Music is an integral part of St. John’s worship experience. Hymns, anthems, service music, and voluntaries are reflective of the readings, preaching, and pageantry of our Sunday liturgies.
Everyone at St. John’s has an avenue for participation in our music program. Whether singing “with gusto” from the pew or participating in one of our ensembles, we are blessed by beautiful and quality music that uplifts and gives depth to our worship.
St. John’s has multiple volunteer choirs that embrace the gifts of both children and adults. If you have prior musical experience at any level, and are interested in one of our music programs, we invite you to read through the following opportunities to find what may best fit your interests, skills, and abilities.
Parents, if you are looking for a musical experience for your young child, St. John’s Choristers is a great opportunity. If you have a talented teenager, there are opportunities to either sing or play bells with groups that are multi-generational.
When you join the St. John’s music program, you join a community of musicians. We value the role our music plays in leading and inspiring the congregation, and we value the role teamwork plays in creating a memorable worship experience. Whatever your background or level of expertise, there is a place for you in the St. John’s music ministry!
St. John’s Choristers
St. John’s Choristers are made up of young singers in grades three (3) through eight (8). This specialized training for boys and girls follows the “cathedral tradition” of developing the upper range of the child’s voice. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, with a snack time at 4:45 pm. The Choristers sing once a month at the 9:00 am service.
St. John’s Singers
St. John’s Singers are made up of teens and adults, and is a less demanding program, accessible for singers of all abilities. The Singers sing every week for the 9:00 am service. Weekly rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30 pm, with a make-up rehearsal offered on Sunday mornings at 8:00 am before the 8:30 am warm-up.
St. John’s Choir
St. John’s Choir is made up of volunteer and professional singers who enjoy singing traditional choral music. Although the choir’s foundations are in the Anglican choral tradition, their repertoire spans centuries and the globe. This choir also sings for special liturgies such as Evensong and our annual Advent Lessons and Carols. St John’s Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings, beginning at 7:30 p.m., and sings every Sunday for the 11:15 am service.
Norwood Ringers
Norwood Ringers, St. John’s handbell choir, is open to teens and adults. The musical backgrounds in this ensemble are diverse, from more experienced musicians to music-lovers with minimal music knowledge. Experience of ringing the handbells is not required — the technique is easy to learn. Within no time, you’ll become an integral part of a team of ringers. Norwood Ringers rehearse on Thursday evenings, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, and play once a month during the Sunday morning service.
Support Our Music Program
If you would like to support the music ministry of St. John’s with a financial contribution, you may designate a donation to the “Friends of Music” fund. These funds are used to cover costs for special liturgical services or unique musical events. The fund also supports one-time music-related purchases not covered by the normal music budget such as brass or extra singers, This additional support provides outreach opportunities to the local community and enhances our programs here at St. John’s. For more information, please contact Jason West, Interim Director of Music Ministries.
Musical Instruments at St. John’s
- Three organs: a Berghaus Pipe Organ in the Chancel, a one-manual English chamber-style organ made by the Reuter Organ Company in the Chapel, and an historic 1859 chamber organ built by August Pomplitz and Henry Rodewald in the gallery
- Three pianos: a concert-quality Mason & Hamlin 7’ grand piano in our main worship space, a 6’ Boston grand piano in the Choir Room, and a Boston 49” upright piano in the Parish Hall
- Handbells: three octaves of Schulmerich handbells and three octaves of Schulmerich Melody Chimes