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Patrick Henry College Chorale

Our first purpose is to make a musical offering in the spirit of I Thessalonians 5:18: “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

2024 Southern California Ministry Tour

God has opened doors for the PHC Chorale to tour to California this spring.  The Chorale will sing at high schools—both public and private, at homeschool co-ops, and at churches large and small. Building off evangelistic opportunities we saw last year in New England, the Chorale is excited and expectant in sharing their love for Christ and His call on their lives with all kinds of audiences, and with people of all faith backgrounds.  Click here for the itinerary!

Your support, both financially and prayerfully, is critical for a tour such as this.

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Through RaiseRight, you can save up to 20% on everyday purchases with more than 500 retailers and support PHC Chorale in the process. Learn more.

 

 

The Patrick Henry College Chorale is a mixed-voice ensemble that serves and enriches the campus community with concert performances, campus events, and presentations that also foster friendship with the greater Northern Virginia community.

SP 23 Chorale Tour (3)_Joey Ooi

The Chorale collaborates whenever possible with other music programs in the region.  Each year, the Music Department hosts music festivals and shared concerts, inviting schools along the Eastern seaboard to visit and perform at our campus.  The Chorale often combines with the Chamber Orchestra for joint performances.

Under the direction of Mr. Rod Appleton, Chorale has grown from a student organization with volunteer directors to an official course offering and touring ensemble. The ensemble has a substantial and growing repertoire ranging from arrangements of medieval chants to Baroque masterpieces to modern settings of folk tunes and spirituals. Through these shared offerings, experiences, and love of music, Chorale has become a musical family for the many students who have participated in it.

 

Purpose

Our first purpose is to make a musical offering in the spirit of I Thessalonians 5:18: “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

In addition, we integrate the concepts of musical ministry with the highest possible degree of applied musical artistry and professionalism.  We seek to represent Christ to a skeptical world by holding our ensemble and its members to high standards of spiritual and musical accountability.

We hope to speak of Christ both by our standard of excellence, “striving to do all to the glory of God,” and “by our love for one another,” the evidence of Christ’s work in our lives individually and corporately.

 


2023 Easter New England Tour

The PHC Chorale traveled to New England in April 2023 and saw firsthand the leading and blessing of God in sharing their music in churches and schools across the region. They also ministered in a senior living center, sang in coffee shops, and on street corners in Boston. Homestays allowed more ministry as students testified of their faith with hosts. The Chorale was so excited to share their music, but they were also in New England to share the gospel. The beauty of Christ and his “Amazing Grace” was evident through tears and embraces from some very weary congregants, blessed profoundly by the music and gospel message of hope. The students themselves grew in their love for one another and for those with little hope.

 

2010 European Tour

In April 2010, the Patrick Henry College Chorale embarked on an extended tour of Europe, traveling to Munich, Germany, Salzburg and Vienna, Austria, and Venice, Italy. The Chorale performed at churches, universities, and at a number of historic cathedrals, including The Church of San Rocco in Venice, Italy.

 

 

Watch Our Concerts

Many of the Music Department performances are available on our YouTube playlist here.

 

Auditions and Rehearsal Time

Music

Interested students may audition at the beginning of the fall semester. Chorale auditions may also be performed at the beginning of the spring semester in conjunction with an audition for the J.S. Bach Musical Leadership Scholarship. The purpose of the audition is to become familiar with a singer’s abilities, musical background, and potential placement within the ensemble.

Participation in the ensemble includes four hours of rehearsal per week, participation at performances, and sharing in the practical needs of the organization. Students are asked to commit to a full academic year in Chorale: teamwork is integral to accomplishing the goals of the ensemble, and each semester builds upon the accomplishments of the previous one.

Spring Concert

Each spring, the Chorale presents a concert to PHC and the local communities. Past performances include

  • Christlag in Todesbanden, BWV 4, a cantata by J.S. Bach with strings

  • Mendelssohn’s Elijah, with the Lancaster Bible College choir and orchestra

  • The Passion According to St. John, by Heinrich Schutz

  • Missa Kenya, by Paul Basler.

  • In 2011, the Chorale introduced a more informal program for the spring concert. Now Is The Month of Maying offered performances of folk tunes and Pirates of the Caribbean music from the Chamber Ensemble, madrigals and settings of Robert Burns’s poetry from the Chorale, haunting melodies and hilarious musical sketches from smaller ensembles, and arrangements of popular songs by the men’s a cappella group.

 

Holiday Celebrations

As each fall semester nears its close, the Chorale plays a central role in turning our hearts and minds toward Advent, Christmas, and the time of holiday rest.

  • Advent Chapels: The Chorale leads the campus in singing Christmas hymns, reading passages from the Gospels, and lighting the candles of the Advent wreath.

  • Campus Christmas Tree Lighting: The Chorale brings the student body together around the Christmas tree to sing Christmas carols, decorate and light the tree, and enjoy holiday treats.

  • Lessons and Carols Service: The culmination of the campus community’s celebration of Advent, this is a traditional service derived from the service at King's College, Cambridge.  The student body and the community are all invited to hear Christmas songs and hymns with readings of Scripture and prayers. Many residents of Loudoun county have come to regard it as an indispensable holiday tradition, and it is a pinnacle event for Chorale members. This service is webcast live each year so be sure to watch for more information as the time approaches.

 

Choral Festivals

Each fall, the Chorale hosts other choral groups for day-long festivals of learning and singing together.  These Choral Festivals are an opportunity to mentor younger students through a shared love of the choral art. Private schools, Youth Music Academy, and other schools throughout the region have joined us for these events.

Patrick Henry College Music Department

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