Find out more about this vibrant and exciting ministry you see on stage every weekend.
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| CN PHOTO: Jayson Lee |
Church choirs are an integral part of most churches, inspiring and motivating the congregation during praise and worship at every church service. It is no different for the City Harvest Choir ministry, perhaps with a little more color. Every week, the vibrant and exciting choir ministry takes to the stage, leading the congregation into the presence of God through praise and worship.
The 400-member-strong choir ministry led by the church’s vocals supervisor and worship leader, Annabel Soh, has three main goals: to make a visual impact, to build a strong spiritual atmosphere and to create music.
After an audition round, a female choir member would be categorized to sing in the soprano section or the alto section, while the male choir members would be grouped, according to their voice range, into the tenor group or the baritone group.
What are the requirements of a CHC choir member? According to the ministry requirement stated on the church website, one should have a positive attitude, a pleasant countenance and be able to “pitch a right note.” Enthusiasm and exuberance are definitely a plus.
Apart from singing at church services and meetings, the choir ministry also performs Christmas carols yearly during the festive season to homes and hospices, as well as at annual corporate dinners and in shopping malls.
Having the privilege of sharing the platform with the preaching of God’s Word, the choir ministry members are expected to first and foremost commit to attending regular cell group meetings during the week, for personal and spiritual edification. The choir ministry meets every Tuesday on a weekly basis, where they receive vocal training; learn new songs; receive teachings regarding the spiritual aspect of praise and worship; and pray together.
Choir members are also taught basic music theory. Says Sherlyn Chia, a professional vocal coach who volunteers her time to train the choir, “Basic music theory helps the choir members to build up their musicality, enabling them to sing in harmony and sight-read (ability to read music notes). This will come in useful during performances.”
In recent years, the choir has had a professional stylist join them for their practices and helped by giving the members some fashion styling tips.
Arthur Tan, a professional stylist who helps dish out fashion advice to the choir, feels that “dressing well and dressing sharp provides a stage presence and aids in providing a visual impact” for the choir.
Amanda Val Ng, 25, says, “Though the commitment level is high, I feel that it’s a joy and a privilege for me to be in the choir ministry as I am helping to usher the congregation into the presence of God every week during the service.”
Tham Zhiwen Adam, 26, who is also in charge of a group in the choir, expresses, “I was very touched by the presence of God when I first came to church. The choir back then played a big part in the overall impression I had.
“From there, I wanted to share with others what I’ve experienced. I hope that as a choir, we can help the visitors see that we serve a joyful and colorful God, in whom there is freedom and liberty.”
