MusicMinistry
Gary Dennison
Music Director
MUSIC AT GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH
“Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to us that we should proclaim the Word of God through Music.” Martin Luther Music is a vital expression of the Lutheran worship experience. The ELCA’s Commission on Worship and Music says it perfectly: Music, especially congregational singing, has been inextricably linked to our story as God’s people. All God’s people have sung throughout recorded history. The Israelites sang after their deliverance from Egypt. David sang in time of trouble and rejoicing. Mary and Simeon sang songs of thanksgiving. John, on the island of Patmos, heard the glorious songs of the angels in his vision. The psalms, the Bible’s hymnbook, testify to the link of story to song: “Your love, O Lord, forever will I sing; from age to age my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness.” (Psalm 89:1).
Music has played an important role in the life of Gethsemane Lutheran Church, and that tradition continues today. The musicians at Gethsemane are dedicated to creating and sharing beautiful music to aid God’s people in worship. There are many ways to share your musical talent with the faith community at Gethsemane. If you are interested in becoming involved in any of Gethsemane’s musical groups, or would like more information, please contact
Gary Dennison, Music Director at gldennison@aol.com
Moller Pipe Organ
Gethsemane has a small, three-rank Moller Artiste pipe organ located in the rear
balcony of the sanctuary. The Artiste series featured pre-designed organs by the
Moller company that provided churches the option of a pipe organ at a lower
cost. Gethsemane’s organ was built in 1962 and before coming to Gethsemane
served congregations, in Cambridge Massachusetts, Jackson Mississippi, and
Springfield, Illinois. This instrument has led the enthusiastic singing of
Gethsemane since 2013.
Piano
A standard Yamaha acoustic grand piano is located near the altar at the front of
church. The piano is utilized for congregational singing, solos,
and to accompany
the choir.
Clavinova
Located in the balcony is a Clavinova, an electric keyboard
manufactured by the Yamaha Corporation.
The Clavinova accompanies the cantor, vocal and instrumental soloists,
the handbell choir, and is frequently used as a solo instrument.
Choir
The Gethsemane Choir is made up of singers, high school age and older. Previous experience singing in a choir, and the ability to read music, are helpful, but not required. The choir enjoys a variety of musical styles, from standard choral anthems to contemporary Christian repertoire. The choir provides musical leadership weekly at the 9:15am Sunday worship service. Individual choir members and small ensembles meet and prepare video musical selections that are shared during Sunday worship.
Cantor
The cantor is an individual who leads the musical prayer of the congregation when a choir is not present, and serves as the psalmist, leading the congregation in the singing of the appointed psalm. The cantor may also share a prepared anthem or vocal solo during the service.
Rehearsal is provided and arranged between the cantor and Music Director.
Handbell Choir
Gethsemane owns a 3-octave set of Malmark handbells and hand-chimes. Open to ringers, high school age and older, the handbell choir prepares and performs anthems, supports congregational singing,
and provides special music once a month at Sunday morning worship and at other times throughout the year.
Instrumentalists Do you play an instrument? Or have you played in the past, and are looking for a reason
to dust it off and play again? Volunteer to prepare and play a solo selection or be part of a small ensemble.
This is open to musicians of all ages and levels!
"Oh come, let us sing to the Lord, let us make joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!"
~Psalm 95:1