Choir singing during a liturgical dance
Music can serve to uplift and inspire us as we explore the very nature of God. Under the leadership of Frances Pollet, the choir sings a broad range of sacred music from classical to modern. Some members also accompany the anthems on bassoon, flute, tambourine and wind chimes. A bursary program encourages young musicians to join the choir while attending university.
Highlights of the year are participating at the monthly Taizé services with other downtown churches, presenting special concerts and an annual benefit concert featuring young musicians of the congregation.
Choir Practice is 7:00 p.m. Thursday evenings in the Social Suite. Long-term visitors to the Victoria area are invited to join us for practices and our Sunday Worship while away from their home churches!
Category: Music | Tag(s): Choirs |
First Metropolitan United Vocal Ensemble
This ensemble conducted by Fran Pollet is already well-known for its renditions of traditional hymns, spirituals and folk songs which they have performed during church services and at Epiphany Explorations. The ensemble has released two CDs titled When the Stars Fall and Canticle, available at a cost of $20 from the church office.
Category: Music | Tag(s): Choirs |
Date: Sunday Mornings
Time(s): 9:30 to 10:30 am
Location: First†Metropolitan United Church
A children’s choir offers children aged 7 to 12 an opportunity to sing. It provides young musicians with a high quality choral experience and exposure to music that celebrates the presence of God in our world. Co-sponsored by the Music Team and Children and Families Ministry, this program is led by Sarah Quartel, a fine enthusiastic music educator with a gift of creativity. Our singers will practice weekly and present their music in services at First†Metropolitan about seven times a year.
The focus of our 2011-2012 season is “A Song from My Heart.” Educationally, singers will learn how to use their voices in a healthy way and be taught proper singing techniques. Spiritually they will be encouraged to use theirvoices to expre4ss themselves and to celebrate the things they are most thankful for. Choristers will enjoy working with global percussion instruments.
Sarah Quartel is an Ontario-born compser, educator and conductor, known for her fresh and exciting approach to the choral experience. Having received her first composition award at the age of eight, Sarah celebrates the musical potential of all learners by providing access to high quality repertoire and engaging music education. Sarah’s choral works are performed by children, youth and adults throughout North America and internationally by groups such as the Finnish a cappella group Rajaton. Kids will find her a joy and an inspiration to work with.
Frances Pollet’s goal is “to reach the highest levels of performance standards in a variety of choral repertoire.” This goal is expressed in the artistry of the church choir, the Pringle Bells and the First†Metropolitan United Vocal Ensemble. In addition, she and the First†Met Music Team inivte a variety of guest artists, from within the congregation and in the community, to participate in worship and music events.
Fran has been Minister of Music and Organist at First†Metropolitan since the amalgamation of First United with Metropolitan United. Previously, Fran was Director of Music at St. Matthias Church for 18 years, Music Director for Grassroots Theatre Company for seven years, and coordinated and directed the Empress Hotel’s Christmas festivities for an equal length of time. In 2007, she resigned as music director of the Linden Singers, having worked with the choir since 1979.
Most recently, Fran has introduced and led monthly Celtic worship sessions based on the liturgy and music developed by the Iona Community at First†Metropolitan. Fran is very well-known and respected in the Victoria music scene and is a former executive member of Music United (formerly the United Church of Canada Association of Musicians), a diverse association of people passionately committed to furthering the cause of music within the United Church of Canada.
Category: Meet the Staff, Music | Also filed under: Staff Profiles |
