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"For he that sings praise, not only praises, but only praises with gladness: he that sings praise, not only sings, but also loves him of whom he sings. In praise, there is the speaking forth of one confessing; in singing, the affection of one loving."
-- Saint
Augustine, Exposition on Psalm 73, 1
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Music is an important part of our liturgy. At Good Sam we worship God using a variety of musical styles spanning past several centuries including traditional hymns and chant, contemporary pieces, gospel, jazz, and praise music. We worship with a mix of music, so that each liturgy contains elements that appeal to every member of our diverse community. We invite you to fully participate in the congregation by singing, clapping your hands, and any other way of making a "joyful noise" to our God!
The congregation is led in music by the chancel choir, Bell A'Peal (the handbell choir), and various instruments including piano, organ, guitar, strings, and percussion. Information about these groups, including rehearsal schedules and worship participation schedules are listed below. If you would like to express your faith and talents through music, there's a group for you at Good Sam. We hope you'll come and visit, stay, and let your faith be warmly expressed through your music here at Good Sam.
You won't find a friendlier group of people here at Good Sam. We're also crazy about fellowship and fun. Let this loving family embrace you and take you on a wonderful faith journey. You may contact the church office for more information, or come visit in the choir stalls.
Chancel Choir
Rehearsals:
7:30 - 9:00pm Tuesday nights (will switch to Thursday evenings in December)
8:45 - 9:15am Sunday mornings before the service
The choir sings every Sunday and high holy days. Rehearsal times change during the summer.
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What makes the Good Sam choir so enjoyable is the diversity of music we sing: good classical literature, spirituals, original compositions and current contemporary anthems written by leading composers in church music. We've often been labeled as the "little dynamo choir." This may arise from the fact that our part distribution of voices is well balanced. The choir really rises to the occasion and will surprise you on what they can accomplish.
The adult choir is open to any one of high school age and older. No experience required (not necessary to read music), and no audition!
Bell A'Peal
Rehearsals:
7:30 - 9:00pm Wednesday evenings
The bell choir plays on first Sunday of each month.
Our bell choir is called Bell A'Peal. We have a full complement of five octaves, plus chimes. The variety in the repertoire is phenomenal. The amount of ringers that play varies from small ensembles of five up to a larger choir of ten players. You can enjoying playing bells even if you are not the world's best musician. If you can count you can play with us. With bell playing, you watch for your particular note in the music and ring the bell(s) on the correct count. We have workshops for beginners, and all age groups are welcome.
Our director, JoAnne Hammond, has been our dynamic leader for many years. Her expertise in bells is surpassed only by her passion and love for her music and for the ringers in her group.
Instrumental Musicians
Rehearsal and liturgical schedule determined on an individual basis.
Musicians who play musical instruments are often included in worship at Good Sam. We find that many of our members played an instrument in high school or college. Our elementary, mid-high and high school age students contribute their talents this way from time to time.
Opportunities include solo or ensemble playing during worship and special orchestral music for high holy days, such as the Advent Choral Celebration and Easter. Guitars, tambourines, drums and other instruments often complement our all liturgical every Sunday.
We are always looking for musicians to join the "band." Please see Tom any Sunday if you are interested in playing. An informal audition may be required, and you must be able to read music and have a good command of your instrument.
_ last updated October 2012 _
