Music for Worship

The music program has been under the leadership of our organist/choirmaster Drew Kreismer since 1984. As a graduate of Kean University (BA Interior Design), Westminster Choir College (BS Church Music/Organ), and Montclair State University (NJ Teaching Certificate and MA Music Education), he is well equipped to lead the music program of three singing choirs, a bell choir, brass ensemble, various instrumentalists, and the St. John's Chamber Ensemble. We consistently present traditional quality music at the 10 AM Sunday service and most holy days.

The Cherub Choir is composed of children aged 3-7. They rehearse weekly and sing once a month at the 10 AM Family service as well as Christmas and Easter. In addition to learning the basics of group singing, they learn about the church, God, and the love of Jesus through song. The group also serves as a training ground for the Choristers. They are led jointly by Renee Peters and Drew Kreismer.

The Choristers is a choir for children ages 8-13. They rehearse weekly and sing at the 10 AM Family service once a month as well as most holy days. This group offers children the chance to strengthen sight singing skills while developing a sense of true Christian commitment to the church and its worship. There is no cost to join, and both choirs are led by a professional music educator.

Together these two choirs with many members of our Sunday School present the annual Christmas pageant in December, followed by a potluck supper and caroling.

Summer Choir School invites children to join us for a church music adventure this summer from August 14-18, from 9-12 noon daily. With a highly qualified staff, the Choir School is led by St. John’s organist/choirmaster Drew Kreismer who is well experienced with elementary aged children and is passionate about developing their love of music making in The Church. More information can be found elsewhere on our website.

The Senior Choir is for adult singers of all ages. The all-volunteer, non-auditioned group rehearses weekly and sings at every 10 AM service as well as most holy days from September to June. A less formal choir gathers in the warm months of July and August to lead our worship during the summer. The Senior Choir is made of many committed members who are also incredibly active in other areas of church life as well. Their leadership in worship is invaluable. We have an extensive library of choral music spanning many centuries. This choir regularly sings in four parts and sight reads well. They sing works from major oratorios like "Messiah", various cantatas, and requiem masses. Professional instrumentalists (brass and strings) are regularly brought in to supplement high holy day services at Christmas, Holy Week, and Easter.

These groups are solely volunteer. The members who give regularly of their time and talents are indeed performing significant Christian service for the parish. In the same way, such groups exist only with volunteers, and new members are very much necessary as previous members “pass through the ranks.” Anyone can participate for any length of time. Simply speak to Drew Kreismer and come to rehearsals in our beautiful choir room, dedicated solely for the rehearsals of our choirs. You'll be glad you did.

St. John's Players Frequently, St. John's presents either a Broadway Show or a musical review for the community. Drawing from talented members of the congregation and community the church proper is transformed into a Broadway stage to the delight of the community. The performances are offered annually in late May or early June.

Pipe Screams Spooky Organ Music, a comedic skit and a haunted reception. What could be more fun? Presented most years around Halloween.

The focal point of our music program is our beautiful Nevin pipe organ. Installed in in 1999, it was designed by Lawrence Nevin of New Hampshire in consultation with Drew Kreismer to lead traditional Anglican liturgy in the 21st Century. In 2019 a NAVE division was added to enhance congregational singing. The 3 manual instrument now has over 1500 pipes. The parish also owns three grand pianos, an upright piano, and a three octave set of handbells.