MUSIC

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 p.m. in the Choir Loft, and on Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. 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

Contemporary Ensemble – Among the many talented musicians at South Church there is a variety of musicians who lend their gifts to our music ministry. Guitarist Paul DeMaio leads a talented intergenerational group in contemporary secular music that adds a unique and vibrant energy to our worship experience.

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

On December 10th, 2023 at 7:30pm South Church will be hosting its first Messiah Sing. The evening concert will take the place of Second Sunday in December and feature our very own Eric at the organ and harpsichord, professional strings and soloists, and a choir comprising of anybody that come and would like to join in singing. Music will be provided. Come to sing or listen. Reception to follow.