Music is an integral part of worship at South Church. In fact, making music is a form of worship whether from the choir loft, a classroom, around a campfire or a seat in the congregation. Our music program welcomes adults and children of all ages and skill levels who wish to participate in a meaningful ministry with our congregation. We have opportunities to sing in large and small ensembles, as soloists, as well as to play instruments.
Adult Choir
The Adult Choir provides the music leadership for the 10:30 a.m. worship service most Sundays from September through June. It assists the congregation in the singing of hymns and responses and provides special music to enhance the worship experience.
The choir has a membership of approximately 35 singers who come from many musical backgrounds, but share a love of singing and a desire to continually develop their craft. The repertoire is purposefully varied, including sacred classics from all musical periods and styles, new compositions, and creative hymn arrangements (from Medieval and Baroque to early American and Contemporary.) Choir members can participate for the entire church year, seasonally or only for a special service or concert and its specific rehearsals. This choir prepares special music for Christmas and Easter and occasionally has the opportunity to present small major choral works with instrumental accompaniment.
Membership is open to all members and friends of South Church without audition although some choral singing experience is helpful.
This choir rehearses on Thursdays at 7:00 pm in the Social Hall, and on Sunday morning at 9:30 am. It is led by Director of Music, Greg Flower
JOYFUL NOISE BAND
Concert band music group of intergenerational musicians that perform ‘Special Music’ during church services and on other occasions as well under the leadership of Liz Smith, a member of the reed section of the Goodspeed Opera Orchestra.
Periodic performances means commitment is very flexible! Contact Director of Music, Greg Flower for more information.
Contemporary Ensemble
Among the many talented musicians at South Church is Paul DeMaio, a Berklee trained guitarist who wears many hats at our church. He has taken on leadership of a flexible contemporary ensemble which has the ability to genre hop to perform anything from musical theatre to progressive bluegrass.
Periodic performances means commitment is very flexible! Contact Director of Music, Greg Flower for more information.
Youth/Sunday School Music
Children participating in Sunday School will experience weekly music lessons that deepen faith, confidence, fun, and community each week. There are also opportunities for children who may want to sing or play in services.
second sunday music
The second Sunday of each month, November through May, is a special one at South Church. From 10 – 10:30 a.m.(the half hour prior to the 10:30 worship service,) a concert is provided by various accomplished musicians from the Greater Hartford area.
The Music Ministry Team selects and produces these concerts that are usually faith-based and may feature visiting choirs, soloists, instrumental ensembles, or musical offerings from different cultures or traditions as well as our own, talented musicians. Professional church musicians such as Nick Page and Alice Parker have led music-worship workshops during this series.
If you would like to be a featured musician on one of these Sundays, please contact the Director of Music, Greg Flower
messiah sing
Greg Flower – Music Director
Eric Ouellette – Organist, Pianist
Liz Smith – Director Joyful Noise Band
Paul DeMaio – Director Contemporary Ensemble
Choir Resources
Messiah Movements
Helpful Links
Worship Anthems*
*Draft subject to change based on choir/church needs throughout the season
| 9/17 | Larissa Last Sunday Contemporary Ensemble plays closing hymn | 23rd Psalm – Bobby McFerrin (for Larissa) |
| 9/24 | Hush Hush – Brazeal Dannard | |
| 10/1 | World Communion Sunday | Ubi Caritas – Paul Halley |
| 10/8 | 2nd Sunday – Sax and Percussion | Give Me Jesus – Harlan |
| 10/15 | Laity Sunday- No Choir | |
| 10/22 | Joyful Noise Band | If Ye Love Me – Tallis |
| 10/29 | Carrie Wechsler sings | Keep Your Lamps – Thomas |
| 11/5 | Communion, Daylight Savings Louise Fauteux – Guest Artist sings Alleluia from Exultate Jubilate Mozart | Laudate Dominum – Mozart (choir enters at 2:40) |
| 11/12 | 2nd Sunday – Hot Cat Jazz | Amazing Grace – Schraeder |
| 11/19 | Thanksgiving | The Road Home – Paulus |
| 11/26 | Make Music For The Lord Today – Sleeth |