“Everyone in my choir has become a family to me”, choir director Bob Wuertz tells anyone who asks about his group. “We bond so much through our music; we sing, we laugh; we pray together. This is a support network within a dynamic, growing church family.”
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The Music Department at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church is just what Bob described. If you have any desires to express your faith and talents through music, there’s a group for you at Good Sam.
Choir
Our adult Chancel Choir has doubled in size recently, and we’re looking at a choir loft expansion and remodel project in the very near future. This doesn’t mean we have all the singers we want. This means there’s an opportunity for you to join us.
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 the church music industry. 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. On some given Sundays the men out number the women. The choir really rises to the occasion and will surprise you on what they can accomplish.
Bell Choir
Our bell choir is called Bell A’Peal. This has been a strong tradition at Good Sam, one in which we’re very proud! We have a full compliment of five octaves, plus chimes; and the variety in the repertoire available is phenomenal. The amount of ringers that play may vary from small ensembles of five up to a larger choir of thirteen to fourteen players.
This is a wonderful opportunity for you to enjoy playing 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.
Musicians
Instrumentalists are incorporated into worship quite frequently here at Good Sam. We find that many of our members played an instrument in high school or college. Even 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, group participation in praise bands, and special string and brass music for high holy days, such as Lessons and Carols and Easter. Guitars, tambourines, drums and other instruments compliment our all praise music worship on second Sundays of each month. Praise songs include a full compliment of music; including songs from the Cursillo Community and cutting edge current releases from top Christian artists.
Youth Music
The music opportunities for youth are growing. Although a formal children’s choir is not up and running, small groups of voices have performed in services; and more music is introduced in individual Sunday school classes on Sundays. No doubt, this is definitely the next growth area musically for Good Sam.
So come check us out. You won’t find a friendlier group of people here at Good Sam. The musicians are not only genuinely friendly; 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 call our music director, Bob Wuertz, at (619) 980-9420.
Rehearsal schedules and worship participation schedules are listed here for your convenience. We hope you’ll come and visit, stay, and let your faith be warmly expressed through your music here at Good Sam.
Adult Chancel Choir
Rehearses Thursday evenings 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Sing every Sunday at the second service, except second Sundays of the month.
Bell A’Peal
Rehearses Wednesday evenings 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Plays on first Sunday of each month
Praise Choir
No formal rehearsal schedule. Occasional Sat. practice
Plays on Second Sunday of each month