The Angel Choir is designed for children ages 3-6 who will learn to sing, participate in the choir setting and keep basic rhythmic patterns using rhythm instruments. Children will also learn about matching pitch and following the director while enjoying making music together with new friends. The Angel Choir allows children to have fun making music while preparing them (via music activities and games) to participate in the Junior Choir and/or Junior Choirchimes.
The Angel Choir sings in church throughout the school year on select Sundays, approximately 4 times a year, including participation in the Christmas Nativity Pageant and Easter Sunday. Come and join us and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Membership in the Angel Choir is available to children ages 3-6. No audition is necessary. The best times to join are September or January, although all are welcome at any time throughout the program year.
Junior Choir Chimes (ages 7-18) meets 14h00-14h45
This ensemble offers an opportunity for children ages 7-18 to play music together using our choirchimes. Children learn how to read notes and basic rhythms, and to play hymns and songs. The Junior Choirchimes play in church throughout the school year on select Sundays (including participation in the Christmas Nativity Pageant and Easter Sunday.
Membership in the Junior Choirchimes is available to children ages 7-18. No audition is necessary. The best times to join are September or January, although all are welcome at any time throughout the program year.
Spirit Choir (ages 7-18) meets 14h45-15h15
The Spirit Choir offers an opportunity for children ages 7-18 to learn songs and hymns, play rhythm instruments and begin learning how to read music. Junior choristers focus on knowledge of basic musical terms, note values and dynamics, vocal production (including posture and breathing), rhythm, pitch and understanding of the different elements of the worship liturgy. They will learn how a choir takes a leadership role during worship, and how to present themselves during worship to help move themselves and the congregation closer to God.
The Spirit Choir sings in church throughout the school year on select Sundays (approximately 6 times a year, including participation in the Christmas Nativity Pageant and Easter Sunday.
Membership in the Spirit Choir is available to children ages 7-18. No audition is necessary. The best times to join are September or January, although all are welcome at any time throughout the program year.
Ethereal Ensemble (ages 10-18) meets 15h15-15h45
Ethereal, a close-harmony vocal ensemble for ages 10 -18, is an audition-based group. Ethereal participates regularly in worship either alone or alongside the other youth choirs. Ethereal also works on handbell music for special services including the Christmas pageant. Members work together to sing and play a variety of styles of music, and enjoy the challenge of more complex repertoire.
If you or someone you know would like information about joining our groups, please contact Sara Barton. Everyone is welcome!
