Mrs. Ellen J. Dondero, Minister of Music & Organist

Minister of Music 2009

Music ministry by our youth: 

We were blest with a wonderful Youth Choir who has worked very hard to provide us with some beautiful music. This fall we again met with some interesting scheduling challenges, and worked around them by being an “event specific” ensemble. We rehearsed for the service on the 4th Sunday in Advent and our Annual Christmas Pageant. The children and their families trudged through the two feet of snow, so that they, with the help of some of our Senior Choir members, could tell the “Christmas Story” through “Christmas Letters.” Additionally, our young people offered some especially beautiful music for our Family Christmas Eve service. 

Clearly the musical highlight of 2009 was the presentation of “The Weeping Tree,” a Lenten Cantata by Joseph Martin. This work made such an impact at our performance in the spring of 2008 that it was presented at our Good Friday service in 2009. The combined effort by our Children’s and Senior Choirs (with some special guests) was once again deeply meaningful, and well presented. 

2009 Youth Choir members included: Amanda Harrison, Cassie Harrison, Natalie Walsh, Jake Harrison, Meghan Horleman, Libby Meyer, Angela Harrison, Christa Steiner, and Noah Dondero.

Though we are currently small in number, we are still strong in spirit. The spring will hold new challenges and more wonderful music. We welcome new members anytime of year. All children in our Parish and/or community, grades kindergarten – 6^th are welcome. 

Music ministry by our adults:

Our Senior Choir ranges in age from fifteen years and up, but not too far up!  The choir rehearses September through December, takes some time off in January, and resumes rehearsals through May, participating weekly in our worship service.  They also sing for special services such as Veteran’s Day Evensong, Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Eve (this service includes a half-hour of pre-service music), Holy Week, etc. When membership participation allows, we are very fortunate to have our choir sing through the summer season as well. 

2009 Adult Choir members included: Suzette Whiting, Chloe Dondero, Floss Boulden, Sally Potts, Jeannette Bond, Barbara Cramer, Marie Bregler, Rob Meyer, Phil Flagler, Tony Bakum, Roy Bray, Rich Cashel, Brian Cashel, Kneeland Whiting, Noah Dondero, Libby Meyer, John Dondero (substitute), Stokes Carrigan, and Diane Carter (Spring Season).

  Counting our Blessings:

As a Parish, we are especially blessed to have my husband, John, a professional trumpeter, as our guest artist more Sundays than one could imagine. He willingly substitutes in the Adult Choir as well. 

Special Thanks to the Colehower Foundation, which blesses us with a grant annually. This grant helps support our program by providing funds which help enable us to make special presentations such as “The Weeping Tree,” our Annual “Messiah” Sing with the New Jersey Chamber Singers, and also allows us to have other special musical guests, such as The Light House Brass. 

Speaking of Messiah...Mark your calendars for the first Sunday in December 2010! 

Music at Holy Innocents’ Church is an integral part of our worship, our fellowship and our education. I am proud to serve in a parish where the value of music is very clear, and supported by our membership, lay-leadership, and clergy. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Ellen J. Dondero

Minister of Music and Organist