Traditional

The Village Church Chancel Choir

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." – Colossians 3:16

Music has a tremendously transforming power and has thus always been an integral expression of God's glory as well as a response to his love. Singing with the Village Church Chancel Choir can challenge, inspire and help grow one's spirit as well as sharpen one's intelligence through a focused and thoughtful rehearsal each week. With music by composers from the 16th century to the present day gospel tunes the choir enthusiastically embraces a diverse and eclectic collection of repertoire and leads the congregation in worship weekly. Twice a year many members sing with the Village Community Chorale which performs two major choral/orchestral works.

The Chancel Choir is always interested in welcoming new members to the choir family. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. from September through the end of June. During the summer months, the choir rehearsal schedule requires less commitment, and summer is a wonderful time to come sit in with the choir and join the voices raised in song! Just come to the choir rehearsal room any Sunday during July or August at about 9:45 a.m. The choir family is always looking to welcome new members!

For more information, contact the Director:

Director of Music Ministries: Helen Westerfield 858-756-2441 x133

The Village Church Chancel Choir Section Leaders

Katie Walders - Soprano Section Leader

Katie Walders, began her professional career in Washington DC where she performed regularly with The Woodley Ensemble, Chantry, and The Master Chorale of Washington. Abroad she sang with the London Imperial Choir, University of London Chamber Choir, Imperial College Choir and was a professional chorister at St. Bartholomew-the-Great. Since Moving to San Diego Katie has sung with the Bach Collegium of San Diego, St. Paul's Cathedral and at St. James by the Sea. She holds a bachelor's degree in Music Industry from James Madison University, VA, and a Masters in Arts Administration and Cultural Policy from Goldsmiths College, University of London. She is the Marketing and Public Relations Manager at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library in La Jolla. Katie is excited to be a part of The Village Church Choir and its wonderfully supportive community.

Mindy Chu - Alto Section Leader

Mindy just graduated from San Diego State University School of Music and Dance this December. In 2010 and 2012 she received the 2nd place prize in the San Diego NATS competition classical division and was awarded The Presser Foundation’s Undergraduate Scholar Award in 2011. In 2012, Mindy received the Nixon Newcomer Award at the San Diego Choral Competitions and is a two-time recipient of the Elsie Fox Memorial Scholarship through the San Diego State University Opera Theatre. Before discovering opera in college, she loved to sing jazz and musical theatre. Mindy is fascinated with the cultures and music of the world. She is passionate about music because of its ability to communicate without borders. Recent roles include Tessa in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers, Miss Todd in Menotti’s The Old Maid and the Thief, 3rd Spirit in Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Mei-Li in Rogers and Hammerstein’s Flower Drum Song with the San Diego Asian American Repertory Theatre in residence with the La Jolla Playhouse.

John Russell - Tenor Section Leader and Assistant Conductor

John Russell, tenor, is the conductor of the Chamber Singers at California State University, San Bernardino and of the Masterworks Chorale at Cypress College, and the assistant choral director at the Village Church. During the summer, he serves on the conducting faculty at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey as a member of the Westminster Chamber Choir. Mr. Russell was previously the Director of Choral Activities at Albion College in Michigan. Prior to his work in California, Mr. Russell was the principal choral conductor at the LaGuardia School of Music & Art and Performing Arts (the Fame School) in New York City. Mr. Russell is also active as a professional tenor. He is a current member of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Bach Collegium San Diego and the Horizon Music Group Chamber Choir. In July, he performed J.S. Bach's Mass in B-Minor with the Westminster Chamber Choir and Orchestra in Princeton, New Jersey. In June 2013, he will perform as the tenor soloist in the Portuguese Summer Choral Festival's performance of Carmina Burana.

Matthias Villwock - Vocal Fellow

Welcome to our new VOCAL FELLOW! Matthias Villwock, born and raised in San Diego, is currently a music student at SDSU. Matthias is studying voice (with an emphasis in opera) with Laurinda Nikkel and jazz and commercial drumming with Mike Holguin. Last April, Matthias won 1st place in his division at the annual student NATS voice competition and recently he was featured as Giuseppe in Gilbert and Sullivans The Gondoliers. As a drummer, Matthias has played in various engagements with LAMB'S PLAYERS theatre company, and was the house drummer for the annual OCEANSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL in 2010 and 2011. The bass section is thrilled to welcome Matthias and he is quickly becoming an integral part of the Chancel Choir family!