Music at Saint John's

Saint John's Evangelical Lutheran Church

48 Greene Avenue, Sayville, New York 11782
Office: (631) 589-3202 - Fax: (631) 589-1419 - E-Mail: stjohns11782@aol.com

Rev. Harry Schenkel, Pastor - Rev. Brian Noack, Pastor

Cynthia Holden - Director of Music
	News from the Director of Music Hand Chime Dedication Saint John's new four octave set of Mallmark Hand Chimes given in memory of Patricia Schneider will be dedicated at the 11 AM Divine Service on Sunday, September 14. Saint John's Adult Handbell Choir will play for the service, utilizing the new hand chimes. Oktoberfest Music from folk songs to the Gospel in Song Amidst the frivolity of the day celebrating the German roots of our church, listen for Saint John's Brass Ensemble who will be among those entertaining the crowds with traditional German fun & folk songs while you visit our grounds on Saturday, September 20. At 6:30 pm, don't miss the opportunity to participate in the Divine Service of our Lord - with more than a touch of German. Saint John's Choirs with instrumentalists and some additional folks from other local Lutheran congregations, will sing music of the renowned German composer, Johann Sebastian Bach. Based on the gospel text of the day, Matthew 20:1-16, Cantata 144 - Nimm, was dein ist und gehe hin will be incorporated into the service as it might have been done in the early 1700s in Leipzig, Germany. Additionally, much of the Ordinary music that we normally sing will be sung in its original German that evening. Rest assured that translations will be provided so all will understand what is being sung and can make the connection between the guttural sounds of the German language and the English that we speak.
Choir Season begins Thursday, September 4 6:00 PM - Treble & Youth Choir combined rehearsal 6:15 PM - Adult Bell Choir 7:30 PM - Chancel Choir and Brass Ensemble Saturday, September 6 5:15 Vocal Ensemble rehearsal Sunday, September 7 8:15 Chancel Choir for 9 AM Divine Service 10:15 Treble and Youth Choir for 11 AM Divine Service Wednesday, September 10 5:15 Youth Handbells 6:00 PM - Treble Choir Training Choir for new singers, aged 8 and in grades 3 and above will begin Wednesday, September 24 at 5 pm. Those desiring to join the choirs, please contact Cindy Holden at 589 3202 x 109. Royal School of Music Choir Camp - Olivia DeMeo (Olivia DeMeo was the recipient of the Choir Camp Scholarship funds that were raised at Saint John's Talent Show in February) A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to attend the Royal School of Church Music choir training course. I spent a week staying in a dorm room at King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Participants came from all across the country. I received music in advance that I had to prepare before I arrived. The guest director this year was Richard Tanner, from Blackburn Cathedral in England. He is an amazing conductor and I learned so much from him! In addition to daily singing and worship, we participated in many other fun activities. Every day you had the choice of computer time, swimming, playing a game outside, or playing video games. One day we went to the movies - you could see either Mamma Mia, The Dark Knight, or Wall-E. One night there was a talent show where you could either sing, play the piano, and/or play any other kind of instrument. On the last evening different groups of students performed skits - it was so much fun! The week ended with a concert at St. Stephen's Episcopal Cathedral. I met so many nice people and made new friends. It was an awesome experience, and I can't wait to go back next year! About Music at Saint John’s Saint John’s Lutheran Church is committed to a music ministry for the glory of God and the edification and inspiration of those who worship in this place. God’s Word is proclaimed through the reading of Scripture, preaching, and in song; in Psalms, hymns, anthems, the Ordinary of the Divine Service Liturgy and additional liturgies of the church. Instrumentalists, too, sound forth in praise of Almighty God and move us to a more profound "Alleluia". The Royal School of Church Music based choral program challenges singers to strive for excellence and growth in their commitment, musical skills and understanding of the important place of music in the church’s worship. This affiliation also enables Saint John’s choristers to participate in a variety of festivals and choir training programs. There are choirs for all persons, aged 8 and above, directed by our Organist and Director of Music, Cynthia Holden. Instrumental music teacher, Rex Holden, directs Saint John’s Handbell Choirs, utilizing the church’s three octaves of Malmark Handbells. The Handbell Choirs play for the Divine Services at 6:30 PM on Saturdays, and the 9 and 11:00 AM services on Sundays at least once per month and for feast days in the church year. Saint John’s Brass Ensemble plays for Christmas, Easter and at various other services throughout the year. Opportunities also abound for soloists, instrumentalists, accompanists and ensembles in the liturgies of the church. Persons wishing to know more about Music at Saint John’s, or those who desire to contribute their time and talents are invited to stop by the music office Tuesdays – Fridays, or call Cindy Holden, Director of Music at 631 589 3202 x 109. E-mail raholden@aol.com

Please direct technical questions concerning this site to: webmaster@stjohnsayville.org