Music - Christ Lutheran Church

	We have opportunities for members and friends of all ages, talent and experience to serve the Lord and this congregation through music. Everyone is invited to participate! "Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things." (Psalm 98:1)

Chris Stanley
Director of Music Ministry
music@thelampofthebody.org

Chris has been the music director at Christ Lutheran since 2007. In addition to his leading the music ministry at Christ Lutheran, he is also in his 16^th year of teaching, and his 12^th year as Choral Director at Stonington High School. Mr. Stanley started his teaching career in the East Longmeadow (MA) school system, teaching at both the high school and elementary levels. He received his undergraduate degree in Music Education at Hofstra University and completed his Masters degree in Music Education from the University of Connecticut where he studied with Peter Bagley, Mary Ellen Junda, and Avo Somer. He is a member of the Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Mr. Stanley’s choirs have consistently received ratings of Superior and Excellent at festivals throughout the country. He conducts five choirs at Stonington, teaches guitar and piano and has been musical director for all Stonington High musical productions since arriving in 1998. In 2009 he recieived the Connecticut High School Musical Theater Award for Best Musical Director He is actively involved in community and professional theater throughout Southeastern Connecticut and Rhode Island and has been nominated for a Eugene O’Neill Award for Leading Actor in a musical. Mr. Stanley is also musical director for the professional vocal group, Cabaret-2-Go, which performs throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Mr. Stanley resides in East Lyme with his talented wife Erin, two boys Spencer and Lucas, and 1 year old baby girl Scarlett.

“Praise God with the sounding of the trumpet,

Praise Him with the harp and lyre,

Praise Him with tambourine and dancing,

Praise Him with the strings and flute,

Praise Him with the clash of cymbals,

Praise Him with resounding cymbals.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord.” -Psalm 150:3-6

Praise God with us through:

Adult Choir

Our adult choir sings during our worship services every Sunday from September through June. The choir alternates singing between the late service (11:00) and the early service (8:30). They practice every Thursday night from 7:00-8:15. The choir performs a wide variety of music from contemporary Christian to classical to gospel. The adult choir also performs a larger work such as a cantata at Christmas and Easter.

Director: Chris Stanley

Children’s Choir

Our children’s choir sings quarterly at the 11 am service. They practice during Sunday school at 9:45 am.

Director: Ann Samuelson

Praise Band

A variety of musicians and vocalists lead the congregation in more contemporary music on the 4th Sunday of each month at 11 am and during our summer outdoor worship services. They normally practice on Thursday nights prior to or following the adult choir rehearsal.

Director: Chris Stanley

String and Brass Ensembles

We have a number of members who play string or brass instruments that will prepare and participate in our worship services on special occasions.

Soloists

We also encourage those with special instrumental and vocal talents to share their gifts during worship services as often as they would like to contribute to our services. Talk to our Music Director, Chris Stanley to make arrangements.