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, Bryce Westervelt and Organist, Dr. Carol Weitner.
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.
Chancel 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 special programs annually throughout the year including Evensong services and a Bach cantata, with soloists and period instruments, during a Sunday service in May. The choir rehearses from 7:30-9:00 pm, Thursday evenings. We are happy to welcome new members.
Handbell Choir
The Handbell Choir performs during the Sunday service several times throughout the year. 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 pm.
Junior Choir
The Junior Choir is open to children from third grade through sixth grade. They rehearse Wednesdays during the school year from 5-6:00 pm, and sing in church monthly. 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.
Concerts by the Pond
Inspired by our beautifully restored church and our intimate, historic, and scenic venue, Concerts by the Pond provides diverse programming and innovative live performances of classical, contemporary, and liturgical music, which, coupled with dynamic education programs, creates a sense of discovery and community within our St. John's parish and the citizenry of Cold Spring Harbor and surrounding region.
To learn more click here!
Music News & Notes: March 9, 2023
What’s with all of this chanting? You may have noticed during Morning Prayer during the season of Lent, we have begun to “chant” the Venite. While we have been singing hymn settings of the Canticle during morning prayer for several month...
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Long Island Sound, Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Sunday, February 12, 2022 3:00 PM, St. John's Church Recognized internationally for its "swinging rhythm section, tight vocals, and smooth blend", the LIU Post Long Island Sound Vocal Jazz Ensemble is a 16-singer ensemble with rhythm section t...
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Christopher Houlihan, Organ
Sunday, November 13, 2022 3:00 pm Chritopher Houlihan , the John Rose College Organist-and-Directorship Distinguished Chair of Chapel Music at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, comes to St. John's this fall for an exciting concert of...
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Concert by The Pond: Zandieh Trio
Our Concerts program had a wonderful start with the premiere performance by the Zandieh Trio. Over 100 people attended this wonderful event which even included the premier of a piece composed by the cellist, Charles Zandieh. Special thanks to o...
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A Choir for Everyone
Autumn at St. John’s is a special time of new beginnings. Kids are back in school, the program year is kicking off, and soon hot summer nights will be replaced with a cool crispness in the air. This autumn is also a season for new beginning...
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VBS and Choir Camp a great success!
St. John’s Choir and Children’s Ministry hosted a very successful Vacation Bible School and Choir Camp. 20 children from pre-k to high school participated in the 5-day program! The camp used the “Abundant Life” curriculum from Episcopal...
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Rach II for Mother's Day
It has long been the tradition at St. John’s to offer on Mother’s Day special monumental works of music as part of our Sunday liturgy, usually a Cantata by J. S. Bach. This year, with the continued Coronavirus pandemic, we thought it ...
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Music for Easter Day Service
Thanks to all the musicians in the St. John's community for the beautiful musical offerings this Easter. Thanks to our Choir Singers, the Handbell Choir, our soloist Josephine Greco, our Brass Instrumentalists and of course, our Director of Music...
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Laudate Dominum - Easter Day Offertory & Hymn
Let us sing with joy and gladness, and offer our heartfelt praise to the risen Lord! For Musical Offering and Hymn at 10 am Easter Day Service, we are offering Handel's Hallelujah Chorus and Jesus Christ is risen today . ALL are invited t...
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