Music Ministry

"The Music Ministry of Skidaway Island Methodist Church exists for the sole purpose of glorifying God through music and worship. In keeping with the foundations of Methodism, we seek to 'move on towards perfection' in our lives and in the musical offerings we bring our creator. The ministry strives to provide a place for individuals to share their God-given talents while being encouraged through fellowship with other believers. We hope to draw ourselves and others closer to God by invoking his spirit to move through our music, and touch the hearts and lives of his people."

Here in Savannah, we appreciate and uphold a strong heritage of sacred music. John and Charles Wesley printed the first American hymnal here in 1736, and Lowell Mason composed many of his famous hymns while serving in Savannah. Whether you choose to participate in one of our ensembles or attend one of our many concerts, we invite you to become a part of this heritage at SIUMC.

Affiliations

Skidaway Island Methodist Church and its Music Staff are proud members of the following organizations:

The American Choral Director's Assocation
The American Guild of Handbell Ringers
The American Guild of Organists
The Charles Wesley Society
The Chorister's Guild
The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts
The Hymn Society

Chancel Choir

Known for its strong sense of musical excellence, the choir sings weekly at the 10:00 am worship service and at other special services throughout the year. The choir sings a wide range of repertoire including masterworks, hymn arrangements, spirituals, and contemporary settings; some commissioned especially for our choir.

Past major works include Handel’s Messiah, Faure’s Requiem, DuBois’ Seven Last Words of Christ, Haydn's Lord Nelson Mass, Vivaldi's Gloria, and Stainer’s Crucifixion. The choir maintains an active presence in the community and tours both stateside and abroad. There is no audition for this ensemble; membership is open to anyone high-school age and above.

Handbell Choirs

The Chancel Choir, with 50 active members, is our Music Ministry’s premiere ensemble.

Known for its strong sense of musical excellence, the choir sings weekly at the 10:00 am worship service and at other special services throughout the year. The choir sings a wide range of repertoire including masterworks, hymn arrangements, spirituals, and contemporary settings; some commissioned especially for our choir.

Past major works include Handel’s Messiah, Faure’s Requiem, DuBois’ Seven Last Words of Christ, Haydn's Lord Nelson Mass, Vivaldi's Gloria, and Stainer’s Crucifixion. The choir maintains an active presence in the community and tours both stateside and abroad. There is no audition for this ensemble; membership is open to anyone high-school age and above.

Other Opportunities

Cokesbury Choir

The Cokesbury Choir is a "pick-up" choir that provides musical leadership for the 8:30 am worship service. Singing only on the third Sunday of the month, this ensemble rehearses at 8:00 am in the choir room and prepares an "old favorite" out of the Cokesbury Hymnal. Music reading skills are not required and members of the Chancel Choir are always on hand to provide vocal leadership. There is no commitment required, and members do not have to wear robes. The Cokesbury Choir rehearses at 8:00 am on the third Sunday of each month, September through May.

Summer Choir

The Summer Choir provides vocal leadership for the 10:00 am worship service during the summer months. This ensemble rehearses just before worship and prepares only that Sunday's music. This is a great opportunity for those who want to try singing in a choir for a short period of time with no commitment. The Summer Choir rehearses at 9:15 am in the choir room, June through August.

Joyce Luettich Scholarship

The Joyce Luettich Memorial Scholarship provides financial support for tuition and fees and nurturing fellowship to university and high-school student recipients.