Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth:
make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
Sing unto the LORD with the harp;
with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.
With trumpets and sound of cornet---
make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King. Psalm 98:4-6

Sewickley United Methodist Church enjoys a very talented, active, and diverse music ministry. If you are at all musically inclined, there is sure to be a spot for you in one of our vocal or instrumental groups, which span all ages. Read on for details, and if you are interested in serving God with your musical gift, please contact one of the leaders below.

Music Ministries

Chancel Choir Cody Soska, Director This adult choir leads the congregation in song and performs an anthem during the traditional worship service. Music ranges from classical to contemporary choral arrangements accompanied by organ or piano. Rehearsals are every Thursday at 7:30 pm in the choir room, and while the ability to read music always helps, it is not at all necessary. The choir recesses during the summer months, but many of its singers still lead hymns during the service.

Wesley Chorale Pam Mayo & Kelly Herman, Directors Wesley Chorale is a choir for kids in grades 6 through 12. They lead worship several times a year for both the traditional and contemporary services. Music is sung in two and three-part harmony and, on occasion, incorporates instrumental accompaniment by members of the choir. Rehearsals run for 45 minutes on Sundays after the second service. This choir recesses from June through August, but its members are encouraged to offer special music during the summer months.

Youth Choir Cody Soska, Director This adorable group of children, ages 4 to 10, brings us their gift of song several times throughout the year in both the traditional and contemporary services. They also perform a Christmas pageant in December. Rehearsals are every Thursday from 6:30 to 7:00 pm in the choir room. This choir also recesses during the summer.

Handbell Choir Pam Mayo, Director Our three-octave handbell choir performs during the traditional service the second Sunday of every month, as well as during special services and community events. Don't be intimidated---you do not need to be skilled in reading music to be a part of this ministry. In fact, it is a great way to learn how to do so. The choir rehearses in the large room in the basement every Thursday, 6:15 to 7:15 pm. This choir also recesses during the summer.

United Methodist Players of SUMC Jeff & Sara Canter, Directors Under the direction of the father/daughter team of Jeff and Sara Canter, this group occasionally performs for the public at fundraising events. Previous shows include Broadway to Broad Street, a review of Broadway show tunes, and The Big Broadcast of '43, a variety show recreating radio shows heard during World War II.

Leap of Faith Hurst Bartley, Leader Our praise band leads the contemporary service every Sunday and rehearses Wednesday nights from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.

Music Notes

These are the most recent thoughts from Cody. The entire archive can be found on the church blog site.

Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.