Choir & Music Ministries

Bless, O Lord, us thy servants who minister in thy temple: Grant that what we sing with our lips we may believe in our hearts, and what we believe in our hearts we may show forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

A Ministry of Music

Choir

Science has proved something church choir members have known for years… singing makes you happier! So if you want to be happier and grow in a deeper understanding of our faith and heritage as Episcopalians, you should really consider joining the choir. Other perks include: making great friends and singing under direction of a talented teacher. Did we mention that our very own Kevin Simons is also the Director of Choirs at Saginaw Valley State University?

Rehearsal

The adult choir of St. John’s rehearses some Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM and each Sunday morning at 9 AM.

Worship

The choir helps lead our 10:30 AM service each week.

How to be involved

The choir is open to anyone with a desire to sing and a willingness to make commitments to worship and rehearsal. No experience in necessary. Contact Dr. Kevin Simons to get connected!

Listen to “All Glory, Laud, & Honor”

VOice for Life

Youth Choir

Singing in the choir isn’t just for adults. It can be an enormously formative experience for kids, too! Students third grade and above are invited to join the Voice For Life: Youth Choir. At St. John’s, we use the Voice for Life curriculum, a comprehensive singing program that teaches students to read music, sing with good technique and hone their leadership skills.

What is Voice for Life? Visit the official page for the Royal School of Church Music in America: Voice for Life

Rehearsal & Worship

Voice for Life rehearsals each Sunday beginning at 9 AM. They join the adult choir for our 10:30 worship service and then continue the theory protion of the VFL program from 11:30 to Noon.

Meet the Director

Meet Heather. She is a music education major concluding her degree at Saginaw Valley State University. She has been with St. John’s for several years and has attended the Royal School of Church Music conference two summers in a row for additional training in support of the Voice for Life program.

Heather Seaton, Voice for Life Director

A College Ministry

Choral Scholars

The Choral Scholar Program is was first instituted by Director of Music and Organist, Kevin Simons, in 2006.  Its original purpose was to support the work of the choir in worship and liturgy but has since expanded its ministry to include working with youth choirs and cantering.  The program operates in two directions. The church benefits from the musical skills and expertise of the scholars and the church helps them to develop better their choral background.  The scholars also learn many soft skills such as working with volunteer singers, appropriate literature for a church choir and building community.

Scholars in the Community

Choral Scholar, Heather Seaton, Attends RSCM Conference

  This summer, Choral Scholar Heather Seaton had a chance to venture south to be steeped in the rich traditions of Anglican church music during a Royal School of Church Music (also known as VOICE for Life) conferences in North Carolina. Based at St. John's in...

Kevin Simons Directs the Sewanee Church Music Confrence

Pop Quiz: Who directs the oldest Anglican church music conference in the United States? You're very own St. John's Director of Music and Organist, Kevin Simons, that's who! Sewanee TN, is not only the alma matter of our rector, Fr. Curt but also the host of the...

Leadership Profile: The 2014 Choral Scholars

Recently, I had a conversation with the St. John's Choral Scholars.  The premise was simple.  Tell us about yourself, how you influence St. John's and how the people of St. John's influence you.   From breaking dishes to baptisms I think you'll be surprised at the...

An Unofficial Choral Scholar Homecoming!

A few weeks ago, the choir and subsequently the 10:30 congregation had an unofficial homecoming of choral scholars.  Three of our scholars, Jeremiah Kraniak (current scholar), Tami Snyder-Knutson (former scholar) and Rachelle Austin (former scholar) were featured...

Meet the Scholars

Claire Barckholtz

Claire Barckholtz

Soprano

Audrey Johnson

Audrey Johnson

Alto

Pierce Tyndall

Pierce Tyndall

Tenor

Adam Coggins

Adam Coggins

Baritone

Alumni (2013-Current)

  • 2018: Claire Barckholtz, Audrey Johnson, Tyler Morse
  • 2017: Claire Barckholtz, Heather Seaton, Tyler Morse, David Horwath
  • 2016: Claire Barckholtz, Heather Seaton, Wesley Fleisher, Tyler Morse
  • 2015: Claire Barckholtz, Emerald Joiner, Jeremiah Kraniak, Bradley Fergin
  • 2014: Amanda Perkins, Emerald Joiner, Jeremiah Kraniak, Keven Washburn
  • 2013: Amanda Perkins, Emerald Joiner, Jeremiah Kraniak, Kurt Dickson

Alumni (2005-2012)

  • 2012: Rachelle Austin, Emerald Joiner, Jeremiah Kraniak, Bradley Fergin
  • 2011: Rachelle Austin, Jeremiah Kraniak, Donavon Tear, Bradley Fergin
  • 2010: Tami Snyder-Knutson, Rachelle Austin, Caleb Knutson, Donavon Tear
  • 2009: Tami Snyder-Knutson, Marcus C. Roll, Caleb Knutson
  • 2008: Tami Snyder-Knutson, Marcus C. Roll, Jeremy P. Myers
  • 2007: Tami Snyder-Knutson, Marcus C. Roll, Jeremy P. Myers
  • 2006: Megan K. Reid, Marcus C. Roll, Jeremy P. Myers