Contemporary Choir

What is a Contemporary Choir?

Do a web search on "Contemporary Choir" and you will find page after page describing groups of singers and musicians, often accompanied by instruments other than the traditional organ and piano,  who sing and play – principally – in churches.  Schools and other institutions may also have folk or contemporary singing groups.  These music groups are composed of amateurs and volunteers.  Contemporary Choir music is meant to be sung and enjoyed in a community setting, not listened to in a concert hall.  Thus it is "folk music" in the best sense of the word. 

A "traditional" choir may be thought of as a singing group, often wearing choir robes, who sing in four part (SATB) harmony accompanied by an organ or piano.  You might see them marching in procession into choir stalls, or singing from a choir loft.  They sing anthems (more of a Protestant word) or motets and chants (Catholic.)  Gospel choirs are similar to this kind of group but they sing in their own style.

But at many church services today you will find another kind of music group, smaller and more informal.  There may be a song leader, a pianist, maybe a couple of guitarists, a flute and a violin, and some assorted singers.  Often a group like this just "happened" because the parent church has never had the resources of time and money to present a traditional choir at the multiple services which are common, especially in newer suburban churches.  Volunteers stepped forward to lead the music as best they could.  Maybe they will never present the Messiah at Christmas, but over the years they have developed some charming, lively and interesting music of their own.  That's the kind of group we want to support and encourage.

Here is a link to a "contemporary choir" performances -- of the Christmas Song Puer Natus in Bethlehem.

We offer musical suggestions which are "friendly" to groups who don't sing in the SATB mode.  We believe that "Contemporary" does not have to mean sloppy or boring. 

Send mail to Webmaster at Contemporary Choir with questions or comments about this web site.  Web design and maintenance by High View Music, Inc., www.highviewmusic.com.  Last modified: 06/14/07