Music Ministry

Good Shepherd is blessed to have choirs and ensembles for all ages which enable us to enrich the worship of our God in Sunday services and allow us to explore, teach, and celebrate the great heritage of music available to us as American Episcopalians. You are invited to join in this vibrant ministry by participating in the choir or ensemble of your choosing. If you enjoy music and would like to assist us in our ministry, please read about the music volunteer opportunities listed below.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH CHOIRS

These choristers learn the fundamentals of choral singing, and music reading skills. They also explore the music and worship traditions of the Episcopal Church. All that is required is a love of singing, a willingness to participate in group activities and an availability to attend rehearsals and Sunday services.

Angel Choir: Children in first through fifth grade are welcome to participate in this choir. This choir rehearses on Sunday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. - 5:50 p.m. and sings approximately once a month at the 9:00 a.m. worship service, Lessons and Carols, and the Christmas Pageant.

Girls' Ensemble: Girls ages sixth grade through twelfth grade are welcome to participate in this choir. This ensemble rehearses on Sunday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. - 4:50 p.m. and sings approximately every six weeks at the 9:00 a.m. worship service.

ADULT CHOIRS

We have two adult choirs of all ages which provide music for the two principal Sunday services, as well as Holy Day liturgies. A strong group of dedicated volunteer singers are joined by a professional quintet of section leaders which makes for a quality choral experience for the singer and the listener. Because of the challenging repertoire we undertake, it is very important to be able to read music and have previous choral experience, in addition to possessing a good voice for choral singing. An informal audition is also required in order to place choristers in sections and to give advice for work on individual vocal issues.

Chamber Choir: Adults of all ages are welcome to participate in this choir. This choir rehearses with the Chancel Choir on Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and sings every Sunday at the 9:00 a.m. worship service.

Chancel Choir: Adults of all ages are welcome to participate in this choir. This choir rehearses with the Chamber Choir on Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and sings every Sunday at the 11:15 a.m. worship service.

Good Shepherd Ensemble (Choral Octet): This ensemble is comprised of our quintet of section leaders and complemented by three additional volunteer singers. Participation in this group is at the director's discretion. This ensemble often provides introits, communion anthems, and various smaller ensemble and solo music throughout the liturgical year. This ensemble rehearses on Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. - 7:25 p.m.

Bell Choir: Our Hand Bell Choir is open to both adults and youth of the parish who read music and enjoy being part of a musical ensemble. This choir plays approximately every four to six weeks, from September - May. They participate in both our 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. worship services. Full-time and part-time ringers are welcome. This choir rehearses on Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

MUSIC MINISTRY STAFF

Dwayne Holloway, Director of Music Ministries
Music office: 919-831-2007 cell: 919-219-9158

Mary Alice Bragg, Organist

Jessica Bowen, Soprano I section leader
Erin O'Hara, Soprano II section leader
Jennifer Seiger, Alto/Mezzo-soprano section leader
Nathan Leaf, Tenor section leader
David Faircloth, Bass/Baritone section leader