Music Ministry

Music in the church glorifies God and is integral to our worship and liturgy – worship being the core of our congregational life. It encourages the congregation’s song in corporate prayer and praise. Music takes us beyond words, enabling all present to encounter the mystery of God in Christ Jesus.

As we strive to foster and strengthen a lifelong appreciation for music in both children and adults, we offer abundant opportunities for singers and worshipers to become involved. Throughout the years, our choristers have found friendship, joy, and a welcoming community through their involvement in the choirs of St. John the Divine.

Music groups include:

• The SJD Chorister Program
  ages 3 – grade 12; rehearses Wednesday afternoon
• The SJD Chorale
  Adults; rehearses Thursday evenings 7 – 9 pm
• The Choir of St. John the Divine
  An intergenerational choir combining the talents of our Junior and Senior 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 Table service.

Rehearsals: Thursdays, 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 sings regular Evensong services and provides the 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 its 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 Table 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: January 5
Choral Evensong: February 2
Choral Evensong: March 2
Choral Evensong: April 6
Choral Evensong: May 4
Choral Evensong: June 1

Daryl Robinson Organ Recital

October 21, 7:30 - 9 pm: Concert Artist Daryl Robinson offers a solo organ concert on Monday, October 21, at 7:30 on our grand Létourneau organ. This is part of the annual East Texas Pipe Organ Festival. Free and open to the public.

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.

20th Season Performances at St. John the Divine
5 - 7 pm in the Church

Courageous: February 8

Learn more about ROCO

Concert - Tenebrae: A Celestial Gift

Tenebrae, one of the most famous performing choral groups in the world, offers a concert at The Church of St. John the Divine on Saturday, November 9, at 7:30 pm. This event is ticketed; tickets can be purchased on the Performing Arts Houston website.

Advent Lessons and Carols

The Choir of St. John the Divine will lead this service of Advent Lessons and Carols on December 1 at 5 pm in the Church.