Becki Advocate is our music director. She began seriously studying the piano at age nine, and by eleven was already employed as a professional accompanist. While in high school, she also began working as a professional double bassist. Becki has been joyfully playing music with others ever since.
After graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s in Music from Purchase College, and earning a Master’s of Arts degree at Queens College, Becki has become a well known performer in the greater New York City area. Aside from Sundays at Grace, you can also hear Becki playing with the Ridgefield Symphony, Greater Bridgeport Symphony, and at many chamber music performances. In addition to performing, Becki maintains an active private studio of music students.
CHOIR
There are two adult choirs at Grace, one for each Sunday service. Our choirs are made up of volunteers from many different musical backgrounds. Some members have been professionally trained, while others do not read music and sing “by ear”. Together, we aim to provide a thoughtful and beneficial musical presence to every service. Each Sunday, the choir sings an anthem to highlight the service’s message. We have an extensive library of over 200 anthems, so we’ve sung everything from gospel music, to classical songs, to traditional chants.
Choir membership is open to all singers, ages high school- adult. Previous musical experience is not necessary. The 8:30 choir practices at 8:00 each Sunday. The 11:00 choir meets at 10:30 on Sundays, and also at 7:45 on Wednesday evenings. You are welcome to join us at any of our rehearsals. We look forward to hearing your voice!
HANDBELLS
Our handbell choir is a great way to make music without having to sing. There is no requirement to read music: instead, the songs are color coded so you know which bell to play. Handbells make a beautifully unique sound, and add a special quality to any service.
CHILDREN’S MUSIC
The youngest members of our music program are our Sunday School children. Every Sunday, the children sing new and familiar Christian songs. They perform a few times a year on special occasions. Their biggest event is the annual Christmas pageant. The students typically learn and perform “Silent Night”, “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, and “Away in a Manger”.
The students in middle and high school have the opportunity to sing in the choir, join the handbell choir or play an instrument that they’ve learned in school. In past years, we have had piano, violin, flute and percussion instruments accompany music on special occasions.
WEEKLY MUSIC
Each week, music director Becki Advocate chooses musical selections to emphasize and highlight important parts of the service. The organ and piano pieces are often tied to significant dates. For example, in December you might hear Christmas music from classical composers, while in February the selections may be from African-American composers, to celebrate Black History Month.
Becki owns a large collection of organ and piano music, so keep your ears open for new pieces each Sunday.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
Throughout the year, there are special opportunities to hear Grace Lutheran’s music outside of the usual church service. Past events have included singalongs, spring and winter concerts, and classes on how to read music.