We are very excited to let you know that the Youth Music Program, and the Junior and Senior Choirs will indeed be continuing into the coming year. Music is extremely important in the life of all of us, our kids and our church, and we want to make sure that the children have as many available musical opportunities here at First Church as possible.

Our Junior Choir, which will be children grades 3-6, will begin holding rehearsals starting the Third week of September. Since there isn't time to accomplish this on a Sunday morning, we are going to get together to rehearse on Monday afternoon for 45 minutes, beginning at 4:15. We will begin on the 14th of September. We're planning games, singing, snacks, and even exploring the chimes during our rehearsal time. Under any circumstances, I know we'll have fun.

The Senior Choir, grades 7 through 12, will rehearse on Sunday mornings beginning in September, directly after the 10 AM service, in the choir room. We have some terrific music planned for this group as well.

The First Church String Ensemble will continue into this year as well! Expert cellist Becky Sjogren, who also has taught substitute classes in the Simsbury school system, will be directing this on Sunday mornings at 9:15, directly before the 10 AM service in the music room. If you would like to be a part of this, she can be contacted at sjcello1@comcast.net

Let me know if you have any suggestions about music or projects too - new ideas are always welcome

We appreciate Joe Campolieta, former Youth Music Director, for all he has done in the past two years, and are thankful that he was able to be with us to set the course for a great youth music program with focus and integrity.

There are some great plans in store for the coming year, and I encourage everyone to give

I look forward to hearing from you -

Mark Mercier - Director of Music

Mark.mercier@1stchurchsimsbury.org