Music Ministries

Make a joyful noise!

Choirs: There is a place for you in the Choir Loft at St. John’s!

Whether you are age 4 or 94; whether you have sung in a choir your whole life, or have never sung in a choir before; whether you read music or don’t; there is a place for you! Come, seek, sing! We seek to provide easily accessible musical opportunities for all ages at St. John’s. Details about each choir and rehearsal schedules are on the Choirs page. A a few things to consider are:
  • Consider joining choir as a FAMILY. With our service schedule, families can learn and worshiptogether. Why not in the Choir Loft? Learn about music and fellowship in your age appropriate choir, and learn about liturgical leadership and worship as a family. While childrenare in Sunday School, their parents can attend Parish Choir rehearsal in the Choir Loft. Ithink we have a unique opportunity at St. John’s to commit to serving our church – and helpingto lead the services – children and parents and grandparents together.
  • If you have always wanted to try choir, just come! In-CHOIR-er’s welcome! We always welcome visitors! Pop in on a Wednesday afternoon or come up to the Choir Loft on a Sundaymorning.
  • Join a choir for a special season or event – Advent and Christmas, Lent and Easter, The ChristmasPageants, The Spring Musical, Compline Choir, etc. Schedules are busy, life is hectic, soccerseason is long! Just because you don’t start in September, doesn’t mean you can’t joinlater: talk to Abbey if you have special circumstances!
If you have any questions about our Music Program at St. John’s, please don’t hesitate to contact Abbey at music@stjohnsnh.org.

Young Organist Collaborative (YOC)

YOC became a ministry of St. John's in November, 2001 when Bishop Theuner gave the parish $1,000 at the blessing and dedication of St. John's new LeTourneau organ.  Presenting the check to Dianne Dean, our (then) organist and choir director, he charged St. John's with the responsibility of teaching young people to play the pipe organ and become the next generation of church organists. 

A committee was formed to develop this ecumenical ministry and YOC has had great success.  The first group of students began lessons in the fall of 2002.  Since then we have given scholarships for organ lessons to more than 80 youth of various denominations in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts who are taught by area organists.  Five of our program graduates are currently majoring in organ performance at prestigious colleges including Oberlin and Holy Cross.

YOC is seeking new committee members who can attend nine hour-long monthly meetings per year and who can bring skills and ideas to the group.  We get a lot of work done in one hour.  Thank you for your interest! 

Click here for the YOC Infomational Flyer and here for the YOC Scholarship Application

Contacts:  Judy Howard, chair (603-436-0688 or judyhoward1@myfairpoint.net) and Ellie Sanderson (603-436-7299)