Congregational Church of New Canaan

Music Ministries provides a Christian musical place for all ages to participate. Whether one is a singer, a handbell ringer, an instrumentalist, or a listener, the Church welcomes and nurtures all kinds of talent.

Vision and Mission Statements

Music can minister to our own spirits in a significant way at those times when the written or spoken word does not seem to minister to us.

Martin Luther said: "Next to the word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world. It controls our thoughts, minds, hearts, and spirits."

The vision of the Music Ministry

to have a blend of voices and instruments to lead and inspire worship in the Sunday services
to present diverse opportunities for members of the congregation and the community so they may experience and participate in various music programs in the church

The mission of the Music Ministry

to make the church a safe and constant place for all people to experience God’s love, peace, and joy through music
to create inclusive opportunities and expand participation, while exploring the journey of faith and life through music
to maintain high standards for the Chancel Choir and to encourage members to join the choir
to get closer to sacred music through rehearsals and services
to create an outreach to the community by developing programs based on music, and hosting special musical programs

Dr. Jo Deen Blaine Davis joined the church staff in August, 2005. She supervises the entire music ministries program, directs many of the choirs, and plays the organ for all services. Her enthusiasm for church music is evident in the variety of musical offerings presented during the worship services. Previously Jody held churc

h positions in Houston at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Central Presbyterian Church, St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church, and Westbury Baptist Church. Concurrently, she was Professor of Music at San Jacinto College South where she taught organ, music theory, and ear training for nearly twenty years. Also a concert recitalist, Jody’s performances have included the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. and a concert tour in Great Britain and Europe for over three months in 2003. She has led workshops for directors of children's choirs for the American Guild of Organists and Choristers Guild. Most recently, she was the 2008 Festival Clinician for the Central Connecticut Choristers Guild. Jody received the Bachelor and Master degrees in Music from the Eastman School of Music and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Kansas. All degrees are in Organ Performance.

Christy Lombardozzi, Director of Children's Formation and Music, joined the church staff in September, 2007. Christy is devoted to children and their musical growth through church music. Since 2001, she has directed children's choirs in elementary schools and in churches by guiding them with healthy singing, correct vocal technique, and basic musical concepts. On Sunday mornings Christy will teach and present music during the weekly Church School hour and lead music in monthly Children’s Chapel services. On Wednesday afternoons Christy team-directs with Jody at the Spirit Singers choir rehearsals. This choir will continue to learn the theology of the church through music theory, rhythm, hymn singing, rehearsal of anthems, Sunday morning singing, and musicals. Christy is from Tennessee and received the Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Cum laude, from the University of Tennessee. Christy studied opera at Yale University, and recently completed her Master’s Degree.

MONDAYS

Cherub Choir (for children ages 4–Kindergarten), 4:00–4:30pm.

An introduction to music theory, singing, and instruments through church music.

Jody Blaine Davis, director. Please join us in the Music Center!

Grace Notes (for children ages 2–3 and parent/guardian), 4:30–5:00pm.

We have fun with music as we sing children’s songs and play rhythm

instruments. Jody Blaine Davis, director. Please join us in the Music Center!

WEDNESDAYS

Spirit Singers Choir (Grades 1-4):

from 4:15–5:00pm.

Joyful Noise Choir (Grades 5-8)

from 5:00–6:00pm

These groups offer a dynamic and fun time to learn the theology of the church through music, including music theory, rhythm, and solfegé with unison singing. The Joyful Noise Choir will incorporate more drama and advanced concepts. Both choirs will sing regularly in the church services and present a spring musical/drama production. Christy Lombardozzi, director. Please join us in the Music Center on Wednesdays!

THURSDAYS

Chancel Choir for adults (high school students welcome), 7:30–9:00pm. Rehearsals for weekly Sunday services and special presentations with instruments throughout the year. The Chancel Choir sings nearly every Sunday in the worship services from September through mid June. The Chancel Choir leads the congregation in hymn singing and sings the prayer responses, anthem, and/offertory. There are section leaders to help you learn your notes; all are invited to sing in the Chancel Choir. Jody Blaine Davis, director. Please join us in the Music Center!

The Youth Group (YG) Worship Team consists of singers and instrumentalists who enjoy performing for their peers for special youth worship services and special events. If you play an instrument or sing and would like to be part of the band, or would like more information about the Worship Team, please contact Chris Guda at 203-966-2651, x32 or chris@godsacre.org.