Music Ministry

All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name. — Psalm 66:4

St. Andrew takes pride in its music ministry and offers a broad spectrum of opportunities to enhance worship through music. Music enlivens our spirits and moves our souls.  It is an vital part of our worship services.

Our music ministry includes traditional and contemporary music reflecting the diversity of our church members. Our congregation participates in singing at each service throughout the year. 


Our Chancel Choir sings each week (alternating between the 9:00 and 11:15 services) from mid-September through early June as well as at special services throughout the year.  The repertoire of the Chancel Choir includes varied music of all styles and time periods. The Choir is open to all from high school age to senior members.  We rehearse on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday mornings in the music room. There is no audition for joining the Choir—all are welcome!

If you have a musical talent and can’t make a weekly commitment to join the Choir, you are welcome to sing for special occasions (holidays, cantatas, etc.). We would be happy for us to join us as your schedule allows. 

We encourage children and youth to join our Children’s Choir that sings periodically throughout the year. Children from Kindergarten through Middle School are invited to join in singing praises to the Lord!

St. Andrew has a complete set of handbells. We welcome new members to join the Handbell Choir. This is a wonderful opportunity to praise God through music.

We also welcome instrumentalists of all ages to participate in our music ministry. Whether you are comfortable playing a solo, in a small ensemble, or accompanying the Choir, you are welcome to share your talent!

Please contact Bruce Gale, Hilton Head Minister of Music at bruceghhiumc@gmail.com if you are interested is joining our Music Ministry. Help us to enhance our services by sharing your musical talents!


MUSIC STAFF

BRUCE GALE
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
Bruce began at St. Andrew on June 12, 2022

Bruce has been a church musician for over 30 years both as organist and music director. His most recent appointment was as the Minister of Music at the Gilead Congregational Church in Hebron, CT.

Bruce was a Hospice volunteer for 12 years. He would take a keyboard and play music for Hospice patients and their families. He also volunteered at the Harry and Helen Gray Cancer Center at Hartford Hospital where he would play piano while patients received chemo and radiation.

Bruce graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor and Master’s +30 degree in Education with minor degrees in music and reading. He taught first grade for 24 years.

Bruce was a member of American Guild of Organists (AGO), the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) and the National Education Association (NEA).

Bruce lives in Sun City and enjoys music, gardening, travel, and volunteering in his spare time.

We know you will all love getting to know Bruce better. Our church blessed to have him as part of our St. Andrew church family. As a deacon from Bruce’s former church wrote, “He brings such heart and soul to his work. His love of music and people made him a perfect fit for us. He gave himself fully to our Church!”


The Music Ministry at St. Andrew had a lovely get together on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
We welcome all who might join us in the Chancel Choir, Bell Choir, or other vocal or instrumental ensembles.
Contact Bruce Gale, Minister of Music, for rehearsal times or to just check us out.

The St. Andrew bell choir looking for more bell ringers! You do not need any musical background nor do you have to read music. All you need to do is to be able to count to 4! We are a fun group and would like to expand to include new members.

Rehearsals are normally Tuesdays at 2:00 pm. Please join us!


Chancel Choir – High school age through senior adult.

The Chancel Choir provides music for worship each Sunday, rotating services each with one of our other musical ensembles. The Chancel Choir performs regularly with instrumental accompaniment in Sunday worship and for other special services in the life of the church throughout the year. A well-focused voice that blends, some ability to read music, and consistent attendance at rehearsals and services are important.



JUNE 12, 2022 – Chancel and Children’s choirs, string quartet and brass quintet

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