MUSIC @ DUBLIN
Our core values provide the foundation for the making of all forms of music in the life of Dublin United Church. As disciples, we discover and share spiritual musical gifts and commit to welcome all into this transforming ministry in both the congregational and smaller ensemble contexts. Director of Music Ministry, Michael Bloss, welcomes you to "find your voice" through sharing in the music of all God's people at worship.
We share our faith in God in forms of music and styles of text which ground our lives. We strive to love the way Jesus did by welcoming people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds as participants in our music ministry. We celebrate our community with a diverse, creative blend of music and text. Choral, instrumental and congregational music which is led by the Spirit also reaches out to the world beyond us. Additionally, Dublin's music ministry operates as a small group ministry and, through "Musical Moments" and other educational programs, recognizes our need for Growth and Love.
CONGREGATIONAL
The congregation - you - serves as the "big choir" singing Hymns, Psalms and Spiritual Songs. The great hymn text writer, Wesley, writes about the power of a group singing with soul and conviction. Every Sunday you respond to the Word through the emotion of the music which paints it. As you enjoy the familiar in the traditions of our sung worship, "Musical Moments" will help broaden the experience with newer responses and congregational songs. Instrumentalists are a further example of this response. We would love to have you share some of your favourite music on your instrument as a part of music preceding worship or at times where an instrumental part joins with a choral selection. On occasion we will require such players as guitarists, bassists, string and woodwinds for Taize worship.
ADULT MUSIC
The Chancel Choir presents choral music during weekly Sunday worship and at other special moments in the church liturgical calendar. You are invited to be a guest member of the Chancel Choir at certain Sundays in the year to form Men and Women's Choruses. (Thursdays 7:30-9:30 pm; Sundays from 9:30 am)
The Handbell Choir plays English handbells in worship services and occasionally at special events outside the church. Conductor Mary Lynne Whyte eagerly welcomes a variety of musical backgrounds into this ensemble exciting the group to a high musical standard to God's praise. (Tuesdays 7:45-9:15 pm; Sundays as scheduled)
CHILDREN'S MUSIC
The Chime Choir is a group for children ages 7-12. Through teamwork, encouraging each other and guided by conductor Mary Lynne Whyte, children here learn valuable musical skills of rhythm and ensemble. They prepare music weekly and share the results of their dedication about one Sunday per month and at special times in the church year. (Thursdays 6:00-6:40 pm; Sundays as scheduled)
The Cherub Choir is a singing group for children Kindergarten-grade 3. For many this is their first introduction to the world of group singing and conductor Mary Lynne Whyte helps this ensemble learn how to produce a singing tone and how to animate the words. (Thursdays 6:45-7:30 pm; Sundays as scheduled)
The Joyful Noise is a group for those in grades 4-7 and continues the skills learned in The Cherub Choir. The challenge of learning more singing techniques leads to the joy of achievement as the Joyful Noise sung to the Lord becomes more skilled and musical. Michael Bloss leads this ensemble. (Thursdays 6:45-7:30 pm; Sundays as scheduled)
YOUTH MUSIC
The Youth Ensemble sings repertoire from Broadway through Praise and Worship Choruses to newer expressions of music in worship. This vocal group is dynamic and fun and conductor Michael Bloss tries hard to keep up! (Tuesdays 4:30-5:15 pm; Sundays as scheduled)
SUNDAYS @ 3 SEASON SERIES, 2009/2010
Music is an ever-present delight to all. It calls forth expressions of joy as well as reflection. You are invited to enjoy this series of concerts – a diverse line up of music which feature musicians who share this exhilaration with you - Sunday afternoons at 3:00pm, monthly. These afternoon informal concerts are for those new to classical music, as well as for the seasoned connoisseur. Come join us for a musical adventure that you will want to share with others! There will be refreshments served following each concert; admission of $20 at the door assists with the musical outreach which is on-going at Dublin.
Since April 2007, Michael Bloss has served as Director of Music Ministry at Dublin Street United Church in Guelph. Here he continues a distinguished tradition of pastoral music ministry which over 30 years has included tenures at the Cathedral Church of St. James’ in Toronto, First (Park) Congregational Church, Grand Rapids, MI and Timothy Eaton Memorial Church, Toronto.
His philosophy around church music is that it be an intrinsic element of the Dublin church community. It is a unique character not duplicated anywhere else. Music in worship at Dublin strives to bring the Word to life and to connect that life of language through musical expression to the emotions. Finally, musical worship is a ministry which involves people of all ages and abilities in singing a “joyful noise to the Lord”. In this way musical worship is seen to be transformative in the lives of Christians in this faith community and beyond.
An international prizewinner, Michael's solo career has included solo venues in Europe, Japan, and throughout Canada, including appearances in the USA at the Cadet Chapel, West Point, the Cleveland Museum of Art, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Detroit and Chicago’s Fourth Presbyterian Church. In addition, Mr. Bloss has been featured on CBC Radio and Television, National Public Radio and Swiss Radio.
Increasingly, he is in demand as an adjudicator and clinician in organ, piano and choral music at music festivals and workshops across the country having adjudicated at the Guelph, Peel, Toronto, Ottawa, Edmonton, Greater GTA and St. John’s Kiwanis Festivals.
Michael also indulges in his other passion of aviation through his work as a flight instructor and pilot at Toronto Airways, Buttonville Municipal Airport, Toronto.
MICHAEL BLOSS, can be contacted at the office: 519.821.0610 ext 225 or michaelbloss@bellnet.ca
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