Meet Our Choir Director
All of the choirs of St. John’s Music Ministry are directed by Deborah Krauss Smith, St. John’s Director of Music and Organist.
2011 marks Deb’s 41st year as a professional church musician, with over half of those years spent directing, working with, and writing for children’s choirs and children’s voices.
A Monroe native and graduate of UW-Eau Claire with a degree in K-12 vocal music education and a double applied major in organ and voice, Deb was an elementary music specialist in the Monroe School District from 1977 – 1984. She previously worked at St. John’s from 1986-1996, developing a strong graded music program that included three choirs for young voices through grade 12, as well as a women’s triple trio, handbell choir, and of course, the Sanctuary Choir.
Following a 10-1/2 year stint at Asbury United Methodist Church in Madison and a year of “semi-retirement”, Deb returned to St. John’s staff in January 2008.
2011 Choir Flyer (pdf)
Adult Music OpportunitiesSanctuary Choir
WHO: For youth singers entering grades 9, 10, 11 or 12, as well as adults
WHEN: Rehearses in the choir room on Wednesdays from 7:00 – 8:00 pm and sings for worship approximately three times per month. Starts Wednesday, September 7, 2011.
WHAT:
- Continue to develop an understanding of the choirs’ role in worship
- Continue to learn about Christian concepts and church seasons through song
- Learn a wide variety of sacred choral music repertoire
- Develop part singing skills and refine singing techniques
- Experience a sense of team in an intergenerational setting, including a sense of responsibility and commitment
Bells of Praise
The Bells of Praise is a 3 octave handbell choir. We have enough bells to expand to a 5 octave choir if personnel are available. Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:00pm. This group plays for services on one Sunday each month, plus special services.
To be a member of Bells of Praise, you must be able to read music and make the commitment to be at all the rehearsals. Ringing technique can be taught and will improve with consistent practice. This group is open to adult men and women of St. John's.
Starts Tuesday, September 6 , 2011.
Youth Music Opportunities
Children's ChoirWHO: Young singers entering grades 1, 2 or 3
WHEN: For the time being, rehearses with the Junior Choir from 3:30 - 4:00 pm, starting Wednesday, September 7 in the choir room.
WHAT:
- Learn about the choirs’ role in worship by singing for the 9 am service once monthly
- Learn about seasons and important observances of the church year
- Learn Bible stories and Christian concepts through song
- Develop basic music concepts such as high/low, fast/slow, loud/soft, etc.
- Work on developing listening skills, matching pitches (singing in tune) and developing a sense of rhythm
- Develop a sense of team by being part of a group
Junior ChoirWHO: Singers entering grades 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8
WHEN: For the time being, rehearses with the Children’s Choir
from 3:30 - 4:00 pm, starting Wednesday, September
7 in the choir room.
WHAT:
- Continue building on all concepts begun in Children’s Choir
- Foster solo singing skills
- Work on basic music reading skills
- Work with rhythm instruments and hand chimes
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