The Music Department provides a comprehensive program, offering parishioners on all levels an opportunity to use their musical talents to serve God and the church. Choirs offer praise to God through music, enhance the worship services, and support congregational singing. A brief description of each of the groups is listed below
Musical ensembles for the young people of our church are more than just another activity in their weekly schedule. Participation in the musical life of the church is one of the best ways to learn about the liturgy, become active in worship, gain a sense of responsibility, experience spirituality and form commitments in serving God and others. We welcome your interest and challenge you and your family to become active members of this ministry as we seek to intensify the awe and mystery of the liturgy.
David D. Brensinger, Director of Music
Susan West, Assistant Organist
Choirs
Primary Choir (gr. 1-2)
St. Cecilia & Nicolas Choirs (gr. 3-6)
Parish Choir
Parish Choir
David Brensinger, Director—404-255-4023 ext. 402
The Parish Choir (adult choir) sings at 1) the 11:15 a.m. service each Sunday from September through May; 2) the 10:30 a.m. service during the summer; and 3) special services and concerts, often with the addition of instrumentalists. The repertoire encompasses all traditional-classical periods of church music from the 16th through the 20th centuries. Rehearsals are Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Note: Individuals in 9th grade or older (and 7th and 8th graders who have graduated from the St. Cecilia of St. Nicholas choirs) are eligible for membership in this choir.
Primary Choir (gr. 1-2)
Anita Brensinger, Director—404-255-4026 x 728
The Primary Choir is a joyous beginning for a child's choir experience, emphasizing the building and sharing of musical gifts. The choir sings at four services per year, including the 3:00 p.m. Christmas Eve family service and the Shrove Tuesday Supper. Boys and girls in grades 1 and 2 are welcome. Contact the Primary Choir Director for more information. Rehearsals are on scheduled Wednesdays from 4:20 to 5:30 p.m.
St. Cecilia and St. Nicolas Choirs (gr. 3-6)
David Brensinger, Director 404-255-4023 x 402
The combined St. Nicolas and St. Cecilia Choirs sing at the 9:00 a.m. worship service on scheduled Sundays from September through May (usually 2-3 times per month) and for special services. These extraordinary ensembles have a wide ranging-repertoire of the finest in music for young voices, with a quality rarely found in choirs of the age group. Members develop skills in note reading, ear training, vocal techniques, and liturgical understanding. At least once a month, they receive 20 minutes of private music instruction with the Music Director for voice training and music reading skill, leading to the attainment of various musical proficiency levels, as outlined in the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) scheme. An annual spring trip, offering choristers recreation and the opportunity to perform at another parish, highlights the year. Combined rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 4:20 p.m.-5:45 p.m. beginning in late August. Girls and boys (with unchanged voices) in grades 3-6 are welcome. Contact the Music Director for further information.
The Schoenstein Organ
Our pipe organ, built by Schoenstein & Company of San Francisco is a 36-rank, 3-manual instrument, with nearly 2,100 pipes. The first instrument by this builder in the Atlanta metropolitan area, it is designed and voiced specifically to fulfill the needs of Episcopal worship in the Anglican tradition, with an emphasis on choral accompaniment and service playing.
Organ Specifications
"Music from Holy Innocents' " CD now available:
The compact disc "Music from Holy Innocents'" is available directly from the church by mailing cash, or a check payable to HIEC, in the amount of $18.00 to: Holy Innocents' Church, attn. Music Department, 805 Mt. Vernon Hwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30327.
The CD features hymns, anthems, and solo organ works for the Church Year performed by the Parish and St. Cecilia Choirs, organists David Brensinger and Susan West, and the Atlanta Symphony Brass Quintet.
