The Ministry of Music

The Brick Presbyterian Church's Ministry of Music assists its congregation in glorifying our Lord through joyful singing and meditative song. We have long been blessed with an extraordinary music program and the resources to do this. Under the direction of our talented Minister of Music,
Keith S. Toth, our Chancel Choir leads us every Sunday in musical prayer and praise of God. We offer many opportunities for our congregation to be involved in this ministry.

Musical opportunities at Brick Church abound.


For Our Musically-Minded Adults:

Our Chancel Choir predominately consists of New York City's finest professional choristers. The choir is also open to volunteer choristers who have extensive chamber chorus experience. The repertoire that the choir sings is very demanding and requires fine sight-reading, pitch matching, and voice blending skills. Anyone interested in volunteering for the Chancel Choir should contact Keith Toth for an interview.

The Brick Church Bell Ringers participate in worship services throughout the year. Anyone, grade four through adult, who can read music may participate. The Brick Church has two sets of Whitechapel English handbells.


For Our Musically-Minded Children:

Opportunities for Youth Instrumentalists. Do you play an instrument? On occasions throughout the year, instrumentalists are needed to play in Sunday morning worship. If you are interested in sharing your talents with the congregation, fill out an interest form.

The Children's Choir program at Brick Church offers children the chance to be leaders of worship through music. This graded choir program gives a foundation in healthy choral singing, hymnody, and music literacy, enhanced by movement, games, and various instrumental activities. Membership in the combined choirs includes more than 100 children, ranging from age 4 through grade 7. Children rehearse once a week throughout the school year, and sing monthly during the Sunday Worship Service. The Children’s Choirs also participate in the Family Christmas Eve Pageant, the Children’s Spring Musical, Caroling events, and the Park Avenue Tree Lighting. There are five singing choirs offered at The Brick Church for children:

	Cherub Choir I. Tuesdays, 2:45 – 3:10 p.m. YAR. The Cherub Choir is for children ages 4 and 5 who are in pre-school (this includes Brick Church School Kindergarteners). Our goal is to build a foundation for healthy singing, basic musicianship skills and basic elements of the liturgy. The Cherub Choir sings in Worship two or three times per year. Children must turn 4 by November 1, 2008. Cherub Choir enrollment is limited to children of members only. Cherub Choir II. Wednesdays, 2:45 – 3:10 p.m. YAR. This is a second section of Cherub Choir. Identical materials are presented in Cherub Choir I and II. See Cherub Choir I description.
Carol Choir. Tuesdays, 3:45 – 4:15 p.m. Choir Room.The Carol Choir is for children in Kindergarten and First Grade. This choir builds upon good vocal skills and understandings of elements of the liturgy. Additionally, the singers of Carol Choir will begin to lay groundwork for music literacy. Carol Choir sings in Worship every one to two months.
Junior Choir. Tuesdays, 4:20 – 5:05 p.m. Choir Room.The Junior Choir is for children in grades 2 through 5. The Junior Choir focuses on good vocal skills and music literacy skills, using a combination of games and focused work. Junior Choir sings in Worship once per month and participates in special events such as festivals and carol sings.
Youth Choir. Sundays, 10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. The Youth Choir is for children in grades 4 through 7 (fourth and fifth graders may choose to participate in Junior Choir or Youth Choir). This choir continues to develop vocal skills and music literacy, and explores independent part singing. Youth Choir sings anthems 1 to 2 times per month in Worship and participates in special events such as festivals and carol sings.
Teen Choir. Email Amanda Smith for more information.

The 2008-2009 Children's Choir season begins on Sunday, September 14.

For more information, or if your child would like to join a choir, please contact Amanda Smith.

Throughout the year, the choirs join in other services and concerts of sacred music. A recital series on the Chapel's renowned French romantic style, mechanical action organ (Chapel Organ link at the top of this page) complements our music program.