Music Ministry
Music Director Maria Cimarelli
Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir of Franklin Community Church is an important part of the music ministry of the church. It is a dedicated group of adult volunteer singers. Every Sunday the choir sings an offering to God. A weekly anthem is prepared as well as liturgical responses, such as a call to worship or a musical benediction response. The choir sings year-round with a month off during the summer. In addition to regular Sunday offerings the Chancel Choir presents two annual choral concerts, one during the Christmas season and one after Easter.
Rehearsals for the choir are every Sunday morning at 8:45am to prepare for the 10:00am worship service.
Evening rehearsals are scheduled during advent and Lent on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:30pm. The choir also attends evening rehearsals during the month prior to each of the two annual concerts. Participation in the Chancel Choir can be an enriching and enjoyable experience. Please consider joining this important ministry at Franklin Community Church.
Handbell Ensemble
The Franklin Handbell Ensemble performs monthly at the Sunday worship service. Handbell rehearsals are held two Wednesday evenings a month at 6:00-7:00pm. In addition, the ensemble performs during the Christmas season, during Lent, and during Easter, as well as other important services. The group consists of adults and teens of varying musical backgrounds. Some members have rung for years and are musically skilled, while others begin with limited musical experience. What serves to unite this group is shared dedication to learning about handbells and a love of performing handbell repertoire. New ringers are also welcome.
Youth Choir
Many adult singers traced the beginning of their musical development to participation in a youth choir. In addition, this type of participation dedicated to worship can be the foundation of a life-long commitment to God and Church.
Participants in our Youth Choir range from elementary school to middle school age. No audition is required and we always welcome our new members. Youth Choir members perform during the Advent/Christmas season, also during Lent and Easter and for other special services of worship. Rehearsals are scheduled two to three weeks prior to the event. Our youth singers also perform plays and musical dramas.
Youth Ringers
Franklin Community Church is fortunate to possess a wonderful set of handchimes. If you are not familiar with these instruments, they are similar to handbells in that they are held in the hand and rung, usually in a group. They are not cast bells however. The sound comes from tuned metal tubes that are rung with clappers. The instruments are sturdy and easy to ring, unlike handbells, which require more expertise. Perfect for young musicians.
Our Youth Ringers range from kindergarten to middle school ages. The group rehearses two to three weeks prior to an event. The handchimes play approximately 4-5 times annually, usually for special events or important worship services. Typically, the youth will ring during Christmas and Easter. Last Palm Sunday, they accompanied the Chancel Choir in the opening call to worship.