St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church
Music
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St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church Music |
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Music at St. John’s Qui cantat bis orat. The one who sings prays twice. With these words St. Augustine reminds us of the important role that music has played within the community of the faithful throughout the ages. From the chanting of the Old Testament Psalms to the Latin and Greek hymns of the Early Church, from the Reformation-inspired chorales to all worthy church music of every age, music serves a most noble purpose - to confess the one true faith. Music confesses. Music serves. It brings to light the truth of who we are as a people redeemed by the crucified, risen, and ascended Christ. At St. John’s, music continues to deliver this timeless message of forgiveness, life, and salvation in Jesus Christ as it leads, supports, and edifies the Body of Christ. The music program at St. John’s also seeks to educate in matters musical and spiritual. From childhood to adulthood, we seek to offer a diverse program intended to inspire a life-long appreciation of sacred music and a sincere desire to participate in the liturgical life of the congregation. Take a moment to consider the musical opportunities available to you. For more information on music at St. John’s, please contact Pastor Goetz. St. John’s Kantorei This adult choir consists of approximately 30 men and women who sing a varied repertoire of sacred music. The Kantorei sings regularly on Sunday morning as well as for occasional services. The Kantorei periodically joins other church choirs from the Topeka and Lawrence communities and participates in choral events sponsored by the Lutheran Fine Arts Council of Topeka and the Topeka Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. The Kantorei is directed by the Reverend Kantor Roger Goetz. St. John’s Choristers This choir, consisting of boys and girls in Grades 3 - 8, strive to serve a distinctly liturgical function in the worship life of the congregation. Singing a wide range of choral literature from chant to contemporary sacred music, the choir has even become accustomed to singing in foreign languages such as Latin. Choir members sometimes play Orff instruments with their choral music. The choir is directed by Mrs. Marcia Lange. St. John’s Cherub Choir This beginning choir of girls and boys in Kindergarten through Grade 2 strives to teach basic musical terms and concepts as well as learning hymns and simple anthems for use in a liturgical setting. During the year, the younger children in this choir have several opportunities to join in singing with the older boys and girls in the upper choirs. The choir is directed by Mrs. Marcia Lange. St. John’s Klingerei The senior bell choir consists of around 15 adults and youth who enjoy employing their musical abilities as part of this ensemble, which uses five octaves of bells and choir chimes. Performing a wide variety of bell choir repertoire, some of the music utilized by this choir was composed by its director, the Reverend Kantor Roger Goetz. St. John’s Glockenchor This group of young men and women in Grades 4 - 12 together with some of their parents utilizes both the standard handbells as well as choir chimes. The Glockenchor regularly adds its musical offerings on Sunday morning and serves as a wonderful opportunity for children who are interested in making music but who have little or no musical experience. The ensemble is co-directed by Mrs. Trina Riley and Mrs. Margie Wachs. |
