Celebration Arts

Worship and music are inseparable at St. Timothy. Music is a powerful medium for ministry, providing a vehicle for praise, prayer, and thanksgiving to God. Music speaks what cannot be expressed in words alone thus soothing the mind, healing the heart, calming and uplifting the spirit. Music is a gift from God that flows from heaven to the soul.

The Music Ministries of St. Timothy are continually expanding and evolving. The spiritual and musical level of the persons involved are constantly growing, and with that comes new ideas for enhancing the ministry. Each person worships through his or her individual gifts, and each is aware that musical ability is a precious gift from God and should be used for glorification and worship of God.

However great or small your talents, there is a place for you in our music ministry. We hope this webpage will help you find a way to "make a joyful noise" unto the Lord at St. Timothy. Our Music Ministry includes:

Chancel Choir is our traditional choir and is open to adults, as well as older youth, and serves the 8:30am service of worship. The Chancel Choir continues to expand musically and stylistically, while maintaining the high theological standards that abound in worship at St. Timothy. Chancel Choir rehearses Wednesday evenings at 7:00 from September through Holy Trinity Sunday.

Joyful Noise is the music ensemble that leads worship in our 11am contemporary service. It is made up of singers and instrumentalists who use a variety of musical styles and resources, such as popular contemporary Christian music, Spirituals, jazz, funk, folk hymns, old traditional hymns, and global music to lead the congregation into the presence of God. Joyful Noise rehearses Thursday evenings at 7:00.

Cherub Choir is for children ages 4 years through first grade. This group provides an excellent opportunity for young children to learn how to worship and glorify God, as they discover the gift of music. The children are encouraged to find their voices through musical games and other activities. The Cherub Choir sings occasionally in worship, and they rehearse on Sunday afternoons at 5:00.

Carol Choir is for children grades 2-5. In Carol Choir, the focus is on growing in faith while they grow in their musical skills. A variety of activities are used to help the children find and develop their singing voices. They develop musical "ears" as they learn to sing in rounds and in parts. They are also introduced to reading music and have the opportunity to play Orff and rhythm instruments as preparation for keyboard study and middle school band. The Carol Choir sings in worship on a regular basis and rehearses on Sunday afternoons at 5:30

Youth Choir is comprised of young people grades 6-12. All young people of this age are invited to discover their true voice, experience creative and dramatic activities, increase musical skills, prepare and present special music for worship, and participate in other special events and concerts throughout the year. Youth Choir rehearses Sundays at 6:00.

Flute Choir is open to all flute players who have at least 2 years playing experience. The Flute Choir participates in various worship services on an occasional basis. Individuals from the Flute Choir often accompany the choirs and are also members of Joyful Noise. The Flute Choir plays at Charleston's own annual Piccolo Spoleto Festival and is available for weddings at certain times of the year.

St. Timothy's Band is open to all interested instrumentalists who have at least 2 years playing experience. The band participates in worship on an occasional basis. Additionally, individuals from the ensemble often participate in worship when specific instruments are needed to accompany the choirs.

Brass Ensemble is made up of musicians with at least 2 years playing experience. This group plays occasionally in worship, accompanying hymns and the choirs. Individual members also play in Joyful Noise and accompany the choirs when needed.

Early Bird Instrumentalists is a group of string, woodwind and brass musicians that accompany congregational hymns and anthems. As part of our traditional worship team, this group plays an important role in leading our traditional worship at our 8:30 Sunday service.

St. Timothy Youth Theater is open to all young people grades 6-12. This group creates skits and short dramas for special services and annually stages a Christmas production for the children of St. Timothy and the community. There's a job for everyone, from acting and singing on stage, to constructing props and costumes, to running lights and sound. St. Timothy Youth Theater meets Sundays at 6:00, sharing rehearsal time with Youth Choir.

The children’s choirs continue to rehearse on Sunday afternoons. We have two good groups of kids, and we’re having a good bit of fun! We are always looking for new children to join us! Come and check us out! Bring a friend!

Cherub Choir (4 year olds – 1^st graders) 5:00 - 5:25

Carol Choir (2^nd – 5^th graders) 5:30 - 6:15

For parents planning ahead, the children (at least the Carol Choir) will sing during the 6:00pm Family Christmas Eve service. Please let me know ASAP if your family is going to be out of town for Christmas. The children’s choirs will not rehearse during the week after Christmas.

The St. Timothy Festival Choir is made up of Chancel Choir, Joyful Noise, Youth Choir and members of the congregation. The Festival Choir gives us an opportunity to sing a beautiful piece of music in a larger group, and also have just a five-week rehearsal time commitment. This group is for anyone, high school aged to 100, with choir/chorus/singing experience who can rehearse on Wednesday nights from 7:30 – 8:30 and sing on Christmas Eve at the 11:00pm service. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 7:30-8:30pm during the holiday season.

The Chancel Choir will rehearse on Monday nights, 7:00-8:30, from November 24 through December 22. We will not rehearse the week after Christmas.

Joyful Noise will continue to rehearse on Thursday nights from 7:00-8:30 through December 22. We will lead Holden Evening Prayer from 7:00-7:30pm on Wednesday nights during Advent. We will also lead worship during the 8:00pm Contemporary Christmas Eve service. Joyful Noise will not rehearse the week after Christmas.

Beth Alford is the Director of Music Ministries. She may be reached at 553-4175 or beth@sainttimothylutheran.org.