727 Harvard Ave, Swarthmore, PA 19081
(610) 543-4712
Music
Music at Swarthmore Presbyterian Church is rich and diverse. We believe that music should reflect, support, and reiterate the Word, with the lectionary and church day as its guide. With this in mind, music for each worship service, including hymns, anthems, and the Psalter (which is sung or chanted), is carefully selected.
Special musical offerings usually include major choral works during Advent and Lent, and a Cantata led by our children's and youth choirs usually presented on Christian Family Sunday in May. Our 2012 Advent offering will be Handel's Messiah, presented Sunday, December 16 at 4:00 pm. Our Spring 2013 special offering, scheduled for Sunday, May 5, is the Durufle Requiem, a wondeful piece to showcase our new organ. Our 2012 children and youth Choirs' cantata was "Just Run," arranged by Jeff Sandstrom. Recordings of the worship services in which past special musical offerings were presented may be accessed in our Audio Highlights Archive. A History of Special Musical Offerings (pdf file) is also available.
Our Music Director is Jeffrey DeVault, a Temple graduate and talented pianist as well as accomplished organist. Jeff has been the recipient of multiple awards at AGO competitions, both at the Philadelphia chapter level and at the regional level, as well as the winner of several local piano competitions. Jeff also teaches math classes at Delaware County Community College.
Our Vocal Choirs
Chancel Choir
Jeff DeVault, Director (610-543-4712 x114 or jeffdevault@gmail.com)
Our chancel choir, a lively group of adults from college students to septagenarians, rehearses on Thursdays at 7:30 pm and on Sunday morniings before worship. There is weekly participation in worship and major works are presented during Advent and Lent, usually accompanied by a chamber orchestra. Newcomers are always welcome!
The Youth Choir
Vippy Yee, Director (spcyouthchoir@swarthmorepres.org)
The Junior Choir
Ray Thompson, Director (spcjrchoir@swarthmorepres.org)
Our Youth Choir – for grades 6-12 – is directed by Vippy Yee. Vippy selects worshipful and creative pieces for her choir to sing. The Youth Choir leads worship on Christmas Eve (8 pm) and Youth Sunday as well as other times during the school year. Rehearsals are Sundays from 11:30 to noon in Loeffler Chapel. Vippy is also happy to work with small groups or individuals interested in providing offertory pieces for Church Family Worship.
Our Junior Choir – for grades 2-5 – is directed by Ray Thompson. Ray brings all sorts of traditions and instruments to the junior choir. They have a lot of energy and a lot of fun together. The Junior Choir sings in worship 3-4 times a year. Rehearsal times are in flux until Sanctuary renovations are completed. Check the calendar for our current schedule.
The Primary Choir
Dorrie McGrath, Director (spcprchoir@swarthmorepres.org)
Our Primary Choir – for children 4 years old through 1st grade – is directed by Dorrie McGrath. One of our regular cantors, Dorrie has a wonderful touch with the littler ones and emboldens them to sing out in front of the congregation. The Primary Choir leads worship 2-3 times a year. Rehearsal times are in flux until Sanctaury renovations (and accompanying changes to Sunday schedules) are completed. Check the church calendar for our current gathering time.
Our Bell Choir:
The Chancel Ringers
Eileen Ericsson, Director (spcbells@swarthmorepres.org)
Our bell choir - open to ringers of all ages - is directed by Eileen Ericsson, an organist, piano teacher, and mother of four boys. Eileen is a committed and capable church musician and a very likable leader. Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 8:00 pm in Loeffler Chapel. There is regular participation in worship.
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