Music

Choirs/Singing Groups · Junior Music Program
Handbells & Instrumentalists

If you have any questions about the following groups or would like to join one, please contact our Director of Music, Celia Tolar-Bane.

Just do it!

There is an interesting blog about Life Lists—new things that people challenge themselves to accomplish. One young woman of 21 lists 3 things: read a book a week, stop procrastinating, and wake up early. The one thing that she has already checked off her list as accomplished was to join a choir. Here is how she expresses her satisfaction: “ Everyone should join a choir! The magic, joy and friendship that is created through singing with others is one of the most beautiful things in life. .. It's great to belong to a group of people who all share the same passion. I am a little saddened when some people have this set idea in their head of what a choir is, and think that it's boring or hard. Singing is never boring, and singing with other people is one of the most energizing experiences in life. Even choirs that don't have the greatest voices and sing purely for enjoyment can feel that.”

As you consider the Stewardship Committee's challenge to commit time, talent and treasure to the work of the church here at St. John's, consider putting singing in the choir or your Life (in Christ) List! Focused commitment to something enjoyable that binds us together with others with the same interest is good for us in so many ways— intellectually, socially, spiritually…

Don't be like Allen!

You may also be a fan of the Dilbert cartoon by Scott Adams. In a recent cartoon, a co-worker was being discussed:

“Allen is an amorphous cloud of gas. He was once human like us. He put so much effort into avoiding commitment that his molecules stopped binding together. Now he exists as nothing but a subtle odor near the copier room.” Don't let your molecules stop binding together! Make the commitment to join the Chancel Choir. We practice on Wednesdays from 7:00-9:00 pm and sing most Sundays at the 11:15 service. Call Celia for information at 799-4767 , or just show up. We will be saving a seat for you beside a veteran  choir member!

Chancel Choir

     The Chancel Choir are worship leaders weekly September through May, usually at the 11:15 service, as well as at special services such as Christmas Eve, Evensong, and Easter Vigil.  Teenagers through adults who enjoy the choral experience make up this choir.  New members are welcome at any time, and you may audit any rehearsal. If you are unsure about joining this group on a permanent basis, you might want to consider coming to Wednesday practices but not singing on Sundays until you feel that you are ready. 

     When a choir first starts out with a new director, everyone learns the same songs and the choir slowly builds a repertory. As time goes on, choir members leave, new singers join, the choir increases in size, and the repertory expands. New blood is vital to this natural growth cycle. Be a part of this exciting growth in our Chancel Choir, and join us as we sing old favorites and learn wonderful new music by Bach, Mendelssohn, Gounod, Beethoven, Buxtehude, Herbert Howells, William Mathias and others. Regular rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm in the Music Room, Heyward Hall, Room 210. Right now is the perfect time to join us! Contact Director of Music, Celia Tolar-Bane or a choir member for more information.

Chamber Singers

The Chambers Singers lead in worship every 4-6 weeks September-May and at other special services.  The repertory of the Chamber Singers focuses primarily on early English choral music (16th-17th centuries).  They sing 4-part unaccompanied music by Thomas Tallis, Orlando Gibbons, Richard Farrant, as well as early American music.  We also enjoy singing early American music ("old timey music").  Membership in the group is by invitation.  To arrange an audition, please contact the Music Office.