Music

The Shades Crest Music Ministry is a dynamic, vibrant place to develop and share your musical gifts to impact God's Kingdom.

Preschool/Children's Choirs

Did you know that more than 100 children have enrolled in our Wednesday evening choir program? This includes children in the Two year old department through Grade 6. Also, grade school children may register for our Handbell/Handchime groups. Why should your child participate...because he or she will sing/ring praises to God and learn musical concepts with fun, engaging games and activities which have been specifically tailored for his/her age group. Contact Cathy Bearden at 823-2454.

Youth Choir

Youth Choir meets Sunday afternoons at 4:00 PM in the Music Hall; students will be guided to develop musically, and as they do so, they will learn spiritual and life lessons. All students in this age group are invited, regardless of their previous music experience. Contact Marilyn Crotty at 822-1360.

Sanctuary Choir and Vocal Ensembles

Adults are invited to Sanctuary Choir, which rehearses each Wednesday evening from 7:00 - 8:00 PM in the Music Hall.  Now is a great time to enroll, as the choir not only prepares for Sunday worship services, but also is looking toward the preparation of Lenten and Easter music. Sanctuary Choir members have further opportunities to participate through Women's and Men's Ensembles. Contact Marilyn Crotty at 822-1360.

Mountainaires Choir

This is a choir for adults who are at least 50 years old.  No younguns allowed!!!  The music is carefully selected: it will speak to your heart and is musically satisfying.  This group meets on Thursday mornings from 10:30 - 11:15 and makes frequent music ministry trips to area nursing/assisted living homes. And, it includes some great lunch and fellowship opportunities! Contact Gail Scruggs at 822-5236 or Mark Johnson at 822-1360.

Sanctuary Orchestra

Sanctuary Orchestra meets bright and early on Sunday mornings at 8:15 AM! Set your Sunday clock early and honor God by sharing your musical gifts. This group leads in Sunday morning worship by accompanying congregational singing and presenting preludes, meditations, and offertories. All experienced instrumentalists are invited to audition. Contact Marilyn Crotty at 822-1360.

Sanctuary Handbell Choir

Sanctuary Handbell Choir has a 5:30-6:45 PM Sunday afternoon rehearsal schedule. College students and adults (music-readers) are invited to participate in handbells. This is a musically challenging, team-building, worship enhancing, totally unique way of making music, and... it is a LOT OF FUN! Contact Marilyn Crotty at 822-1360.

Music Groups

Choirs and ensembles for every age rehearse weekly. There is a place for you to give expression to your musical gifts to the glory of God.

For preschoolers and children, age 2 through grade 6 (during the school year)

For students, grades 7-12

For College Students and Adults

Special Events

The music ministry presents special programs throughout the year. Some are centered around the Christian Year, especially during the Advent/Christmas and Lenten/Easter Seasons. Occasionally, we collaborate with other ministries in missional events, such as fund-raising concerts for the Christian Women’s Job Core, or music advocacy events like our GlobeBeat Music Camp performance or the Sanctuary Orchestra’s Noisy Kids Holiday Concert.

Music Ministry Leadership Team

Timothy Banks, Interim Worship and Music Leader, Director of Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra

Cathy Bearden, Children’s Choir Coordinator

Sheila Bridges, Children’s Handbell Choir Director

Sara Bryan, Organist

Marilyn Crotty, Pianist, Sanctuary Handbell Choir Director, Music Ministry Assistant

Gail Scruggs, Mountainaires Senior Adult Choir Director, Women's Ensemble Director

Related Links:

• What to Expect - Worship
• Shades Crest School of the Arts