Music at Second
Music Ministry
The basic element of our faith calls us to worship God. Music is a vital part of worship and ministry in the life of Second Baptist Church. As we lift our praises,, we are inspired to carry our faith into our daily ministries. To fulfill our commission of bringing music to the hearts of all at Second Baptist Church, we offer many venues for participation.
Children’s Choirs
For children as early as infants, Second Baptist Church provides a place for them to begin their musical training in Wee Praise. For children, preschool through grade five, that opportunity takes place on Wednesday evenings from 6:20 through 6:55 p.m. To further develop sight reading skills, third grade children may take advantage of a Chime Choir and fourth and fifth grade children can be a part of the Children’s Handbell Choir, all meeting at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Youth Choirs
Our young people become part of the Youth Ministry as they move to the Middle School, which usually happens in the sixth grade. At this age, they move into a Middle School Choir, further developing their part-singing skills that began in children’s choirs. This continues into the Senior High Youth Choir, continuing the progression of choral singing. Part of our experiences have taken the Senior High Choir on a mission trip, singing in churches and assisting churches with mission work.
Adult Choirs
The Sanctuary Choir takes primary responsibility for providing music for 11:00 a.m. worship. Additionally, our performances have taken us to present Christmas Concerts at Bruton Parish in Williamsburg, as well as presenting Christmas and other seasonal concerts here at the church. In recent years, a Christmas Dinner Theater has become a tradition. Membership is open throughout the year.
Ensembles
How fortunate we are to have so many talented individuals, helping us to provide music in worship. Much of the music that takes place in the early, 8:45 a.m. service is provided by a small group, due to space restrictions. Organized select ensembles include JUBILATE (young adult), CHORALE (adult), ONE SPIRIT (high school girls), BRETHREN (high school boys) and two women’s ensembles. Seasonally, an emphasis is made to utilize the talents of our college students. Traditionally, they sing for the 11:00 p.m. Candlelight service on Christmas eve and in worship during the summer.
Handbells
A fully graded handbell choir ministry enables us to augment our music in worship. Training is available beginning with the Chime Choir and continues with Children’s Handbell Choir, Middle School Handbell Choir, Senior High Handbell Choir and two adult groups, the SECOND BELLS and the VESPER BELLS. Generally, membership is open during the fall for children and youth. Adult groups have openings from time to time, and if you are interested, please contact the church office.
Instrumental Ensemble
This group is composed of mainly adults, but is also open to youth, middle school and up, who have at least two years of playing experience. They perform arrangements for worship as well as accompany choral groups and hymn-singing. We invite anyone to be a part of this ensemble who owns or has access to an orchestral instrument, and who wants to reshape those musical skills from years past.
Fine Arts Academy
Lessons with private instructors are available in the areas of piano, organ, voice and strings through the church. Anyone interested may call Bill Miller for details.
