Music ministry at St. Bartholomew’s is well known throughout the diocese for offering a rich tapestry of sacred music. A love of music-making and a willingness to learn are all that is required for most ministries. All ensembles for children and adults teach and reinforce the ability to read music and other singing and listening skills as well as an understanding of leading liturgy and congregational song.

For more information on becoming part of music ministry at St. Bart’s, please contact John-Luke Addison, Director Music at (858) 432-7112.

The Parish Choir is open to all adults, young and older, high school-aged and above. The Choir rehearses Thursdays 7-9 p.m. and sings at the Sunday 10:15 a.m. service, as well as monthly Evensong services or concerts. The Choir sings larger works and other services according to the season, including masterworks such as Mozart’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, and Vivaldi’s Gloria; our annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols and Passion for Lententide; and our annual dramatic productions. Additional opportunities are also available within the choir for those interested in more advanced and smaller ensemble work.

Choir School for youth ages 6-13 enriches your child with a well-rounded musical education by learning the fundamentals of choral music. Rehearsals will include completing music theory workbooks, and periodic examinations to advance levels. Children will sing once monthly in church, and at other special services (Christmas Eve, Annual Carol Service, Choristers’ Evensong, Easter Sunday, etc.). Choir School rehearses Sundays 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Cantors help lead congregational singing and sing psalms and other service music at all weekend liturgies. A willingness to lead sung prayer and confidence in one’s own singing are sustained and developed in this ministry, open to all ages. 

The Schola Cantorum is a vocal ensemble that specializes in meditative music, both ancient and contemporary, including Plainsong, Taizé, and other music for contemplation, in a small ensemble setting. The Schola, often for those interested in a less regular Sunday singing commitment, rehearses Wednesdays 6-7 p.m. and sings at 1-2 services each month.

The Handbell Choir provides distinctive sounds and liturgical accompaniment to psalms, service music, and hymns appropriate to the season, as well as larger festival repertoire. The 5-octave ensemble rehearses Monday evenings 7-8:30 p.m. and plays at 1-2 services each month. No experience is necessary to join, and all ages are encouraged to participate.

The String Ensemble (violin, viola, cello, contrabass) prepares music at weekly Wednesday 7:00-8:00 p.m. rehearsals for monthly worship services, as well as for special events and concerts. Recent concerts include Mozart's Requiem, Stainer's The Crucifixion, and Faure's Requiem. The ensemble plays at 1-2 services each month, and other special occasions, such as Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday.

The ReGeneration Band are musicians who sing and/or play contemporary instruments (guitars, drums, solo instruments) at our monthly ReGeneration contemporary worship services, and periodic Sunday morning services. Anyone who has a passion for contemporary music and soul-filled, spirit-led singing is encouraged to participate.

Our St. Bart's Brass Choir is an ensemble for brass instruments (trumpet, trombone, horn, euphonium, tuba) that plays at 1-2 services per month, as well as for special events and concerts, such as the Festival of Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve, and Easter services.

The St. Bartholomew's Community Choir sings the great masterworks along with the Parish Choir at 1-2 concerts each year. For those wishing to sing without making a weekly commitment to singing on Sundays, this is the perfect ensemble for you! A lighter 5-6 week schedule per concert is all that is required to sing. Come join us!

Musicianship classes (learning to read music; music theory; learn and improve sight-reading and listening skills) are offered approximately one Saturday morning or weekday evening per month. Classes can be geared toward different skill levels and age groups, guided by interest.

Support musical events at St. Bart’s!

Interested in supporting music at St. Bart’s in other ways? Volunteer to serve on the Concert Series Committee which meets every year to help brainstorm ideas for concerts and to staff front-of-house needs!

For more information on supporting or becoming part of music ministry at St. Bart’s, please contact John-Luke Addison, Director of Music at (858) 432-7112.