Music Ministry

“He who sings prays twice” – St. Augustine

Music at SJD strives to offer a sacred, rich musical experience for everyone, from cradle to grave. Our music ministry is integral to our worship and liturgy. The Choir of St. John the Divine draws from the rich Anglican choral tradition and the principles of the Royal School of Church Music’s Voice for Life curriculum. The SJD Worship Band offers a vibrant worship experience through modern music and original compositions.

Our ministry strives to foster and strengthen a lifelong appreciation for music in children and adults. Singers in our program find a sense of belonging and purpose by leading worship as a community of faith.

Musical ensembles include:

• The SJD Chorister Program
  ages 3 – grade 12; rehearses Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons
• The SJD Chorale
  Adults; rehearses Wednesday evenings 7 – 9 pm
• The Choir of St. John the Divine
  An intergenerational choir combining the talents of our Junior and SJD Choristers and members of the SJD Chorale.
• The SJD Worship Band
  The band leads worship at the 9:15 am Awesome Worship service and 11:15 am Modern Worship service.

Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 7 – 9 pm in the Choir Room

The Chorale, our adult choir, sings weekly at the 9:00 am and 11:15 am traditional services. Choir members may choose to sing at one or both services. The Chorale also provides musical leadership for Christmas and Easter celebrations along with the other great feasts of the church year. Music from the rich Anglican choral tradition forms the heart of our repertoire. There is no formal audition, but a meeting with the Director of Music is needed for voice placement. New members are always welcome.

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The SJD Chorister Program offers a rich choral experience for children and youth from age 3 – grade 12. The program utilizes the Royal School of Church Music Voice for Life curriculum. All age-appropriate groups rehearse on Wednesdays and sing in various services throughout the year.

The SJD Worship Band exists to glorify God and lead his people in musical worship, through modern praise choruses, ancient hymns of the faith, and original compositions. Led by Sarah Gividen, the band leads the 9:15 am Awesome Worship service and 11:15 am Modern Worship service.

Evensong Series

The Choir of St. John the Divine leads this contemplative service of sung evening prayer in the Church at 5 pm.

Choral Evensong: November 2
Choral Evensong: January 11
Choral Evensong: February 1
Choral Evensong: March 1
Choral Evensong: May 3
Choral Evensong: May 31

Ken Cowan Organ Recital– Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of SJD’s Létourneau Organ

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the grand Létourneau organ in the Church at a special concert featuring virtuoso organist Ken Cowan. Widely recognized as one of North America’s finest concert organists, Ken is an associate professor of music at Rice University, admired for his dazzling artistry, impeccable technique, and imaginative programming. He performs regularly in leading venues and churches across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia.

Join us on Saturday, September 20, at 5 pm in the Church for this unforgettable evening of music, followed by a reception in Sumners Hall. Admission is free, but tickets are required.

ROCO Concert Series

Known as “the most fun you can have with serious music,” ROCO was founded in 2005 at The Church of St. John the Divine by oboist and Juilliard graduate, Alecia Lawyer. After multiple experiences in other musical start-ups, she saw the need for a sustainable and thriving model that would focus on authentic connections between musicians and audiences. Her work of “Wildcatting in the Arts” has expanded through a vibrant and multi-talented team that has made ROCO known for its dedication to living and diverse composers, multigenerational audiences, and free access to classical music for all.

21st Season Performances at St. John the Divine | 5 - 7 pm in the Church

“Feels Like Home”: September 27

“Fragrant Memories”: November 1

“Do You Hear What I Hear?”: February 7

“Seeing Is Believing”: April 18

Learn more about ROCO

Advent Lessons and Carols

The Choir of St. John the Divine will lead this service of Advent Lessons and Carols on December 7 at 5 pm in the Church.

Cameron Carpenter Organ Recital – Thursday, May 7, at 7:30 PM

In the stunning acoustics of St. John the Divine, Cameron Carpenter makes the organ sing. Blending technical perfection with transcendent musicality, he performs timeless works by Bach alongside Mussorgsky's epic Pictures at an Exhibition. Tickets are available through Performing Arts Houston.