Music is an integral part of all three Sunday services at The Church at Litchfield Park. No matter which service you attend, there are opportunities to join in lifting your voice in praise. The 8:00 and 9:15 am services have the Chancel Choir, led by Jill Tabata, and the 10:45 service has the Chancel Singers, led by Amy Burns.

Chancel Choir

The Chancel Choir plays an important role in leading worship at the 8:00 and 9:15 Sunday services, September through May. They sing a variety of styles including sacred anthems, oratorios, classical, gospel, spirituals, popular, and praise songs. They rehearse Wednesday evenings from 6:30 – 8:00 pm, and warm-up on Sundays at 7:30 am for those who sing at the 8:00 service, or immediately after the first service for those who sing at the 9:15 service. Everyone is welcome! Please contact Jill Tabata for more information at musicdirector@clp.church or 623-297-7389.

The Chancel Choir in rehearsal.

photo: Bruce Apland

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Messiah, performed by the Chancel Choir, Soloists, and Orchestra on December 19, 2015, in the Sanctuary at The Church at Litchfield Park.

video edited by Alberto Hernandez

Chancel Singers

The Chancel Singers lead praise songs in the 10:45 am service and are accompanied by the Chancel Band. This is a great group for those who enjoy a relaxed and creative musical environment. The Chancel Singers rehearse on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm in Fireside Room North. Membership is open to all interested singers, high school age and older.

Jubilee Christian Singers

This group of adult singers has as its mission to use their talents to brighten the lives of those who live in assisted-living centers and group homes. Past venues have included The Woodmark Memory Care facility in Sun City, La Loma Senior Living, and Benevilla Multigenerational Day Care Center.

If you are interested in participating or know of a facility that would enjoy a visit from the Jubilee Christian Singers, please contact the church office at the phone number or email address under "Contact Us" (above / left or bottom).

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Adult Handbell Choirs

Handbell Choirs are a vital part of the music ministry at CLP. These choirs are directed by Marilyn Chandler, an experienced director and member of the Handbell Musicians of America, and nationally-recognized expert and clinician. These groups perform once a month at CLP along with additional performances during the church year and throughout the community. Anyone interested in membership should contact Marilyn Chandler at CLP (623) 935-3411.

There are currently two adult Handbell Choirs at The Church at Litchfield Park:

Heavenly Handbells

Heavenly Handbells is a choir of less experienced adult ringers, and no previous handbell or music experience is necessary. This group rehearses on Wednesday afternoons in the Sanctuary from 4:15 – 5:30.

The Heavenly Handbells with director Marilyn Chandler, center.

Photo by Ned Hannah. Edited by drvoger at fiverr.

Carillon Choir

The Carillon Choir offers opportunities for the more-experienced ringer. The members have previous experience ringing handbells and read music easily. This group rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30.

The Carillon Choir with director Marilyn Chandler, right front.

Photo by Ned Hannah. Edited by drvoger at fiverr.

Video: Handbell Duet, June 14, 2015
“Jubilate” (Russian Tune arr. Wagner)
Linda Hussey and Cathy Norwood, handbells
Marilyn Chandler, piano

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Children’s Christian Community Choir (4C)

Whether you are a member of The Church at Litchfield Park, another church, or do not attend any church, you are welcome at 4C! We are committed to spreading the word and joy of Jesus Christ through our music.

Students will learn about music through age-appropriate activities. In addition to learning songs, this group focuses on music reading skills, proper singing technique, and part-singing. Expressing the love of God and the joy He gives is the objective of this group.

4C is for children in kindergarten through grade 5, and meets in Fireside Room North Wednesdays from 5:15 – 6:00 pm. Find the location of Fireside Room North on our campus map HERE. Ramon Ocaño and Kathy Drake are the directors.

4C in May, 2018, with directors Ramon Ocaño and Kathy Drake.

photo: Opus 36

The 4C Choir sings periodically in worship throughout the school year. We also have a presence out in the community. Venues have included services at other churches, the Maricopa County Fair, Glendale Glitters, Christmas in the Park, area assisted-living facilities, Knotts Berry Farm, and Chase Field for a Diamondbacks game.

Residents of the Woodmark Assisted Living Center in Sun City were treated to a “Salute to Veterans” concert on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 by members of the Children’s Christian Community Choir.

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photos: Jim Montgomery

There is no fee for participants in the choir. Donations may be requested for uniform pieces, but no child will be turned away because he or she cannot pay. Each family of a participant is expected to donate two hours per semester per child. This may include rehearsal monitor, costume and prop coordinator, driver, or other tasks. Children feel a stronger sense of commitment when the significant adults in their lives support them with their time and talents.

Ramon Ocaño conducts 4C in rehearsal.

photo: Opus 36

What participants can expect from the 4C experience:

A musically rich environment incorporating diverse styles of music
A loving and uplifting Christian atmosphere with a sense of belonging
Expert and patient instruction
Fun, excitement, and challenges

What the 4C expects from its participants:

Commitment, including regular attendance at rehearsals and performances
A positive attitude and acceptance of others
Good listening skills
A love of singing and music

4C sang the Choral Call to Worship, “The Lord Be Magnified” on Palm Sunday, 2018.

photo: Ned Hannah

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Piano and Organ

Kathy Drake is our pianist and organist.

photos: Ned Hannah

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Meet the Directors

Jill Tabata is the Music Director and leader of the Chancel Choir at The Church at Litchfield Park. She is originally from Hawaii, and received her Bachelor of Music double degrees in Piano Performance and Academic Music Studies from Northwestern University. She comes from a family of church musicians, and plays piano, organ, and flute. She was previously the Music Director at Advent Episcopal Church in Sun City West. She also teaches piano lessons and is a board member of the Phoenix Music Teachers Association.

She and her husband Will have two children, Sarah and Vince, who love going to The Church at Litchfield Park as much as she does.

Marilyn Chandler, the Bell Master at The Church at Litchfield Park, holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Music Education from Western Michigan University with further studies at Central Michigan University and the University of Arizona. Her handbell education was obtained from the foremost handbell directors in the US and world renown directors at three International Handbell Symposiums. She directed four handbell choirs at a United Methodist Church in MI, was a paid ringer in a church in Arizona, and directed the community handbell choir in Sun City before coming to Litchfield Park. As a member of the Handbell Musicians of America, she has been invited to teach courses at their local, state and national events in eight different states. Three of her articles have been published in “Overtones,” the handbell publication distributed world wide.

As a member of The Church at Litchfield Park, she also serves as a Deacon, is an active member of the Chancel Choir, served as Interim Director of the Chancel Choir, and has accompanied the Jubilee Christian Singers.

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