Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC)

Music is an important part of our community. The Rock Spring music program is led by Elizabeth Kluegel Niblock, a professional opera singer, and Ed Roberts, our organist and also a professional musician.

From Elizabeth Klugel Niblock, director of Music:

I want to welcome all Rock Springers to become part of our music program this year! Whether you have participated in the past or haven’t done much except sing a hymn from the pew, I encourage you to review the various musical offerings at Rock Spring and join us in making a joyful noise until the Lord!

The MUSIC BOARD

Goals For the Year: In 2007, the Music Board’s goals include growing and strengthening the Rock Spring music program, continuing to support the Organ Planning Committee, and the Centennial Committee, and providing guidance and support to the professional music staff.

Programs Offered: Rock Spring has an active and diverse music program, with several ensembles for all ages, including:

Sanctuary Choir: A SATB choir that leads the music at the 11 a.m. service each week. Rehearses Thursdays from 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. and Sundays at 10:15 a.m.

** Childcare is provided during Thursday rehearsals for this choir. **

Bell Choir: A handbell choir with ringers of varying experience who play approximately once a month. This choir meets in the Sanctuary on Wednesdays from 7:45–9:00 p.m.

Men’s Choir: A 4-part men’s ensemble who sing an anthem approximately once every 6 weeks. Rehearses on Thursdays from 7:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
** Childcare is provided during the rehearsals for this choir. **

Choristers: A children’s choir (Kindergarten through 5th grades) who will sing an anthem about once a month and will usually process with the Sanctuary Choir at the 11 a.m. service. Rehearsals are in the Bell Choir Room on Sundays at 10:00 a.m.

Youth Choir:
A choir for youth (6th-12th grades) who will sing an anthem about once a month. Rehearsals are on Sundays from 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. in the Choir Room.

Children’s Bell Choir: A handbell choir to introduce young ringers to the handbell repertoire. This ensemble will play in church from time to time, but is primarily an introductory ensemble. Rehearsals are on Sundays from 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. in the Bell Choir Room.

Brass Ensemble: A group of brass players that get together weekly to play brass quartets, quintets and occasional sextets in a variety of styles from early to modern, sacred to popular. The Brass Ensemble plays from time to time at worship services. Rehearsals are held every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Contact Ed Roberts for more information.

How We Are Making A Difference: All the musical ensembles enrich our worship and our lives. More than 50 members of the Rock Spring community participate in our various music programs, and all are encouraged to join us, whether by singing, ringing, or joining in as the choir leads hymns during our worship services.

The 2010 Rock Spring Recital Series

• January 10, 2010 – IBIS Chamber Music Ensemble with Elizabeth Kluegel, soprano and Edward Newman, piano
• February 7, 2010 – The Clarion Brass ensemble
• March 14, 2010 – Deborah Lawrence, soprano & Amy Reiff, mezzo-soprano with Monica Otal, piano

All concerts are at 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.  Suggested donation of $10.00 per person.

Music at Rock Spring Fall 2009

Hello Rock Springers and friends of Rock Spring!  This is a cordial invitation to join us for singing, ringing or blowing (think brass instrument!) this program year.  Our exciting music program has something to offer most anyone.  Please note below the various groups, their rehearsal days and times, and the date of their first rehearsal.

The Sanctuary Choir – Rehearses Thursday evenings 7:30 – 9 p.m.  Childcare is provided by Fern Lawrence.  This choir is our weekly leader of music at the 11:00 a.m. worship service.  Rehearsals begin Thursday, Sept. 10^th.  As the choir sings weekly, we are very open to working with those who have need of flexibility!  Elizabeth Kluegel Niblock directs.

The Men’s Choir – Rehearses Thursday evenings 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.   Childcare is provided by Fern Lawrence.  This group is a 4-part male ensemble that sings a variety of styles of music, from gospel to classical.  They sing in worship about once a month. Rehearsals begin Sept. 17^th.   Elizabeth Kluegel Niblock directs.

The Handbell choir – Rehearses Wednesday evenings 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.   This ensemble accompanies the choral introit most Sundays, and plays anthems about once a month.   Rehearsals begin Sept. 23^rd.  Ed Roberts directs.

The Brass ensemble – Rehearses Wednesday mornings.   This ensemble plays in worship about once a month.   Rehearsals have begun.  Please see Ed Roberts, director, for more info.

The Choristers – Rehearse Sunday mornings from 10 – 10:50 a.m.   This ensemble is for children from K-5^th grades.  They sing most Sundays on the Choral Introit and the first hymn with the Sanctuary Choir.  They perform an anthem about once a month.  Rehearsals begin Sunday, Sept. 20^th.  Elizabeth Kluegel Niblock directs.

The Youth Choir – Rehearse Sunday afternoons from 12:30 – 1:00 p.m.   This ensemble is for youth grades 6 through 12.  They sing in worship about once a month.  Rehearsals begin Sunday, Sept. 20^th.  Elizabeth Kluegel Niblock directs.

Questions?  Feel free to call Elizabeth or Ed at the church, or send us an email!

P.S.  Heads up, Handel lovers!  This year our annual Christmas concert will feature Part I of Handel’s Messiah!

Organ Planning Committee:

Our current church organ was installed in 1969 and it is reaching the point where significant repairs will soon be required. It has been determined, after consultation with several different organ builders, that the most practical course to take would be to replace this instrument. The church Council established an Organ Planning Committee, which has been conducting research on various organ types and organ builders. Membership on this Organ Planning Committee is as follows: Laurie Rodgers (representing the Music Board) and Claudia Sturges Scott (representing the Finance Board) who will serve as co-chairs; Emory Hackman (representing the Deacons), Don Hall (representing the Property Board), Jeff Dale, Priscilla Taylor, Jeanne Page, and Ed Roberts. The committee meets on the second Monday of the month at 7:30 pm in the Peace Room.