The Music Ministry exists to lead the congregation of Westminster Presbyterian Church in joyful worship through music that glorifies the living God, encourages the body of Christ, and magnifies the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name.
about
The Music Ministry plays a vital role in the worship of Westminster Church. Under the leadership of our Director of Music, the Music Ministry nurtures the musical gifts and spiritual lives of all ages in the preparation of music for worship services and special events.
Our Music Ministry includes numerous choirs, instrumental ensembles, and small groups. There are also recurring opportunities for soloists and accompanists to serve.
vision
As we lead through music, the Music Ministry strives to exercise and develop the God-given musical talents of our congregation, so these gifts can be further used to glorify Him now and throughout eternity.
Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God;
for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.
Psalm 147:1
COncerts
The Concert Chorale is comprised of 50 undergraduate singers from Cedarville University in southwest Ohio. Their varied repertoire includes masterworks, sacred anthems, spirituals, and contemporary praise selections. Under the direction of Dr. Lyle Anderson, they have performed on eleven international tours.
April 7 at 7pm – SDG Evening Worship: Good Friday Tenebrae Service
April 14 at 7pm – Messiah Sing-a-long
May 13 at 7pm – Grand Illumination: Hymns & Classics
Westminster Music Concerts are open to the public.
A free will offering will be taken.
No registration is needed to attend, unless otherwise noted.
music camp
Save the dates now for our biannual summer music camp!
June 20 –June 23, 9am – 12pm, with a Sunday presentation in AM worship on June 25.
This camp is for Westminster children and youth currently in grades K-7. Look for more details, including registration, later this spring!
Choirs
SATB singers, Grade 9-Adult; presenting a variety of outstanding choral repertoire covering a wide range of time periods and musical styles. Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays, 7:30-9 PM, in Music Room 203. This choir sings weekly at the 11 AM Sunday service, and at specials services such as: Thanksgiving Eve, 10 PM Christmas Eve, Holy Thursday, and both Easter morning services. The Sanctuary Choir also has an annual Saturday choir retreat in the fall and typically presents two major choral works each year.
SATB singers, Grade 9-Adult; requires less time commitment than the Sanctuary Choir. Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays, 6:15-7:15 PM, in Music Room 203. The Matins Choir sings every 2-3 weeks at the 8 AM Sunday service, and additionally at the 6 PM Christmas Eve service and
both Easter morning services.
All children in Grades 1-3; introduces the fundamentals of good choral technique to beginning singers. Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 PM, in Room 210, including both singing and fun games to build music reading skills. The Primary Choir sings approximately every five weeks at the 11 AM Sunday service and at the 6 PM Christmas Eve service.
All singers in Grades 4-6; builds the skills necessary to sing anthems in two and three parts. Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 PM, in Room 212 and challenge students to reach their full potential as young singers. The Junior Choir sings monthly at the 11 AM Sunday service and at the 6 PM Christmas Eve service.
All singers in Grades 7-12; sings monthly in Sunday worship services. Rehearsals will be scheduled by the director and nurture musical skill and excellence.
Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.
Instrumental Ensembles
Instrumental ensembles are open to experienced musicians, Grade 7 – Adult, and rehearse periodically. Music is presented in Sunday morning and evening services. Frequency varies with each ensemble. Contact the Director of Music for more details.
The following INSTRUMENTAL ensembles play periodically throughout the year, with rehearsals scheduled by the
directors:
handbell Ensembles
JUBILATE RINGERS
2-3 octave bell choir; open to beginning and intermediate ringers of all ages, Grade 5–Adult. Rehearsals take place Tuesdays, 6:15-7:15 PM, in Music Room 203.
WESTMINSTER RINGERS
3-4 octave bell choir; open to experienced ringers Grade 9-Adult. Rehearsals take place on Tuesdays, 7:15-8:30 PM, in Music Room 203.
Additional Opportunities to serve
There are many opportunities for vocal and instrumental soloists to share the gifts God has given them throughout the year in our worship services. Preludes, anthems, offertories, and musical offerings are scheduled quarterly by the Director of Music.
Pianists are specifically needed to play Sunday evening services and to accompany various groups and Sunday School classes.
Other extended musical opportunities:
Qualifications for Participation
In addition to a saving knowledge and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord, we desire these fruits in the lives of our active musicians:
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
