Handbell Choirs
First Ring (beginner/intermediate). This bell choir for young musicians teaches the beginning basics of handbell ringing in a fun setting, complete with games and other surprises. First Ring plays on select Sundays and holidays through the year and at the annual Children’s Music Ministry Spring Concert.
Rehearsals: Weds. 5:45-6:15 pm, beginning September 21 in the Commons Room.
CHIME (intermediate/advanced). CHIME (Children’s Handbells Inspiring Musical Excellence) provides a more challenging program of bell ringing for the more experienced older student ringer. In addition to playing on the same days as First Ring, CHIME has several additional performance opportunities through the year, including the annual Episcopal Youth Music Festival. Rehearsals: Weds. 6:15-6:45 pm, beginning September 21 in the Commons Room.
Creekside Ringers (Adult). Ringing bells in church is an ancient Anglican tradition, one which is carried out at St. Stephen’s in fine style. Creekside Ringers look forward to adding new ringers to their roster during their upcoming 26th season. With a few exceptions, this excellent bell choir plays at the 9:00 service on the third Sunday of each month from September through May.
Rehearsals: Tues. 7:00-8:30 pm beginning September 6 in the Commons Room
Cammy Carteng, Director, 952-920-0595
Other Instrumental Groups
Ensemble Eleven. Also known as ‘E11’, this exciting jazz ensemble plays for the 11:00 a.m. worship service from September through May, and also performs from time to time elsewhere in the Twin Cities and other parts of the upper Midwest region. Call to arrange an audition with Clark.
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 6:19-6:50 pm am beginning September 7 in the Church.
Clark Duhrkopf, Director, 952-920-0595, ext. 106
Five-0 Band. Contemporary praise-and-worship music is the specialty of the Five-O Band as they regularly lead contemporary worship at the Five-O Service (at 5 o’clock) each Sunday. Call to arrange an audition with Clark.
Rehearsals: Sundays, 4:15-4:45 pm all year long in the Church.
Clark Durhrkopf, Director, 952-920-0595 ext. 106
Taizé Ensemble. The music at our monthly First Friday Taizé Prayer service is led by one or more singers and is accompanied by a variety of instruments, including woodwinds, brass, strings, and keyboard.
Rehearsals: First Friday of each montn, 7:00-8:15 pm beginning September 2
Larry Reynolds, Director, 952-920-0595, ext. 109