Psalters

The choir has been a part of Paya Lebar Methodist Church (PLMC) since the church was established in 1932, and has undergone many iterations. At one point, there was a choir for the 9am service, and another for the 11am service. The two choirs would combine on special occasions like the church anniversary, Easter and Christmas.

In 2017, members from both choirs headed to Chonburi, Thailand on a mission trip to spread the good news with a Christmas musical, most of which was sung in Thai. That would be the last time they considered themselves members of two separate choirs.

In 2018, the two choirs combined for good as “The Psalters”. Fun fact: A “psalter” is a book that contains the book of Psalms and other devotional material, and is also a metaphor for not only the folders of music that choir members hold, but also the choir members themselves – each an instrument of praise to be used by God.

The COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a challenge, but only by God’s grace and wisdom were The Psalters able to learn how to record and produce their own virtual choir presentations, so that they could continue serving and supporting the worship online from 2020 to 2022.

At the end of 2022, The Psalters presented a selection of sacred and secular songs and medleys as a prelude to “The Christmas Tale”, a PLMC Christmas musical that ran for three nights on site.

Today, The Psalters continue to support the worship, and lead people into the presence of God through a varied repertoire of Methodist hymns and contemporary Christian music.

The Psalters is made up of sopranos, altos, tenors, baritones and basses who come from all walks of life, and have a common goal – to minister to the congregation and usher worshippers into the presence of God through choral music.

Our members value:

• their commitment to the choir

• their commitment to one another

• their commitment to the congregation

• the music

Each choir member learns and practices the music on their own before turning up for Sunday rehearsals, and organises their music in their own black folders. Some use tablets!

On average, The Psalters present anthems once a month, and support the worship on significant dates in the church calendar, including but not limited to Good Friday, Easter, Laity Sunday, and Christmas.

REHEARSALS

Choir rehearsals are held every Sunday in the Music Room, 11am-12.30pm. Scores (both printed and PDF form) will be provided, along with resources for learning.

The following criteria are preferred:

• ability to match pitch

• basic knowledge of music

• ability to read music

A face-to-face audition will be held for those interested in joining The Psalters.

CONTACT

Inspired to join The Psalters? Want to observe a choir rehearsal? Need more information about The Psalters? Please write in to wm@plmc.org now!