Music has always played an important role in the worship and liturgy of God's church.  At St. John's choirs for kindergarteners through adults offer an exciting opportunity to become involved in this vital ministry.  St. John's is additionally blessed with a magnificent four-manual Aeolian-Skinner organ which undergirds the music of the church.

St. John's Choir

The St. John's Choir makes a vital contribution to worship at St. John's, singing at the 10:00 service.   The choir also sings at special musical offerings.  In the Spring the St. John's choir goes to sing at several other Episcopal churches in the diocese. 

Membership in the St. John's Choir is open to any adults who love to sing. Rehearsals are on Wednesday nights from 7:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.  David Charles Campbell is the Minister of Music.  Anyone interested in joining the St. John's choir should call David Charles at the church office (343-9341).

Children's and Youth Choirs

Children and youth at St. John's make a valuable contribution to our worship by regularly singing at morning worship services and at occasional special services.  Children who are in kindergarten or older are invited to join a choir. In addition to preparing music for worship and learning the liturgy of the church, children participate each week in activities which are designed to sequentially introduce them to the elements of music in a developmentally-appropriate way. Singing, playing instruments, moving, and listening to music are all regular parts of the experience.

The Alleluia Choristers (grades K-2) and St. John's Singers (grades 3-5) rehearse on Sundays from 6:15-7:15 p.m. The groups are taught and directed by Mike Milam and Peggy Schaaf.

The Youth Ensemble (grades 6-12) rehearses on Sundays from 4:00-4:45 p.m. and is directed by Mike Milam.

Anyone interested in joining one of these choirs should contact Mike Milam at the Parish Office (343-9341, extension 4004).

Handbells

St. John's has a five octave set of English Whitechapel handbells and two handbell choirs.  The Gloria Dei Bells is a group of beginning to intermediate ringers who practice on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m.- 10:30.  The director is Jan Garrett.  The St. Cecilia Bells is a group of intermediate to advanced ringers who practice on Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.  The director is David Charles Campbell.  Anyone interested in participating in a handbell choir should call David Charles at the parish office (343-9341).

Instrumental Opportunities

Opportunities abound at St. John's for those who play instruments.  The Band is a group of instrumentalists that plays at various times through the year at the 9:00 service.  This is a wonderful opportunity for young musicians and those who enjoy playing in a musical group.  Those interested in more information about instrumental opportunities should contact David Charles Campbell at the Parish Office (343-9341).

The Mission of the Music Ministry at St. John's Episcopal Church is to Glorify God, and to enhance and energize our worship through spiritual devotion, musical excellence, and the up building of community. To this end, we will:

• provide a quality, graded music program for all ages.
• provide choral and instrumental music for our liturgies
• develop and train our musicians to new levels of skill and ability
• encourage wider congregational and community participation in music
• provide a wide range of music repertoire, ancient to modern
• promote the cause and use of music in the diocese

Music is a large and important program in the life of St. John’s. Those involved in it devote many hours. However, they feel a sense of accomplishment, community, and spiritual enrichment as a result.