Music

Music is the beating heart of worship at the Community Church of the Verdes, and we are justifiably proud of our fine music program, which includes both vocal and instrumental music.


Our Community Church Choir rehearses during the busy season from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm every Wednesday. All are invited to participate regardless of age or musical background. The choir learns a wide variety of sacred music from the classics to the contemporary. Our "season" begins in October and concludes in mid-May. No auditions are required.    


The choir is an integral part of church worship, a wonderful musical experience, and a great place to connect with others in the church community. If you wish to participate in our worship service and would like to share your voice and time, please contact the Director of Music Ministry, Tom Wojtas at 602-571-0023 or tomwojtas@cox.net. No auditions necessary. 


"Rejoice, give thanks, and sing"

Vocalists

We have a strong professional vocal trio. The trio consists of Sara Bruton, Debby Rosenthal Wojtas, and Jeffrey Stevens.  In addition to our choir and soloists, we have a variety of guest instrumentalists that come throughout the year and participate in our worship services. We have been fortunate to be joined by musicians from the Phoenix Symphony, Arizona State University, Arizona Opera Orchestra, and other fine musical institutions in the Valley.


As mentioned above, our three wonderful soloists appear regularly in our worship services.  They often perform as a soloist, as part of a duet or trio, and/or as part of our choir. 


Sara Bruton (alto) has been living in Arizona since 2013 and is originally from Northern California She attained her Bachelors degree in Voice Performance from Cal State Fullerton and then came to ASU for her Masters in Voice Performance Pedagogy, and Doctorate in Voice Performance. Currently she is an adjunct professor of voice at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.  Sara enjoys performing throughout the valley as a Music Theatre artist.   


Debby Rosenthal Wojtas (soprano) has been a soloist since 1999.  She became the soprano section leader of the choir in 2008, as well as being a member of the trio in the summer months.  In addition to singing in the church, Debby has performed professionally in theatre, films, commercials and voice-overs. Her proudest role is being the mother to her two children, Tommy and Abby, and wife to her husband, Tom.  


Jeffrey Stevens (baritone) lives in Tempe, Arizona and is originally from El Paso, Texas.  He attended Arizona State University for both his Masters and Doctorate, and has also been part of the Opera Institute at Boston University, a two year post graduate opera program. Dr. Stevens is a regular performer for Opera-Antics, an opera outreach troupe, Arizona Opera, and the Renaissance Singers where he peaks sixth graders' curiosity in the Renaissance period.  He resides with his wife, Dr. Melanie Ohm in Tempe, AZ and teaches at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.   




 


Bell Choir

The Verdes Bell Choir was established in 2007 through community fund raising and the support of the Community Church of the Verdes Board of Directors.   Church and community members are welcome to join.  We are always looking for new ringers.  Experience is not required!