Children's Music

Jim Gardner, Director of Music Ministry, Organist, Choir Master
jgardner@stthomasamarillo.org
Parish Office:  (806) 358-2461, ext. 105
 
The St. Thomas Children’s Choirs rehearse on Wednesday evenings beginning at 6:30 pm in the Music Wing during the school year.  All are welcome to join us.  Contact Jim Gardner or look in the bulletin for specific dates.
 
The KIDS Choirs sing with the entire Music Department in October/November at our three Combined Music Masses.  The KIDS Choirs also sing at the 5:00 pm Christmas eve mass, Easter and First Communion masses.

Children’s Choirs Rehearsal Times
Ages 4 through 5^th grade – Wednesdays 6:30 pm

GOALS & PURPOSES OF KIDS CHOIRS OF ST. THOMAS
(created by MaryAnn Ellis, volunteer)

• You are part of a community of believers that praises God through prayer and song.
• You have friends at St. Thomas and we treat our friends with respect through kind words and kind actions.
• God loves you.  We often begin our choir time by singing each child’s name and then singing, “God loves you.” 
• You are part of a global community of believers.  Our children listen and move to music from all over the world.
• You are capable of using a good singing voice.  You have a whispering voice, a shouting voice, and a speaking voice.  In church, you use your best singing voice.
• You are capable of being a good listener.  We regularly practice listening activities.
• You can be a good watcher.  Children learn to watch the leader and follow visual cues.
• You can learn how to sing.  Children engage in vocal play that encourages breathing, dropped jaw, and beautiful sound.
• You are learning the correct posture for singing by standing up straight and keeping your hands at your side.
• You are learning that the sanctuary is a special place and we use our best behaviors in church.
• You are learning a variety of spiritual songs, many more than the ones we sing in church.  Some come from bible verses while others are songs of praise and Thanksgiving.
• You are loved.

Our youngest choir, the Kings Children’s Choir is comprised of children age 4 as of September 1st through Kindergarten and rehearse from 6:30 - 7:00 pm weekly during the school year.  They experience music through singing, listening and instrument playing.

The Intercessors are made up of children in 1st grade and rehearse from 6:30 - 7:00 pm weekly during the school year.  They experience music through singing, listening and instrument playing.

The Disciples are made up of children in 2nd grade and rehearse from 6:30 - 7:15 pm weekly during the school year.  They experience music through singing, listening, music games and instrument playing.

The Saints are made up of children in 3rd - 5th grade and rehearse from 6:30 - 7:30 pm weekly during the school year.  They experience music through singing, listening, music games, handchime ringing and other instrument playing.  The Saints have the opportunity to also audition for solos for the Christmas eve 5:00 pm mass as well as      9:00 am Easter mass and First Holy Communion.  The children will continue learning how to read music with emphasis on music theory and correct singing technique.