Saint John’s Lutheran Church offers a wide variety of musical opportunities for all ages. Both vocal choirs and instrumental ensembles provide an outlet for those with a love of music to share their talents, to enjoy fellowship, to lead worship, and to praise God. Each choir participates in at least one worship service each month during the school year. If you would like to become involved in one or more of these choirs, please contact Rev. Janice Butz, Minister of Music.
All children from pre-kindergarten age through 5th grade are encouraged to join us on Tuesday afternoons from 4:00 to 5:15 p.m. for a special J.A.M. (Jesus and Me) Session. The afternoon includes time for singing, arts and craft projects, and snacks. The children are divided into two age-level choirs:
Choir is a great opportunity for children to become involved in the worship life of the church as well as to learn basic music and singing skills. The playing of Orff instruments is an additional aspect of being in choir for the older children. There are also opportunities for parents and adults to assist with the children’s music ministry, such as caring for robes, providing snacks for Tuesday sessions, and helping to supervise the children during project and rehearsal time. Contact Janice Butz, director.
Music, Art, & Drama (M.A.D.) Camp
M.A.D. Camp is a week-long summer camp for children in 1st through 6th grades to enjoy music, games, arts and crafts, in a fun and relaxed setting. Our focus is on singing, designing scenery, creating costumes, working on props, and assigning the acting roles for a kids’ musical, which is then presented to the congregation sometime during the fall. Usually held for a week in August, M.A.D. Camp takes place each morning, Monday through Friday. Youth serves as camp counselors for the week and as drama assistants for the production. Contact Janice Butz, M.A.D. Camp director.
Click here to download the MAD Camp Registration Form.
Chalice Choir
Chalice Choir is a wonderful opportunity for middle school through high school youth to offer their musical gifts to God. Learning a wide range of anthems and songs, this group brings a refreshing spirit and sound to our worship. In addition to singing for services at least once a month, the choir also takes trips to sing for churches or nursing facilities. In June of 2007 they went on an extended 4-day singing tour of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. They meet on Wednesday afternoons at 5:00 p.m., prior to the confirmation class. Contact Janice Butz, director.
Youth Instrumental Ensemble
Youth Instrumental Ensemble is for junior and senior high students who play either brass or woodwind instruments. They perform for the 8:00 a.m. worship service once a month and rehearse each Monday evening during the school year at 7:30 p.m. Contact Ralph Brodt,III, director.
Festival Choir
The Festival Choir consists of the combined Chancel and Philethia Choirs and others from the congregation who wish to sing for the holy festivals of the Christian year. These special celebrations include the Concert for the Poor, Reformation, Advent/Christmas, Easter, our annual Music Sunday celebration, summer outdoor worship, and other special occasions. Announcements for rehearsals of the Festival Choir are noted in The Messenger and the Sunday bulletins. A one-day retreat for the Festival Choir takes place on a Saturday in the Fall, and again mid-winter to prepare music for Easter and other spring festivals. Contact Janice Butz, director.
Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir, for adults of all ages, meets on Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. and regularly sings for the 10:45 a.m. worship service. If needed, childcare can be arranged. Contact Janice Butz, director.
Philethia Choir
The Philethia Choir is the adult choir that sings primarily for the 8:00 a.m. worship service on the first Sunday of each month, September through June. They normally rehearse on the first Saturday morning of the month at 10:00 a.m. Contact Patrice Kidd, director.
Saint John’s Brass Choir
Saint John’s Brass Choir, our resident brass and wind ensemble, plays about twice a month for worship, as well as for festival services. They also perform at nursing homes and for other community events. They rehearse on Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Contact Lenna Harris, director.
Men’s Chorale
The Men’s Chorale is for all men of Saint John’s, whatever your musical ability. It is a short-term commitment to the music ministry of our church and provides an opportunity for camaraderie and musical learning. They perform a few times during the year, with rehearsal and performance dates announced in the church newsletter and bulletins. Contact Janice Butz, director.
Women’s Ensemble
The Women’s Ensemble is a short-term commitment for the women of our congregation. Like the Men’s Chorale, rehearsal times and performances are announced in advance through the church newsletter and bulletins. Women who enjoy singing, whatever your musical experience, are encouraged to join. Contact Janice Butz, director.
Intergenerational Family Choir
An Intergenerational Family Choir is organized to sing for one Sunday service during the summer. Family Choir includes both children and adults from the same family (parents, cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents). Rehearsals are announced in the church newsletter and bulletins and are usually held on one Sunday morning and one Thursday evening. Contact Janice Butz, director.