The English Choral Tradition Is Alive And Well At The Episcopal Church Of The Ascension
The choirs of Ascension will begin providing music for services on Sunday, September 9 for the 2007-2008
season. Ascension has four choirs that provide music at worship services and on other occasions. Director of
Music Nancy Whipkey coordinates planning and scheduling of the service music. The choirs rehearse weekly
to ensure the attainment of the quality of music described in the mission statement of the music program:
“As the love of Christ charges us to use our talents, so the mission of
music at Ascension Church is to enhance and encourage the spirituality of its community and
maintain Anglican tradition through its choral music and promotion of a variety of musical
styles.”
For performers, there are many opportunities!
The Adult ChoirThe Adult Choir sings at services from September 2007 through May 2008, except when another choir is
scheduled. The Adult Choir also provides special music at major holidays and other services including Choral
Evensong and Advent Lessons and Carols.
The choir practices every Wednesday night from 7:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Persons interested in joining this
choir should call Nancy Whipkey at 651-439-8774 for information. A schedule of all events will be published
in the October newsletter.
The Youth Choir composed of girls and boys, third grade and up, provides music at several Sunday services
during the year. They will also participate in several other musical events and once again will join the
Minnesota Orchestra for holiday concerts.
The Youth Choir rehearses every Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. followed by supper provided by
members’ parents. Parents of potential new members of the choir should call Nancy Whipkey at 651-439-
8774 for more information. Parents of choristers will receive a schedule shortly after August 20 and the
schedule will appear in the October newsletter. The Youth Choir mission statement follows:
The Youth Choir of Ascension Episcopal Church strives for excellence in quality
sacred music while
creating educational, cultural and spiritual experiences for
its members. The lives of choir members
are further enriched and encouraged
as they develop self-discipline and accountability in themselves and others.
And the list goes on and on!
Absolut Harmonie is a group of older boys whose voices are in transition from treble to lower vocal ranges.
They join with the Youth Choir and the Adult Choir in special services and provide music at other services on
occasion. They also enjoy quite a few social events during the year which are planned by their director, Lisa
St. Ores. Absolut Harmonie rehearses every Wednesday from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. and joins the Youth
Choir for supper at 6:15 p.m. Boys whose voices have changed and who are interested in Absolut Harmonie
should call Lisa St. Ores 651-292-1843 or 651-274-6418.
The Bells of Ascension, is a hand bell choir of ten to fifteen ringers. They play prelude and communion music and
accompany service music, chants, hymns, and choir anthems. The bell choir rehearses every Wednesday from
6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. under the direction of Ruth Meyer. For more information call her at 651-430-1989.
The Celtic Music Makers (“The Ascension Highlanders”), the Ascension String
Orchestra, the Ascension Recorder Consort and the
newly formed and highly anticipated Ascension Kazoo
Ensemble (“Musica Kazoo”) all meet at various times
throughout the year. Contact Nancy, Lisa or Ruth to find
out more about these groups.
Upcoming Events:
See "Happenings" menu on home page for music and choir scedules and events.
