Calling All Singers!
CREDO: Dallas’ New Ecumenical
Mixed Choir Forms in Kessler Park
By Jonathan Palant
Taking its name from the Latin word meaning ‘I believe,’ CREDO is a new, Dallas-based ecumenical mixed choir with a focus on both sacred choral music and hands-on community service. The genesis of this ensemble stems from my time as conductor of the Turtle Creek Chorale and its Partners In Harmony Chorus. There, the mission is to bring together those who affirm the belief all people are created equal in God’s eyes. Today, as Minister of Music at Kessler Park United Methodist Church, I believe singing plays an integral role in weekly worship, but I also assume we sing because we believe in something beyond ourselves. We believe in faith, community, learning, equality, and in sharing our fortunes with others. This is my CREDO; this is our CREDO.
We have one rehearsal a month, as not to interfere with Sunday worship and already rigorous church choir schedules. It is our goal to enrich and augment the musical and spiritual lives of our choristers and community. As part of our core values and community service agenda, CREDO will offer “Morning Missions” on Saturday, November 3, 2012 and Saturday, May 4, 2013. A variety of mission activities will be available for all participants. Morning Missions are open to singers and non-singers alike.
At the conclusion of our rehearsal year, CREDO will offer a free, public performance on Sunday, June 9, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at Kessler Park United Methodist Church. We will sing music by John Rutter, Moses Hogan, F. Melius Christiansen, Mack Wilberg and selections by Cuban composer, Electo Silva.
Just days after our local concert, CREDO will embark on a precedent-setting mission trip to Cuba, June 14-21, 2013. Singers, and those traveling with CREDO, will take part in concert performances, participate in faith-based community service projects and visit historic sites including: Old Town Havana, Malecon, Plaza de la Revolucion, Museo Nacional de Belle Artes and the home of Ernest Hemingway. This trip is open to CREDO singers, as well as community members wishing to take part in CREDO’s mission and ministry.
Music rehearsals begin Sunday, September 30, 2012 at Kessler Park United Methodist Church (1215 Turner Avenue, Dallas 75208) from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. All voice parts (sopranos, altos, tenors and basses) are welcome. For more information about CREDO, please visit us online at www.CredoChoir.org