THE ST. JOHN’S MUSIC PROGRAM

Contact the Music Program

Music plays an essential role in the worship life of St. John's. Musical choices encompass a variety of styles in one blended worship service. 

  • We use hymns from Evangelical Lutheran Worship (the ELCA’s worship book) along with material from African American traditions, chant-style singing from Taize’ and Iona, multiple resources from the global Christian community, and original contributions by St. John's members

  • Our adult choir assists regularly in the leadership of Sunday worship and provides special music as needed. During the school year, the choir practices on Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m.

  • Liturgical music can be anything from the ELW to a setting by our own musicians. Instrumentation may include pipe organ, piano, woodwinds, African drums, brass, Indonesian ankglungs, and other global instruments depending on the character of the musical selection. 

St. John’s adult choir of diverse men and women singing together during worship in the sanctuary, accompanied by Director of Music Rolando Salazar on piano.

Wednesdays from September through May, the choir meets from 7 PM-8:30 PM. This group provides musical leadership in Sunday worship, often contributing an anthem and multiple other sung responses throughout the service. Practices are casual but focused, offering an opportunity for musical fellowship with a circle of St. John's vocalists. 

St. John’s is fluid in its musical resources and choir is no different. We realize that the demands of today's society mean that the ability of members to commit to participating in an organization such as the choir may be a challenge. So wether you love to sing and are only in the area for a short time or can’t commit to a full year of singing, we’d love for you to join us for a season - or more - as your schedule allows.

ADULT CHOIR

St. John’s musicians performing with instruments during a worship service.

MEMBER MUSICIANS & SPECIAL ENSEMBLES

Members and friends of St. John's of all ages often share their musical gifts during Sunday worship. Instrumental and vocal soloists and small ensembles are actively encouraged to offer a prelude or offertory, or help out on a hymn. Our director of music works with members to coordinate their musical gifts with the worship needs of the church. 

St. John's member playing a drum outdoors at night, wearing a blue checked shirt and carrying a colorful strap.
St. John's member in glasses and a gray jacket playing an electric guitar in the sanctuary with stone walls and wooden accents.
St. John's adult choir led by a Director of Music Rolando Salazar at a piano, with stained glass windows in the background.
Community musicians performing at St. John’s during a special concert. Direct of Music Rolando Salazar is conducting, with stained glass windows and Christmas wreaths in the background. Audience members are seated and watching the performance.

As an extension of the rich music program and in support of our talented Music Director, Rolando Salazar, St. John’s opens its doors several times each year to host guest and community concerts. These concert offerings often include St. John’s members as well as members of the Atlanta Opera and Atlanta Symphony.

A few special concerts that occur each year include:

  • Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

  • Handel’s Messiah

  • Atlanta Opera’s Christmas Concert

Check the St. John’s calendar and our social media pages for the latest dates for these special musical concerts!

COMMUNITY CONCERTS

Musical guests standing and singing in a warmly lit narthex with attendees listening, surrounded stone walls and large windows, with a floral display on a table in the foreground.
St. John's Direct of Music Rolando Salazar wearing a white robe and playing at a wooden piano.