Ebenezer Music Ministry

Ebenezer offers a comprehensive Music Ministry which involves nearly 300 participants. Choirs for all ages, lay cantors, music camp for children and youth, volunteer directors/accompanists, and the Patrons and Friends of the Arts concert series are highlights of this ministry.

If you are interested in participating in or supporting the music programs of Ebenezer, we would welcome your inquiry. Please contact Jim Johnson, Minister of Music, at (803) 765-9430 or click here to send Jim an e-mail.

The Choirs of Ebenezer

CHANCEL CHOIR
The Chancel Choir is open to youth and adults and serves as the primary musical leadership for the 11:00 a.m. worship service each week. This choir rehearses each Wednesday evening from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Choir retreats for concentrated preparation are scheduled twice per year.The Chancel Choir meets in room M1 in the music wing.

YOUTH CHOIR
The Youth Choir for middle school and high school youth meets each Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. in room 102. This choir sings in worship at the 11:00 a.m. service twice per month during the school year.

CHILDREN'S CHOIR
The Children's Choir for grades 1 - 5 meets each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. in room M1 in the music wing. This choir sings in worship at the 11:00 a.m. service twice per month during the school year.

HANDBELL CHOIR
The Ebenezer Handbell Choir is a group of 14 ringers who play advanced handbell music. New ringers or substitutes who have some music experience are welcome when openings exist. The Handbell Choir rehearses each Wednesday evening from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. This group plays in worship for the 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services once per month.

RECORDER CHOIR
The Recorder Choir including soprano, alto, tenor, and bass recorders rehearses each Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. in the women's robing room M3 in the music wing.

Other Ebenezer Music Programs

PRESCHOOL MUSIC
Our Preschool Music for children from birth through age 5 meets during the Sunday School hour in the toddler room. With a music and movement format including the use of instruments, babies and toddlers participate with the help of adults, and preschoolers learn songs, which are offered at our 11:00 a.m. services several times per year.
NEW LIFE MUSICIANS
The New Life Musicians provide weekly musical leadership for the 11:00 a.m.Sunday contemporary service in the Chapel. Vocalists, keyboard, guitars, and percussion make up this ensemble. This service is a weekly communion service with musical styles that include praise songs, hymns from a variety of cultures and traditions and contemporary Christian music.

DIRECTORS/ACCOMPANISTS
Approximately 20 Ebenezer members serve as volunteer directors, helpers, or accompanists for various aspects of our Music Ministry. Members with these talents are encouraged to use their gifts as part of the music leadership team.

CANTORS
Children, youth, and adults are trained to serve as Cantors in our worship. Cantors intone portions of the liturgical service as well as provide vocal leadership for the singing of the Psalms.

MUSIC CAMP
Ebenezer offers an annual Music Camp for children and youth ages 6 - 18 at the South Carolina Synod's Kinard Conference Center. The next Music Camp is July 12-16, 2009. This faith filled week provides an effective opportunity for children and youth to worship God through music and rehearse and perform an original musical play based on the camp theme. Arts, crafts, swimming, boating, Bible study, and fellowship round out this special week.

2008 Music Camp Registration (PDF file - 72KB)

CHURCH MUSIC SUNDAY
Each spring a Sunday is designated as Church Music Sunday to give all the choirs an opportunity to provide special music in worship and to recognize and thank all who serve Ebenezer in the music ministries.

Patrons and Friends of the Arts at Ebenezer offers an annual series of concerts that are FREE and open to the public beginning each fall. Funding sources include individual and corporate sponsors, cultural grants, and free will offerings. The board of directors includes members of Ebenezer and the community at large.

The 2008-2009 Schedule (Available soon)

2008-2009 Patrons/Friends of the Arts Concert Dates

Gloria Dei Cantores — Thursday, October 30, 7:00 p.m. at Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church, West Columbia (Co-sponsored with St. John’s Episcopal Church and Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church)

John McCutcheon – Folk Musician - Friday, November 21, 7:30 p.m.

Benedict College Concert Choir — Sunday, March 1, 2009 3:00 p.m.

Inna Faliks – Pianist — Sunday, April 5, 2009 3:00 p.m.

If you are interested in supporting the FREE concerts offered by the Patrons and Friends of the Arts at Ebenezer, contact Jim Johnson, Minister of Music, at (803) 765-9430 or click here to send Jim an e-mail.