Vocal Choirs

Music is an extraordinary gift of God, uniquely suited to encourage our worship of Him, to build us up as people who love His glory, and to draw in the lost to gaze on His majesty. We praise God for the rich diversity of our Christian musical heritage, from “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” for the congregation, to anthems of praise sung by a choir, and expressions of faith played by instrumentalists. Camelback desires to embrace all of Christianity’s best musical legacy, which stretches back a thousand years and continues into the present and beyond. The acoustics of Camelback’s sanctuary, renowned throughout the Southwestern United States, present a superb setting for singing and hearing musical praises to God.

The music ministry provides God-glorifying music for all corporate services, and high quality opportunities for the use of musical gifts within our membership. The music used praises and thanks God; proclaims truths about God; and teaches, admonishes and edifies the worshipers in attendance. Taken together with all the items in a service or meeting, music helps the membership praise God and encourage each other, doing so in such a way that nonbelievers in attendance also are drawn to know God (Rom 15:8-12). Camelback has many opportunities for musical participation, and continually is adding more. All ensembles are directed by godly and skilled musicians, many being leaders in the field of church and orchestral music, under the supervision of the Pastor of Music Ministries, Dr. Tom Bookhout.

Our youth choirs offer early opportunities for young people to participate in ministry and to be nurtured in the service of the Lord and His Church. All three choirs are open to youth in the church as well as from the community. Accompanists and instrumentalists collaborate with the choirs as needed.

We encourage you to bring your children on Sundays from 4:00 - 6:00 PM on Sundays for devotional, bells, choir and snack/fellowship.  Please see schedule below, beginning August 23, 2009:

Carol Choir (K-3rd grade)
Rehearsals: Sundays, 5:00 - 6:00 PM, Room 206; Director: TBA
 
New Song Singers (4th-9th grade)
Rehearsals: Sundays, 4:00 - 5:00 PM, Room 206; Director: Pastor Bookhout

Sanctuary Choir (adults)
Throughout its history, Camelback has been blessed to enjoy the ministry of an excellent adult Sanctuary Choir. The current director is Dr. Thomas Bookhout; previous directors have included George Dupere (1980-2001) and John Pavelda. In addition to weekly offerings in the Sunday service, and annual performances at Camelback’s Festival of Lessons & Carols and the Service of Darkness on Good Friday, the choir has performed numerous major works—including Brahms’s Requiem, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Handel’s Messiah, and Bach’s Magnificat—and has produced two recordings. Membership is open to any adult who regularly attends Camelback Bible Church, is a believing Christian living a life which demonstrates that relationship with Christ, and who qualifies through non-threatening musical interview.

Contact the Pastor of Music for more information.

    Rehearsals: Wednesday, 6:45-8:15 PM, beginning on August 19, 2009 in the choir room;     Director: Pastor Bookhout