Sun Lakes resident Bill Bade conducts the Risen Savior Chancel Choir, Hand Bell Choir, and instrumentalists in the award winning Easter Sunday performance of James Chepponis’ Christ Is Risen. Carla Robertson accompanies on the organ (photo by John Freund).
In April of 2016, the Allen Organ Company launched a nationwide contest to recognize outstanding musical performances within churches that utilize Allen organs. Churches across the US were invited to submit a video of a live performance during a worship service between April of 2016 and March of 2017. The monthly winners receive a $100 donation. At the end of the contest, a national winner, which will be chosen from 12 monthly winners, will receive a $1,000 donation to benefit their church music ministry.
Risen Savior Lutheran Church was chosen the winner for the month of June for its outstanding Easter Worship Service wherein the choir performed James J. Chepponis’ majestic anthem Christ Is Risen accompanied by organ, hand bells, trumpets, timpani, and trombone simulated on a keyboard.
Upon learning of the choir’s selection as a monthly winner, Rev. Ron Burcham, Risen Savior’s Senior Pastor commented, “I am very happy for our choir and hand bell musicians. Their performance on Easter Sunday was inspiring! We are truly blessed with outstanding musicians and their leaders who energize our Sunday worship services as members of the Chancel Choir, Hand Bell Choir, and Praise Band.”
When asked to comment on the choir’s award-winning performance, Bill Bade, Risen Savior’s Choir Director said, “I am so proud of all of the musicians who performed on Easter Sunday. This was truly a team effort. It is wonderful to see our choir and hand bell choir member, who donate their time throughout the year receive this well-deserved recognition.”
Bade added, “I must also give thanks to Carla Robertson, our organist and director of the Hand Bell Choir, who was instrumental in making this performance a success.” Bill Bade, who is a life-long choir director, accomplished pianist, and master organist has been directing the Risen Savior choir since 2004. To view the Risen Savior performance on-line enter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v1117Bj9QIGM.