The Children's Choir, also known as the Mediator Chancel Opera, put on two tiny productions in the fall and winter of 2010.  Both were written and performed by the children themselves.  They were "The Unjust Judge" based on Luke 18:1-8a, and "A Tiny Christmas Pageant".

We have shifted our focus from learning hymns, service music and anthems to creating our own pieces, as this seems to hold the children's interest most effectively.  First, children discuss the text, which is based on scripture.  Then they decide which elements of the text should be set to music and which might be spoken.  They write simple melodies, suggest the mood, tempo and possible accompaniment options.  After that, they discuss staging and choreograph dance movements if appropriate.  And they help in making costumes and prop pieces. 

New groups form at irregular intervals and meet for 4-6 weeks, thereby ensuring that no child feels locked in for an overly long period of time.  Our rehearsals are friendly and informal (read: sometimes total chaos), but we have a lot of fun.  We try to make learning our parts easy by issuing a CD so that children can practice at home.  Missed rehearsals are considered part of the frenzy of our culture, so individual sessions and adjustments are made so that ALL children who want to participate CAN.  End results are rather a mess, but as I said before: we have fun, and with practice, we hope to become worthy of the name "Mediator Chancel Opera".