The Chancel Choir is composed of approximately 20 singers who provide worship music for the more traditional 11 a.m. worship service. Their repertoire includes most traditional and classical standards of sacred choral literature, with a blending of newer works from more contemporary composers of note.
The Chancel Choir also prepares Abendmusik, a worship service of Advent and Christmas music, usually held on the first Sunday evening of December. This event frequently includes soloists and instrumentalists, and is an opportunity to reach out to the Bedford community, inviting them to join us in celebrating the season commemorating Christ's birth.
The choir has occasionally offered special music presentations during Lent and Easter, and has combined with choirs from area churches to present larger choral works.
The Chancel Choir presents unique opportunities for fellowship in a small group. Membership is open to anyone who is interested in joining us to add their joyful noise to worship. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. For further information, please contact Jane Montgomery, Minister of Music at (540) 586-5284 or by e-mail at: MusicDir@bedfordpresbyva.org
The LOGOS program provides, through Worship Skills, the opportunity for music activities which are designed to enhance the worship experience. Activities have included singing, rhythm instruments, tone chimes, and recorders, along with interpretive movement to music. Students have additionally learned Christian songs to perform at area nursing homes as a mission of sharing their talents with others. As a special feature of LOGOS Worship Skills, a children's and youth musical has been presented, drawing upon talents of art, set design, costuming, acting and singing.
The music and the skills learned in LOGOS helps to educate the students in the various functions of the liturgy, and the importance of their contributions to worship.
"Joyful Noise," our contemporary music group which provides worship music for the 8:30 service, is comprised of four vocal musicians who sing on a regular basis, plus three or four others who complement the group with solos, duets, or ensembles. The instrumentalists who accompany this energetic group include several guitarists, a bass player, a mandolin player, and a percussionist on the conga and occasionally, tambourine.
This group is directed by lay leadership, with the minister of music providing resources when called upon. Joyful Noise is frequently asked to perform in the Bedford community, and has performed for worship at our Presbytery meetings. They are widely considered a good model for other churches, which are attempting to begin a contemporary worship service. Membership is open to anyone interested in joining. Rehearsals are on Monday evenings from 8 to 9:00 p.m.