OUR MUSICIANS

·       Chancel Choir

From September through May, adults and high school students sing a variety of music from Baroque to Contemporary for the 10:00 service.   Standard anthems comprise the basic repertoire and on special occasions the choir presents works such as Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols,”  Ray’s “Gospel Mass,” Thompson’s “Frostiana,” and Christmas Cantatas by John Leavitt, Daniel Pinkham, Christmas Choruses from “Messiah,” and others.   

An annual highlight is the Mardigras service on the Sunday prior to Lent which features music by the choir and jazz ensemble, interwoven with the spoken word of scripture and special readings. 

The Chancel Choir rehearses on Thursdays, 7:15-8:45 PM 

·       Youth Choir

This children’s choir for grades 2-7, sings frequently for church services during the school year and participates in a city-wide Festival with junior choirs from other churches.  The choir rehearses at 9:15 on Sunday mornings.  Karmen Gusa currently directs this choir.

·       Bell Choir

In 2009 the church purchased a four-octave set of handbells from Malmark. Ringers meet on Thursday evening at 6:00 and play for services.  Karmen Gusa directs.

·       Youth Bells

Recently a youth bell choir has been added.  Rehearsals are Sundays at 11:15.  The debut of this group is expected in spring, 2010.  Karmen Gusa directs.

All of the choirs participate in services for local senior citizen homes and other community events. 

Instrumentalists also provide music of various kinds.  Currently a brass ensemble lends a festive dimension to regular Sundays, Christmas and Easter times.  Other musical members share their skills and talents as well. 

OUR INSTRUMENTS

Our church is blessed to have wonderful instruments, thanks to the generous and continued support of members who appreciate the many aspects and components of music.

·        The Sanctuary organ is a three manual Reuter instrument, installed in 1990, with an addition installed in 2003.  With the 554 new pipes, the total adds up to 2156 pipes.  With a pedal board of 32 notes, 53 draw knobs for 35 ranks along with 16 intermanual/pedal couplers and 6 intramanual couples, there are many possible combinations.  The South Eastern Minnesota chapter of American Guild of Organists has used this organ for various chapter recitals and student organ camp. 

·        The Chapel organ was built as a prototype by General Electro Musical Products of Italy for debut at the 1992 National Convention of the American Guild of Organists in Atlanta. It is a three-manual and pedal instrument of digitally sampled sounds taken from a number of historic European organs.  It is a gracious gift and generous donation from Mr. and Mrs. Merrill N. Davis III.

·        A Steinway grand piano adds another dimension to keyboard music from classical to jazz genres. 

·        Pianos are available in several classrooms for use in Sunday School and other activities.

Because of the quality instruments and satisfying acoustics, the sanctuary is often chosen by student and professional musicians to present concerts and recitals. 

For more information contact the church office: 

 (507)289-4581  or church@congoroch.org  

Or Linda Thompson, Director of Music: 

music@congoroch.org

minnoh@chartermi.net 

Or Merrill N. Davis III (Jeff), Organist: 
mndiii@aol.com