Music Opportunities For All Ages

Northminster’s music program has always been a vital part of the worship and community life of our congregation.  We were one of the first churches in the metro Detroit area to have handbells, a set of Petit & Fritzens stored in a wicker basket, back in the early ‘60s!

Over the years, our vocal and handbell choirs have participated in workshops, festivals, and concerts in the Detroit area and other states.  The choir performed in Orchestra Hall with the DSO as part of the 300^th birthday celebration of Bach and Handel in the ‘80s.  They sang John Rutter’s “Gloria” and “The Reluctant Dragon” with Central Woodward Christian Church in the ‘90s.  The choirs of Northminster and Trinity Community have combined several times in worship, beginning with Robert Ray’s “Gospel Mass” and including a service of special music at Christmas time.  In the fall of 2003, we were among the local choirs that joined Detroit Concert Choir for “Gospel Mass.”  2005 was a busy year.  We celebrated our 50th anniversary in the way we know best:  with a special worship service filled with all kinds of music.  We also sang in the mass choir at the Martin Luther King, Jr., convocation at Westminster Church in Detroit, joined with First Presbyterian in Birmingham for a special hymn festival in February, and were honored to be asked to sing at Presbytery of Detroit and Synod of the Covenant services.  Our first big event in 2006 is a concert of gospel and spiritual music with First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham as part of their concert series. 

Northminster has always been blessed with many talented musicians that allow us to be creative in our worship.  On any Sunday, music might include selections from “Godspell,” Aaron Copland, Paul Winter, J.S. Bach, Andre Thomas, music from the Sacred Harp, from around the world, and from all different eras.  Many of our members and children also play instruments and those gifts add to the richness of our musical life.  As our population changes, new groups form and others dissolve.  We have had handbell ensembles, a children’s handbell choir, a percussion group, and different children’s and teen choirs over the years.  Current musical opportunities are described here.  Maybe one of them is right for you!

Director of Music Ministries:  Beth Jones

Beth received a Bachelor of Music degree with major in church music from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana in 1969.  She did post-graduate work at Ball State University, where she completed requirements for a teaching certificate, and came to Northminster in 1971.  As Director of Music Ministries, Beth plays the organ and piano, directs the vocal and both handbell choirs, and works with the children’s groups.  She is active in the Presbyterian Association of Musicians (PAM) and spent the last couple of years organizing the Westminster Worship and Music Conference that was held in the summer of 2004.  Beth’s husband, Duncan, is also a musician, a jazz pianist, and his contributions to Northminster are too many to mention.  Besides making Sunday morning worship a wonderful experience, the Joneses have combined their talents in choir shows, talent shows, and art shows.

Adult Choir

The Adult Choir welcomes singers high school age and beyond, and has a varied repertoire.  It performs music from many eras and styles, including Renaissance madrigals, Early American hymns, gospel, contemporary music of all kinds, and music from all over the world.  The choir participates in outside workshops when available and enjoys opportunities to combine their talents with other groups for special performances.  The Adult Choir rehearses September through early June on Wednesdays from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m.

Northminster Bells

Northminster Bells is a high school through adult group that rings five-octave music using complicated notation and advanced techniques.  Some of the ringers in NB have been ringing for more than 30 years!  The handbell choir also uses hand chimes and percussion instruments to enhance the music.  Both of Northminster’s bell choirs participate in American Guild of English Handbell Ringers (AGEHR) events and try to attend one mass ring each year.  NB went to the AGEHR Area V festival in Battle Creek that took place in October 2003.  Northminster Bells rehearses on Wednesdays from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.

All God’s Children

Formed in 2000, All God’s Children is a joint venture of Northminster’s Music and Christian Education programs.  Children age 2 through grade 6 meet with adults who use stories, songs, and fellowship to build an appreciation of music as a worship offering.  The children are divided into two groups.  Older children, the Praise Pals, meet in the Sanctuary and are learning to play handbells.  The Play Pals, preschool age children 2 to 5 years, meet in the Sunday school area for story time and singing.  All God’s Children meets Sunday mornings from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. during the regular school year.

Please contact us at music@troynorthminster.com

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