The Oaks Chancel Choir
Director - Dr. Glenn Eernisse
Accompanist - Mrs. Wanda Delk
The Chancel Choir is open to all adults with rehearsals on Sunday evenings at 6:45. Choral anthems are selected from a variety of styles including spirituals, gospel, traditional and contemporary. This dedicated and talented group leads in worship each Sunday morning. Twice a year, Advent and Lent, the choir presents a service of choral music relating to the seasonal theme. New members are always welcome, and there is no audition required.
The Oaks Handbell Choir
Director - Mr. Jared Register
The handbell choir meets on Sunday afternoons in the fall and during Lent. Each member is critical to the overall success of the team, so commitment and musical ability are key. The ringers lead in worship 2 -3 times each year. Interested individuals should speak with the director or Mrs. Wanda Delk.
The Oaks Children's Choir
Childrens Choir is an important part of the Music Ministry at The Oaks. Children in grades K-5 participate in music learning activities each Wednesday evening at 5:15 during the school year. The choir has led in worship several times this year during Sunday morning worship and on Wednesdays as well. Their final opportunity will be Sunday, May 17th in the 11:00 a.m. service at The Oaks. Our last Wednesday together before the summer break will be May 13th.
A typical Wednesday schedule
5:10 Early Arriver Activity (this might be a melody or rhythm reading game or an activity using instruments)
5:20 Singing warm-up (fun songs to get the children singing, sometimes with movements or classroom instruments)
5:25 Review the Hymn of the month (we want children to hide them in their heart great hymns of the past as well as newer hymns that are becoming standards in our church)
5:30 5:45 Rehearsal of current song and anthem literature (focusing on beautiful singing, understanding the meaning of the text, preparing to lead in worship rather than preparing for a performance)
5:45 5:50 Music Activity Time (another experience similar to early arriver time)
5:55 Close with prayer song and dismiss to supper
Our Leaders
Mrs. Susan Eernisse, Director, holds a Masters Degree in Education a Bachelors degree in Music Education and has over 30 years experience in working with choirs of all ages. She taught music in public and private school for 20 years. She is an active childrens music conference leader and writer of childrens music and curriculum. Susan is also the Team Leader for The Oaks Worship Team.
Dr. Glenn Eernisse, Co-Director, has a Doctor of Music Ministry degree, a Master of Church Music degree and a Bachelors degree in Music Education. He is the Chair of the Music Division of Brewton-Parker College where he has taught since 1995. Prior to that, he was in full-time music ministry for 15 years. In addition to the Childrens Choir, Glenn directs the Oaks Chancel Choir and is the Worship Leader. Glenn is a composer/arranger who has written a wide variety of music including music for childrens choir.
Ms. Jessica Eernisse, Choir Assistant, graduated from Brewton-Parker College in 2003 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. She taught public school kindergarten for several years. At The Oaks, she assists with The Oaks Children on Missions program, sings in The Chancel Choir and rings in the Handbell Choir.
An Invitation
We are always open for new members in the childrens choir. Whether you are new to the church, a member whose children have not been involved in choir or someone in the community looking for an excellent music and spiritual activity, we would love to include your children. Church membership is not a requirement. Why not check us out when choir starts back in the fall? We think youll be so glad you did!
