Informal Service Band
A rotating group of musicians that lead the congregation in song at the Informal Family Service in Heilman Hall each Sunday (9:20 am). The music (typically around seven songs) is selected by a designated Songleader who puts together the team and announces the songs during the service. All instruments are welcome, and all singers who are comfortable leading from a microphone in front of the congregation.
Festival Chorus
This larger choir (often between 50 and 70 singers depending on the project) prepares special evening Choral Vespers services to mark major holidays. The main two events are during Advent, and on Good Friday. The Festival Chorus is frequently accompanied by orchestra and have recently undertaken Vivaldi’s Gloria, Handel’s Messiah, and a version of the famous Nine Lessons and Carols service. This group also takes on occasional extra projects such as singing at our annual New Church Day celebration or performing with the Bryn Athyn Orchestra. Rehearsals are typically for 4-6 weeks prior to the performance and fall on Thursday evenings. To be put on a mailing list announcing Festival Chorus projects, please contact the Director of Music.
Nativity Choir
The popular Tableaux services at the Cathedral involve a large cast of volunteers, including a choir costumed as angels and shepherds who sing while the congregation visits the nativity scene. Members of this choir take part in an intense rehearsal schedule the two weeks following Thanksgiving and perform in all four Tableaux services. Participating children must be accompanied by an adult family member, making it a popular activity for families to sing in together. Please contact the Director of Music prior to Thanksgiving to reserve a place in this popular ensemble.
Handbell Choir
Taking part in three rehearsals the week prior, the Handbell Choir prepares eight pieces each year to play at all three of the Christmas Eve services at the Cathedral. The only requirement beyond committing to the rehearsals and services is a steady sense of rhythm and the ability to count.
Bryn Athyn Cathedral Brass
Ranging from a quartet to a septet, the Bryn Athyn Cathedral Brass is a professional ensemble led by euphonium player Keith Genzlinger that traditionally plays for Palm Sunday and Christmas Tableaux services.
Festival Orchestra
During vespers services involving orchestral pieces, an ad hoc orchestra is drawn together of instrumentalists from our community and the greater Philadelphia area to accompany the choir. Recent projects have included Fauré’s Requiem, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Handel’s Messiah, and orchestrated versions of selected Psalms by C.J. Whittington.
Visiting Ensembles
The Cathedral is not available as a performance venue for concerts, but we do welcome interest from musicians and ensembles who are genuinely interested in volunteering their music to beautify our church services. Our congregation has a deep appreciation for sacred music.
High school ensembles in our area have attended our 11am Adult Service at the Cathedral to offer their music to our congregation. In recent years, choirs have visited from the Academy of the New Church, Central Bucks East High School, Central Bucks West High School, Hatboro-Horsham High School, and the advanced string ensemble from Harriton High School.