Richard L. Sobak - Interim Organist/Choirmaster
Liturgical Choir | Children's Music Program
Our Choirs are active from September through mid-June.
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St. Christopher's Boys Choir and Girls Choir "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord" (Psalm 100) . . .
When was the last time you sang? I don’t mean in the shower or in your car, but with family or friends – belting out a song for all you’re worth. Probably in church, if at all, since the reality is that we don’t sing much anymore. At least not like people used to when they sang while they worked, sang to their children, sang around the piano in the evening or on the road together in the family car. Oh, we like music. We listen to it on the stereo, go to concerts, and enjoy musical performances on TV. But singing for the pure joy of it, learning to read music or training our voices is another thing altogether. And THIS kind of music matters greatly. It matters to adults, but it especially matters to children. In fact, did you know that musical study can improve:
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It’s true. Moreover, research shows that kids who sing and study music are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college and receive academic achievement awards. They’re also less likely to be involved with gangs, have substance abuse problems or suffer emotional difficulties in college.
Reason enough to enroll your children in St. Christopher’s Boys choir and Girls Choir?
What?
Beginning this fall St. Christopher’s is re-instituting the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) Training
Program for Boys’ Choir and Girls’ Choir. The RCSM program enables young singers, known as choristers, to
make music with confidence and expertise.
How?
The RSCM program addresses individual proficiency in the learning of musical skills, vocal skills, choral
repertoire and Christian Education. It provides a necessary structure for effective team work needed in a group
effort among the junior choristers. The RSCM program also promotes the development of self-discipline, selfesteem
and an ability to communicate articulately in the context of a group activity . . . and it’s fun to boot!
Who?
We are targeting this program for ages 7 1/2 to 14. Younger children, age 3 through 7, will participate
through our "Introduction to Music" program on Sunday mornings. Both of these programs will begin Sunday,
September 16th during the Christian Education Time under the direction of Mr. L. Richard Sobak, St. Christopher’s
Director of Music.
Mr. Sobak is well-versed in the art of choir preparation and conducting. He
holds a B.Mus. from the Oberlin College Conservatory, a M.Mus. from Kent
State University, the Choir Training Certificate from the Royal School of
Church Music, Croydon, England, and the Master Teacher Certificate from
Doreen Rao’s Choral Music Education program. He has taught music at the
elementary, high school and college levels, and has performed in organ recitals
in the city and suburbs. He is a tenured music instructor for the Village
of Oak Brook schools.
When?
Register for Choir
Why?
Because it will glorify God and help your children grow into the people
God created them to be. We welcome all members and non-members.
"He/She who sing, prays twice." - St. Augustine.
St. Christopher’s Liturgical Choir
The Liturgical Choir is an ensemble of singers from age 15 and above, whose primary ministry is the leading of the musical portions of the liturgy.
"I will sing with the Spirit and with understanding also"
The First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 14:15
On a weekly basis, the choir prepares, a sung psalm, an anthem or two, as well as the ordinary of the liturgy (Kyrie, Gloria, Sacntus, Agnus Dei). Although we greatly enjoy and uphold the Anglican choral tradition, we are not enslaved to it, and we often experiment with the ancient as well as the very new hymns, mantras, chants, and choral repertoire in diverse presentations. We strive to prepare, perfect, perform, and pray Christ-centered music from a variety of historical periods and traditions, sung in English, Latin, and other languages.
Now, you may think that this work may be intimidating or daunting for the average person. Our goals and accomplishments have been impressive, it's true, but it has been the work of regular people. It is a delight to hear what can be accomplished when regular people, the choir members, support, assist, and encourage each other during the rehearsals, as is the case here at St. Christopher’s . The director will teach you how to breath for singing and teach you ways to produce a good choral tone, and blend in with the other voices. Choir is more pleasurable than one might think; one is never regretful of the effort! Whether you are a member or a friend of the congregation, we warmly welcome soprano, alto, tenor, and bass-baritone voices.
During the regular program year, the choir sings for the weekly 10:30 a.m. Choral Eucharist, the Festival of Lessons and Carols, and the major liturgical celebrations of Christmas Eve, Holy Week, Easter Vigil, Easter Day. The Sunday morning rehearsal call is for 9:30 a.m. Rehearsals are held Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Mr. L. Richard Sobak, Organist-Choirmaster, is well-versed in the art of choir preparation and conducting. He holds a B.Mus. from the Oberlin College Conservatory, a M.Mus. from Kent State University, the Choir Training Certificate from the Royal School of Church Music, Croydon, England, and the Master Teacher Certificate from Doreen Rao’s Choral Music Education program. He has taught music at the elementary, high school and college levels, and has performed in organ recitals in the city and suburbs. He is a tenured music instructor for the Village of Oak Brook schools.