Music is vital to worship at Little River. Our services are enhanced by a pipe organ and choral music ranging from classical to contemporary. Adult, youth, and children’s choirs, and a handbell ensemble all share in leading worship. Our pipe organ, a two-manual instrument built for Little River by the Holtkamp Organ Company and installed in the early 1980s, adds richness to congregational and choral singing. Special music during Advent and Lent are annual highlights.
Congregational Singing
Little River takes to heart the charge to “make a joyful noise,” with a tradition of robust congregational singing. Our primary source for hymns and responses is the Chalice Hymnal, but worship planners draw from many other resources, including the Taizé tradition, contemporary music, and original compositions.
Choirs
The choirs contribute to congregational worship with both classical and contemporary music. They present special music programs for Advent, Lent, and Easter, as well as on other occasions throughout the year.
Sanctuary Choir
Rehearses most Thursdays during the academic year, 7:30-9:00 pm.
The Sanctuary Choir, an adult four-part choir, sings a variety of music from the Medieval era to the present day. Generally, this choir provides service music and an anthem for one service each week. Christian holy days and special events in the life of the church make up the balance of the Sanctuary Choir schedule.
Salt of the Earth
Rehearses most Sundays during the academic year at 9:30 am.
Salt of the Earth welcomes children in grades 1-5 to rehearse regularly and sing in services throughout the school year. Beyond the children’s church school experiences, this choir offers an opportunity to learn a variety of musical traditions, instruments, and choral techniques in an atmosphere of fun, sharing their accomplishments periodically with the congregation. This experience offers a wonderful foundation for developing young musical talents.
Joyful Noise
Rehearses most Sundays during the academic year at 11:00 am.
Joyful Noise is a choir for youth in grades 6-12. This choir performs a variety of music from classical to folk, including many contemporary anthems. Singers learn to work with others and develop their musical talents in a Christ-centered environment.
All Are Welcome!
All choirs welcome new members who share a love of singing. Musical skills are polished in rehearsal.
Handbell Ensemble
Rehearses most Sundays year-round at 11:15 am.
The Handbell Choir plays 2-5 octaves of Schulmerich handbells playing a repertoire of classic pieces and fresh settings of familiar hymns. The intergenerational group welcomes children, youth, and adults and focuses on basic musicianship and interesting handbell techniques. Previous experience and music reading ability are not required.
Summer Music Program
From June through Labor Day, the choirs take a holiday. During this season, members and friends of Little River present a rich variety of solo and ensemble music during worship. Performers include individual members from the various choirs, members of the congregation at large, and guests from the broader community.
If you are interested in providing special summer music, please contact any member of the music staff or the music committee. Both instrumentalists and vocalists are welcome.
Schedules
For schedules of the musical ensembles, visit LRUCC Nuts and Bolts or see our online calendar of events.