Children + Youth Music
From Iowa City to Chicago . . .
. . . spreading the good news, one city at a time
by Erin Moore, kingsringer director
The Agape Singers and kingsringers, St. Andrew’s jr. high and sr. high vocal and bell ensembles, went on a fabulous music mission trip to Chicago June 18-20. Our group consisted of twenty youth, nine adults, and two junior chaperones. On Friday afternoon, we loaded the bus in the pouring rain and headed to DeKalb, Illinois, where we gave a concert at Westminster Presbyterian Church. After the concert, we visited with the church members and then continued on to Chicago. On Saturday morning, we gave another concert at the Bishop Conway Senior Residence and then chatted and interacted with the residents. They were so appreciative of our music! On Saturday afternoon, some of our group visited the Shedd Aquarium, while the others went shopping on Michigan Avenue. We finished off the day with a nice Italian dinner at Buca di Beppo and a showing of the musical Billy Elliot. On Sunday, we joined the congregation of our choir director Laura Kastens’ home church in Crystal Lake, as they celebrated the 50th anniversary of their church. We sang and rang several pieces as a part of their worship service. Sunday afternoon, we returned to Iowa City and presented a homecoming concert at St. Andrew. This trip was such a fulfilling experience! The youth were a pleasure to travel with and spread the message of God’s love with conviction and maturity. Our experiences helped us to fully appreciate the words of one of the songs we sang on the trip:
I have seen the beauty of God;
in the flowers and the trees and in the eyes of his people.
I have felt the greatness of God;
in the mountains, in the oceans, in the sky;
I have heard the voice of God;
in the wind whispering in trees and in the noise of the city.
I have been touched by the love of God;
in the warm embrace and the loving smile of my friends.
Children and Youth are very important to the music ministry at Saint Andrew. Below are several opportunities for all ages. More information on each ensemble may be found by clicking the links listed at the top of this page. Feel free to contact Matthew Penning, Director of Music Ministries, with questions about any of the ministries listed.
Vocal Ensembles
Joy Club (K-2)
Gatherings: Mondays, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Cantate Choristers (3-6 grade)
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 6-7 pm
Agape Singers (7-12 grade)
Rehearsals: Sundays, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Handbell Ensembles
Alpha & Omega Ringers (3-6 grade)
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 7 – 7:45 pm
kingsringers (7-12 grade)
Rehearsals: Sundays, 4:25 – 5:25 pm
Instrumental Ensembles
Saint Andrew Brass Ensemble (high school – adult)
Rehearsals: Mondays, 7 – 8 pm
Saint Andrew Woodwind Ensemble (high school – adult)
Rehearsals: Mondays, 8-9 pm
Saint Andrew Jazz Band (combined brass and woodwinds)
Rehearsals: Mondays by special arrangement
Small Ensembles
Contact Matthew Penning, Director of Music, to make arrangements.