Choirs

Singing and ringing the songs of our hearts

Choir of Robertson-Wesley

The choir of Robertson-Wesley United has always been an integral part of worship. They sing everything from Byrd to Britten, Handel to Howells, as well as spirituals and newly- written material.

Membership to the senior choir is open to all high-school students and adults. Although no formal audition is required, it is requested that interested persons consult with the Director of Music, Tammy-Jo Mortensen before attending their first rehearsal. New choristers may also join for a certain season. Choir practices take place on Wednesdays from 7:30-9:30 pm, and the choir sings at most of the Sunday services from September to June. Eight Sundays a year the choral music is provided by one of the Cantilon Choirs.

The choir also provides music at several special services throughout the year, such as the Festival of Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve, during Holy Week, and at other special events.

The choral programme at R-W also includes the addition of four or more section leads in each section of the choir. If you are interested in auditioning for a section lead position, please contact the Director of Music, Tammy-Jo Mortensen for more information. The Choir of R-W has had several pieces written for them over the years, including pieces by Bruce Wheatcroft, Robin King, Erin Craig, Piotr Grella-Mozejko, and commissioned an anthem from Mark Sirett that had its world premiere at the Robertson 100th anniversary.  The choir has been involved in several recordings and together with the R-W Ringers, has just launched a new CD - “Song Forever New”.   See the CD page for more information.

The choir has performed at many special events including the CBC reading of Dickens' Christmas Carol, at a Bach festival, Alberta and Northwest United Church Conference events, St. Stephen's College convocations, have toured England, and continue to include outreach amongst their ministries performing at care facilities for the elderly.

Hiring the Choir of Robertson-Wesley for events:

The Choir of Robertson-Wesley has performed in many weddings, corporate events, Christmas celebrations and at music conferences. If you would be interested in hiring the choir for your special event, please contact the Director of Music, Tammy-Jo Mortensen.

Choral Links:

From the Alberta Choral Federation site you can find a lot more information on choral events and opportunities in Alberta!

R-W Ringers

Robertson-Wesley's Handbell Choir

Music has always been a significant part of the work and worship of Robertson-Wesley United Church. The Robertson-Wesley Ringers offer their own unique contribution to that strong musical tradition, and as is evident in the photographs, they have forged strong friendships and have a lot of fun together as well!

The year 2009 marks 43 years of handbell ringing in Robertson-Wesley United Church. Originally introduced to the church family by music director Douglas Millson in 1966, handbells have become a popular fixture in our worship services and at community outreach events. Currently comprising 13 ringers, and directed by Tammy-Jo Mortensen, the Robertson-Wesley Ringers rehearse on Thursday evenings for 2 hours, and ring regularly during the Sunday morning worship service, and at events such as weddings, Christmas gatherings, concerts, special events and more! The handbell choir is very fortunate to have the use of a 5-octave set of Malmark handbells, a 4-octave set of Schulmerich handbells, as well as 5 octaves of handchimes. Using these exceptional instruments, the R-W Ringers offer a joyful and distinctive sound to worship and other special times in the church and community. Supported by a wonderful congregation which has encouraged the ongoing improvement of their skills, the R-W Ringers have participated in International Symposia (most recently in Brisbane, Australia in 2006), and regional and national festivals, and has shared in the making of several Robertson-Wesley recordings, including the most recent CD – “Song Forever New”, which was launched in October 2009.

Although membership eligibility in this unique and active group stresses the ability to read music and previous experience ringing handbells, the Robertson-Wesley Ringers always welcomes interested individuals to their rehearsals. They have an active list of substitute ringers as well. Tammy-Jo Mortensen is always happy to provide additional information about the Ringers and current membership availability.

Hiring the R-W Ringers for Events

Handbell Links:

Alberta Guild of English Handbell Ringers
From the ALGEHR site you can find a lot more information on handbell ringing in Alberta as well as around the world!

Choral Morphosis

This new choir formed in Sept. 2007 and funding was provided through the trust funds at Robertson-Wesley United Church. The choir is open to anyone in the community over the age of 16 and is especially for anyone with a developmental or physical disability.

Morphosis means to have a profound change in form from one stage to the next in the life history of a being. We hope that this choir will make a profound impact in nurturing transformation through enjoyable singing!

Participants will be enjoying community in a safe environment, while experiencing and singing a wide range of music from African tribal chants to old time hymns as well as a variety of secular music. Singers will also become familiar with movement and instruments.

This is a non-auditioned choir and is open to anyone that is interested no matter what their musical abilities are. The choir rehearses on Saturday morning from 10:30 – 11:30 at Robertson-Wesley. There will be some opportunities for performances.

Choral Morphosis literature (pdf format): Poster Brochure

Please contact the church office or see the Choral Morphosis website for more information.