Emmanuel’s Music Ministries encompass every aspect of the life of the church and offer something for all persons of every age group who have the call to serve through music and worship.
There are multiple choirs and music ensembles directly involving over 100 adults, youth, and children.
The music staff consists of a full-time Pastor of Music & Worship, a part-time Associate, several volunteer directors and accompanists plus choir parents and other helpers.
The music ministry is committed to communicating the good news of God’s love through Christ with a variety of styles and experiences. Many special services and concerts are offered by the choirs during the year.
Choirs
Children
The Children’s Choir Ministry of Emmanuel (J.A.M. – Jesus in the Arts and Music) is a comprehensive Christian music program which includes singing, Orff, drama, movement and learning activities. J.A.M. meets as part of the church’s Wednesday night dinner and Christian Education program. The older choirs for elementary aged children frequently perform during Sunday morning worship. All choirs participate in twice a year programs in December and May.
There are three age-level choirs for children age three through the fifth grade. All choirs meet at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday for an hour each week (September through April).
Contact Jackie Spear at jspear@emmanuelmemphis.org for more information.
Youth
CrossNotes: the youth choir, is for grades 6-12. This group rehearses a large variety of music each Sunday afternoon in conjunction with all of Emmanuel’s youth activities. The choir provides music for worship services on a monthly basis, is involved in many outreach programs and sings in other special programs throughout the year.
One of the choir’s strongest ministries is its annual summer tour. Over the past years, the CrossNotes: the youth choir have traveled throughout the U.S. (33 states & counting – all the way from California to Maine) plus Mexico & Canada.
All youth are welcome to become a part of this active group. See church calendar for rehearsal time. (Mid-August – Early June)
Please contact Kevin Presley at kpresley@emmanuelmemphis.org for more information.
Adults
Open to anyone without audition, Emmanuel has two Chancel Choirs that lead the congregational singing and provide special music at the two Sunday morning worship services.
Rehearsals typically meet on Sunday evenings at 7pm with special added rehearsals on Wednesday evening throughout the year. Child care is available upon request.
Please contact Kevin Presley at kpresley@emmanuelmemphis.org for more information
The Chancel Choirs provide leadership at several “all music” services/concerts during the year, which include the Festival of Christmas, Holy Week, a celebration service in late August, and the Lessons and Carols service on the Sunday before Christmas.
In past years the choirs have toured to New York to sing in Carnegie Hall, participated in three International Church Music Festivals in England, Switzerland, and Italy, and have toured and performed independently in Greece, Spain, and Portugal.
Handbells
Emmanuel currently has two adult handbell choirs playing 4 octaves of bells (47) and chimes. They perform monthly in worship.
The Handbell choirs rehearse every Monday (from August to May): The Morning Handbells at 10:30 a.m. and the Evening Handbells at 7:00 p.m.
Childcare is available for both by request.
Contact Kevin Presley at kpresley@emmanuelmemphis.org for more information about handbells.
Instrumental Music
At special times during the year, orchestra and instrumental ensembles enhance the music of the choirs. Soloists, both vocal and instrumental, are welcome and encouraged to participate in any of the services.
If you would be interested in sharing your instrumental talents, please make yourself known to anyone on Emmanuel’s Music Staff.