Music Ministries
“…in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” Hebrews 2:12
Music is an integral part of worship at St. Barnabas and the voice piece of our faith. More than 90 percent of our parishioners agree with the statement, “The music at our church is outstanding in quality and appropriate in style to our congregation.”
Sheila Bristow, our music director and organist, is a talented singer, keyboardist, and composer. Her warm and inclusive nature inspire many to participate in our music program—which extends to the broader community through her recruitment of local musicians to perform in our unique space. Currently a member of the Commission on Liturgy and the Arts for our diocese, she is grounded in liturgy and collaborates with the rector to create our worship services. Sheila has been at St. Barnabas for two years and is only our fourth music director in our sixty year history.
Our magnificent pipe organ deserves a shout–out. Built by Bond Organ of Portland in 2006, it was specifically designed visually and aurally for the St. Barnabas sanctuary. The tonal palette provides excellent choral and hymn accompaniment as well as being a fine solo instrument.
St. Barnabas is proud to be home to several active and vibrant music ministries, bringing so much life and joy into our worship. Please contact Music Director & Organist, Sheila Bristow, if you are interested in joining any of the choirs listed below.
Contact: Sheila Bristow
“Choir makes me feel joyful because I am doing that for myself and then for others.”
The Parish Choir (all voices)
The Parish Choir at St. Barnabas sings at 10:30 a.m. Sunday service during the program year (September through June), along with other major church events and high holy days, such as Christmas and during Holy Week services. The Parish Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7–8:30 p.m., plus a Sunday warm–up at 9:45 a.m. This is a friendly group to sing with—newcomers are welcome!
Early Risers Choir (all voices)
A casual group of drop–in singers for 8 a.m., Rite I service on the last Sunday of each month. Attendance commitment is minimal: sign up in advance for each month; attend warm up at 7:15 a.m. before the service on the last Sunday of each month. AND, you get to wear your plain clothes—no robing required!
Schola Nova (treble choir)
The Schola Nova treble choir sings Vespers services at St. Barnabas. This group sings primarily a cappella, chant–based repertoire. Attendance can be drop–in or regular. Rehearsal for each month’s music is required and takes place the prior Wednesday from 4-5:30 p.m., plus a Sunday warm up at 4:30 p.m. before the Vespers service at 6 p.m. Summer Schola Nova requires no mid-week rehearsal and is drop-in only for Sunday rehearsal and Vespers. All treble voices are welcome!
Upcoming Vespers:
June 21 | Renewal
July 19 | Wisdom
August 16 | Feast of Mary, Mother of Jesus