THE HISTORY OF THE FIRST CHOIR The first choir in recorded history dates back 3,000 years ago to the time and rule of King David. 1 Chronicles says “Now these are the singers, heads of fathers’ households of the Levites, who lived in the chambers of the temple free from other service; for they were engaged in their work day and night (9:33).

David, in setting up the Tabernacle, took so serious the act and art of worship that he set aside a group of people to be a choir. This choir worked night and day to lead the people in praise and worship of God. They had no other jobs or duties. They were set apart for this purpose. This choir “ministered with song before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem…” (1 Chron 6:32). The purpose for those who “were designated by name (was) to give thanks to the LORD, because His lovingkindness is everlasting” (1 Chron. 16), and they amassed more than 4,000 members. And they worked in harmony with musicians to provide for the people all they needed in worship to God. 

2 Chronicles 5 says that they were “themselves heard with one voice to praise and to glorify the LORD, and when they lifted up their voice accompanied by trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and when they praised the LORD saying, ‘He indeed is good for His lovingkindness is everlasting,’ then the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God” (vs. 13-14). 

What an awesome sight and sound to behold! The voices and instruments so pleased the Lord that his manifest presence filled the place so that the ministers were no longer NEEDED, for the Lord himself was with his people. It gives me chills. 

Our heart for Roots Choir is to carry the same purpose: to minister to the church through song by giving thanks to God, “for His lovingkindness is everlasting.” We desire to praise his name for his glory’s sake. We also desire to teach the basics of sight reading and singing in harmony. 

The choir will assist in leading worship every time there is a fifth Sunday (typically there are 4 a year). Choir practice is required to participate in the Sunday morning worship service, as is arriving early for sound check on the choir Sunday (8:45). 

This year’s fifth Sundays are as follows:

June 29th   (Choir practice will be Friday, June 27, 6-8:30pm)

August 31st (Choir practice will be Friday Aug. 29, 6-8:30pm)

November 30th (Choir practice will be Sunday, Nov. 23, after service 12:15-2:30)

Having a basic understanding of sight reading or singing harmony is helpful, but not required. If you would like to participate and feel unsure of your ability to sing with a choir, I would be happy to set a time to get with you and talk more. 

Due to limited stage space, we’ll start out by scaling down to 4 basses, 4 tenors, 4 altos, 4 sopranos (1 and 2 each). We’ll have a sign up for each choir.