About Us Music at Westwood
Music at Westwood
Music plays a central role in worship and spiritual life here at Westwood. For over six decades, our conductors, musicians, composers and educators have worked to ensure that our music of faith was well taught and well lived. For children, we believe music is an essential way to learn faith. For adults, music can be provisions we need — nourishing, guiding, inspiring, and leading us on our journey.
These songs of life is best shared, and we invite you to join us. Whether you like to sing, play an instrument or want to ring handbells, Westwood has ensembles for nearly every age group and musical ability. These ensembles are great ways to connect with others and use our gifts in worship and praise.
For further information, contact the appropriate music staff or click here for the schedules. To register for any of our choirs please do so here.
Why We Sing
Singing is essential in the life of a church because it gives us a way to celebrate our life as Christians as God intended. Take a look at the short temple talk by Ronnie Nelson (Director of Music at Westwood for 37 years, composer and member of the A Cappella choir) as he connects the dots between a children's choir and our six purposes to worship, serve, give, grow, connect and invite.
Westwood Music Ensembles and Choirs
Choirs & Ensembles Begin the 2012-2013 Season!
Westwood choirs and ensembles are for nearly every age group and musical ability. Consider joining us! These groups are great opportunities to Worship, Connect, Invite, Give, Grow, and Serve with other folks at Westwood. For further information, contact the appropriate music staff as listed below.
A Cappella Choir (adults): Rehearsals weekly on Wednesdays, 7:30-9 PM, Choir Room (begins Sept. 5)
The A Cappella Choir sings at one or more worship services most Sundays from September through May, and for festival and holiday services. The choir sings music in a very wide variety of styles, including folk music, spirituals, global music, “classic” and new choral repertoire. Director: Paula Holmberg
Worship Team/Band (adults and high school youth); Rehearsals weekly on Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 PM, Sanctuary (ongoing)
This ensemble meets weekly to prepare for worship, although participants are scheduled on a rotational basis. They lead the contemporary worship services on the Sundays assigned to them. They prepare special anthems as well as leadership congregational songs. Music-reading skills recommended. Audition required. Contact: Kristin Husom
Alleluia Choir (age 3 - Kindergarten): Rehearsals weekly on Wednesdays, 6-6:45 PM, Room 23 (begins Sept. 19)
The Alleluia Choir is an early childhood music program that meets weekly and sings in worship every 4-6 weeks. Its emphasis is on teaching children about worship, singing, rhythm, and body movement. As an alternative to the Sunday School hour on Sunday mornings, an education module is also added to this Wednesday evening experience. Parents are invited to participate with their child for optimal effectiveness. Director: Jennifer Mohr
Hosanna Choir (grades 1 - 3): Rehearsals weekly on Wednesdays, 6-7:25 PM, Choir Room (begins Sept. 19)
Hosanna Choir sings for worship about once a month. They learn basic singing skills, worship skills, and work from singing in unison toward two-part music as the year progresses. As an alternative to the Sunday School hour on Sunday mornings, an education module is also added to this Wednesday evening experience. Director: Kris Langlois
Choristers (grades 4 - 6): Rehearsals weekly on Wednesdays, 6–7:25 PM, Westwood Waters Room (begins Sept. 19)
This choir practices weekly in preparation for singing in Sunday worship 1-2 times per month. The Choristers work on refining two- and three- part singing, and continuing to build good vocal techniques. As an alternative to the Sunday School hour on Sunday mornings, an education module is also added to this Wednesday evening experience. Director: Kris Langlois
Cantemus (grades 7 - 12): Rehearsals weekly on Wednesdays, 7:30-8:15 PM, Choir Room (Begins Sept. 12)
Cantemus sings at the 9 or 10:30 AM Sunday worship services about twice per month. Cantemus learns a wide variety of repertoire, including contemporary praise/prayer songs and two-, three-, and four-part choral music. Contact: Kris Langlois
Westwood Ringers Handbell Choir (adults): Rehearsals, Tuesdays, 7-8:15 PM, Sanctuary (begins Sept. 4)
This handbell choir meets weekly to prepare for worship once a month. They participate in both worship services on the days assigned to them. They prepare handbell anthems as well as accompaniments for hymns and psalms. Music-reading skills recommended. Contact: Sharon Barton
Several other ensembles function year-round, meet intermittently, or have special audition requirements.
Magnum Chorum (Choir in Residence)
Magnum Chorum is a Twin Cities-based ensemble that performs unaccompanied choral music throughout the Midwest. Under the direction of Christopher Aspaas, the choir rehearses every week from September - May at Westwood, and sings for worship at Westwood twice a year. For more information, visit their website at www.magnumchorum.org. Contact: Peter Haugen
Minneapolis Area Synod Senior Band (Tuesdays, 10:30-noon, April - November)
This community band for seniors and retirees is a non-auditioned, "just for fun" band which rehearses about 12 times a year and schedules all performances between April and November. The group functions primarily for the enjoyment of playing music together. They rehearse once or twice a month on Tuesdays. Schedule to be announced. To join, or for more information, contact Em Stark, director: 952-544-5601, charandems@centurylink.net
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Westwood Wind Ensemble (intergenerational)
This is a minimal commitment ensemble that plays for worship services 3-4 times a year. There are usually two rehearsals before each worship event and personal practicing as needed. For further information regarding a musician's readiness for this ensemble, please contact Em Stark, director: 952-544-5601, charandems@centurylink.net
Westwood Music Staff
Kristina Langlois k.langlois@westwoodlutheran.org or 952-767-5574
Paula Holmberg p.holmberg@westwoodlutheran.org or 952-767-5573
Kristin Husom k.husom@westwoodlutheran.org
Sharon Barton s.barton@westwoodlutheran.org
Jennifer Mohr mrsjenmohr@yahoo.com
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