Choir

Our  voice choir consists of about 5-10 people, singing in at least two parts, more if there are enough participants. We meet once a week and supply the anthem for most Sundays throughout the year. We are always looking for new members and are glad to take even those who can’t commit to full time. There is no audition process, as long as you like to sing. Being able to read music is a plus, but not essential. Right now, we are on hiatus because of the pandemic, but hope to resume as soon as it is safe to do so.

Wakefield Memorial Bell Choir

The Wakefield Memorial Bell Choir

Our Bell Choir originiated in March of 1988, over 32 years ago under the leadership of the Rev. Rick and Jennifer Russell.  We have grown from 2 octaves to nearly 4 octaves of bells plus 3 octaves of handchimes. Today’s choir includes 3 ringers from that original choir of 8 ringers.  The same director has served the choir during those 32 years.

We are a member of “Handbell Musicians of America”, formerly known as “The American Guild of English Handbell Ringers” .  We ring for our home church worship services about once a month as well as special Sunday services and holidays. We have traveled to various other churches and venues over the years, including ringing with the Bells of Boston at Faneuil Hall. We have attended state and regional workshops, festivals, and conferences to improve and broaden our ringing skills and techniques. We share countless fond memories of these events.

Our mission is to bring people closer to God through our bell music at Sunday worship services, concerts, and community events. We also love introducing our unique form of musicality with those who may not be aware of handbell music.  As of recent years we have embellished our art with the addition of other instruments: keyboard, acoustic and bass guitars, vocalists, and percussion to name a few examples. Gifted musicians have brought our performances to a higher level of performance.

Our concerts have been very successful community events and have brought a number of people together to enjoy handbell ringing. We have financially contributed to the church and other community services such as the Food Pantry and the Gafney Library. Despite the many hours of practice and the hard work putting together a concert, we delight in the joy we bring to our audiences.

             

             

             

To view a video of the bell choir concert,

go to our Video/ YouTube page.

Summer Music Camp

This ecumenical program offers the children of our community an opportunity to participate in a week- long bible-based music camp. The program is held at our church and is in collaboration with other area churches. Music Camp introduces children, ages 5 through 12, to the inclusion of music in worship and an awareness of music in our faith history. Daily activities include scriptural references to music, singing, bible stories in song, movement and rhythm, creative projects, and prayer. Themes vary day to day. Various musical mediums are introduced:  hand chimes, interpretive dancing, boom whackers, creative instrumentation, and musical games. Our hope is that our children become more aware of how music in various ways enhances worship and is a joyous way to praise God.