Music at St. John's
Our 10 am service, and all feast days, are filled with music, led by the choir, organ, and cantors. Congregational singing is principally from the 1982 Hymnal of the Episcopal Church or from occasional contemporary hymns in the bulletin or service music composed by our music director.
Adult Choir
St. John’s Choir leads singing at the 10 am service (except during summer), and adds one or two anthems during the service. The music is primarily classical in nature, however it is not uncommon for the choir to perform a piece that is modern or contemporary. (Practice: Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30))
Children’s Schola Choir
For elementary aged children, the Schola Choir provides music for worship on a regular basis and sometimes joins the adult choir. Children from throughout the community are welcome to join, regardless of their family’s affiliation with St. John’s. (Practice: Wednesdays, 4:30 – 5:30)
Choral Scholars
St. John’s maintains a Choral Scholars program modeled on English university and cathedral tradition. Qualified young musicians studying at area universities are offered what is essentially an apprenticeship in practical church music, working as section leaders and soloists in St. John’s Choir. Choral Scholars occasionally lead a sung mass or other special liturgies.
Caitlyn Babcock
Caitlyn is thrilled to be joining the St. John Episcopal Church’s Choral Scholars. Caitlyn is currently a senior at Pacific Lutheran University pursuing a B.M. in Vocal Performance. She loves all things opera and musical theater, and is currently singing with the Choir of the West at her university. In addition to music, Caitlyn is currently trying to studythe German language, and loves to bake in her free time. She would love topractice her German, share cooking tips and recipes, and get to know hernew community more!
Jacob Ray
Jacob is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be the Tenor Choral Scholar for St. John’s Episcopal Church this year. He’s originally from Federal Way and is currently a third year music education major at Pacific Lutheran University. He plans to finish his degree at PLU and hopes to move on and work towards receiving a masters degree beforeteaching and becoming a choral director.
Ellie O'Brien
Ellie is incredibly grateful to be returning to St. John’s this year! This is her 3rd year of singing with St. John’s as the soprano choral scholar. Ellie is a senior at Pacific Lutheran University pursuing a B.M. in VocalPerformance, as well as minors in French and Business. Ellie is passionateabout music, especially opera, and loves to travel, having already performed in 4 countries. Most importantly, Ellie loves her family and building relationships in her community, and she considers St. John’s to beone of her biggest blessings.
Our Organ
The Emily Stearns Memorial Organ was designed and built by Rieger (Austria) and updated by Martin Pasi when installed in 2021 as a memorial gift from Judy & Stan Stearns.
