Music
Music is an important part of the ministry at St. John's Church, helping to make every church service a joyous and beautiful occasion. From the enthusiastic singing of hymns by the congregation, to the choirs and handbell choirs, there are opportunities for all ages to become involved in the music ministry at St. John's. The program is led by our Director of Music, Steven Finch, Organist, Dr. Carol Weitner, and Children's Music Leader, Josephine Greco.
Anyone who is interested in joining a group, or has a child wishing to participate, please contact either the church office or the staff member directly. Church membership is not necessary to participate in the music program.
Adult Choir
The Adult Choir is open to all singers from high school age and older. A hard-working and talented group of volunteers, they prepare two anthems for each Sunday service from September into June. The anthems represent a wide variety of sacred music, from Renaissance motets to spirituals. They also present two special programs annually: a concert with soloists and orchestra, usually the first Sunday evening in December; and a Bach cantata, with soloists and period instruments, during a Sunday service in May. The choir rehearses from 7:00-9:00 p.m., Thursday evenings. We are happy to welcome new members. Although there is no formal "audition," the director would like to hear any prospective member sing a hymn of your choice to determine your range.
Handbell Choir
The Handbell Choir performs during the Sunday service several times throughout the year, and plays at the Sunday evening concert in December. The church is pleased to have a set of Whitechapel English handbells, by the maker of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. The group is open to all, from 4th grade through adult, who have some musical background, although experience playing handbells is not necessary. Rehearsals are held Thursdays at 5:00 p.m.
Junior Choir
The Junior Choir is open to children from fourth grade through middle school. They rehearse Wednesdays during the school year from 4:45-5:30 p.m., and sing in church monthly. They also perform at the Sunday evening concert in December. In addition to preparing for the Sunday service, there is training in music reading and voice development. Along with the Primary Choir, they present an annual Lenten musical.
Primary Choir
The Primary Choir is open to children from kindergarten through third grade. They rehearse at the same time as the Junior Choir, 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, and sing in church monthly. They learn basic musical and vocal skills, as well as find joy in singing.
SJ Singers
SJ Singers is a project-based music group made up of parishioners who love to sing but cannot commit to the year-long rehearsals and services of the Senior Choir. If you are passionate about worship singing and have previous experience in college and/or high-school choirs, you might want to consider joining us. Please contact our director, Steven Finch, and share your background with him.
Concerts by the Pond
Concerts by the Pond presents the best of classical, contemporary, and liturgical music in the historic setting of St. John’s Church. The series, with a special emphasis on the new Casavant organ, is committed to expanding St. John’s spiritual and musical presence in the greater community. Programs feature a range of artists, from established professionals to highly talented young musicians, in innovative and informative concerts for all ages. For more information click here or call 516-692-6368 ext. 5.
