It was with great pleasure we welcomed our Organist and Choir Director, Janet Kaido, to Christ Church in September 2013.
A native of Racine, Wisconsin, Janet Kaido came to Philadelphia to study oboe first at Temple University and then the Curtis Institute of Music. An organist ever since she could reach the pedals who began playing for services every few weeks as a sixth grader, in college she became more and more enthralled by the experience of participating in liturgical music. After completing her Bachelor of Music Degree at Curtis, she earned a Master of Music Degree in Sacred Music from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, and then went to study organ and improvisation for a year at the Franz Liszt Conservatory in Weimar, Germany. She has served churches in the Philadelphia area including Swarthmore United Methodist Church and for the past eleven years has been the organist at Nassau Presbyterian Church in Princeton.
In 2009, Janet founded The Philadelphia Suzuki Piano Academy, where she and two other piano teachers enjoy a community of over 30 delightful piano students, currently ages 2-14, and their families.
When not playing, teaching, or dreaming about music, playing, or teaching, Janet enjoys long distance cycling and being active outdoors, finding humor in her adult ballet class, and watching what must be the busiest bird feeders in West Philly, just a few feet outside her kitchen window.
Janet is excited to have become part of the Christ Church worship leadership and looks forward to a shorter commute as well as to meeting the congregation, most especially those individuals who would like to participate in the church’s music through choirs or with an instrument. Please email music@christchurchridleypark.org if you would like to be involved.
The Adult Choir
The adult choir rehearses Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. from September through May. In addition to its volunteers, the adult choir is supplemented by four section leaders. The choir sings at the 10:00 a.m. service. If interested in joining the adult choir, please contact Janet Kaido.
The Youth Choir
In the fall of 2010, a new junior choir was formed for ages 7 and older. Rehearsals are held Sunday mornings from 11:30 AM-12:15 PM. In rehearsals, children work through the Voice For Life program, in addition to the choral and service music they learn for services. The Junior Choir joins with the Adult Choir to sing at the 10 AM service once a month. Those interested in learning more about the Junior Choir, please contact Janet Kaido.