Music Ministries
Music is an integral element of the worship experience at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church.
We confess Music as a precious gift from God as the church
In liturgy and song
In faith and love
Through centuries of wrong
Has borne witness to the truth in every tongue with song.
We confess Music as a precious gift from God as the church
In liturgy and song
In faith and love
Through centuries of wrong
Has borne witness to the truth in every tongue with song.
The Scholz Memorial Organ
The 12 rank, 811 pipe, 3 division, 2 manual, and 27 register instrument was designed specifically for the sanctuary at Abiding Savior, and was constructed new in 1996 by Hagerstown Pipe Organ Company, Inc. This instrument was commissioned, and the construction supervised, by Charles and Charlotte Scholz as a gift to the Glory of God and to encourage the praise of the people of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church. The pipes are fabricated from wood, zinc, and a tin/lead combination. Some notable features are that both the Swell and the Great chests are under expression, the action is Möller direct electric, and it has a Peterson solid state combination action.
In 2020/2021, funds were donated to the Music Ministry in memory of Mr. Art Swett, former Lutheran educator, organist, and music director. It was decided to use these funds to purchase a Glockenstern which was added to the organ in 2021. In celebration of the congregations 30th anniversary, a set of Organ Chimes were added in October 2021, completing the initial design and plan for the organ when it was first built.
In 2020/2021, funds were donated to the Music Ministry in memory of Mr. Art Swett, former Lutheran educator, organist, and music director. It was decided to use these funds to purchase a Glockenstern which was added to the organ in 2021. In celebration of the congregations 30th anniversary, a set of Organ Chimes were added in October 2021, completing the initial design and plan for the organ when it was first built.
Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir is open to High School and Adult singers. In addition to leading the congregation in song at the 8:00am service, our challenging repertoire spans the full spectrum of music history, from medieval Gregorian chant to the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary periods. The choir frequently sings music written by our Resident Composer and Director of Music Ministry Joshua Mazur.
The Chancel Choir rehearses Wednesday evenings from 6:30 – 8:30pm during the fall semester, and Thursday Evenings from 6:30 – 8:30pm during the spring semester. While the usual commitment to the choir is for the full choral season (September to Pentecost) extra singers in the congregation may join the choir during Christmastime.
The Chancel Choir rehearses Wednesday evenings from 6:30 – 8:30pm during the fall semester, and Thursday Evenings from 6:30 – 8:30pm during the spring semester. While the usual commitment to the choir is for the full choral season (September to Pentecost) extra singers in the congregation may join the choir during Christmastime.
Other Ensembles
Abiding Savior enjoys the presence of a variety of amateur and retired professional musicians that serve as needed and as possible to decorate, enhance, and enrichen our worship life. Ensembles such as the chime choir, Brass/Wind Ensemble, various string players and guest musicians of all kinds make appearances in worship and at special events during the church year. For more information and to find out how you might find a musical place among us, please contact Director of Music Ministry.
Praise Ensemble
The Praise Ensemble is open to High School and Adult singers and instrumentalists, and leads the congregation in song at the 10:45am service. In addition to music in worship, the Praise Ensemble has recorded and performed Cantatas by major composers such as Andrew Peterson’s “Behold the Lamb of God”. This ensemble faithfully selects music that is theologically sound and appropriate for liturgical services while maintaining a contemporary “sound” and stylistic flavor.
The Praise Ensemble rehearses Wednesday evenings from 5:00 – 6:15pm during the fall semester, and Thursday Evenings from 5:00 – 6:15pm during the spring semester. This ensemble serves in worship year round, on a semi-rotational basis.
The Praise Ensemble rehearses Wednesday evenings from 5:00 – 6:15pm during the fall semester, and Thursday Evenings from 5:00 – 6:15pm during the spring semester. This ensemble serves in worship year round, on a semi-rotational basis.
Choral Scholar Program
What is a Choral Scholar? A Choral Scholar is a young musician (currently enrolled in a program of study in music) who is employed to sing and participate in the choral aspect of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church’s Music Ministry and gain experience as an active chorister, while also exploring their potential as an aspiring music professional and/or church worker.
Choral Scholars would play a valuable role in the musical life of the church. Scholars will assist the Director of Music Ministry, provide vocal leadership for the congregation and church choir through solo and ensemble singing, while developing musical and leadership skills essential to their success as musicians in the future.
Choral Scholars would play a valuable role in the musical life of the church. Scholars will assist the Director of Music Ministry, provide vocal leadership for the congregation and church choir through solo and ensemble singing, while developing musical and leadership skills essential to their success as musicians in the future.
Each Scholar will benefit from this program in ways which include:
- Gaining practical experience by singing a regular schedule of church services throughout the church year, both as a chorister and as a soloist
- Learning the rudiments of administrative duties for a church musician
- Opportunity to be mentored by a regionally recognized church musician
- Discernment of career choice
- Learning new skills and improving their current skills in preparation for graduate school or career
- Being part of an established, strong, and diverse music ministry in a suburban church with a strong liturgical focus
Program Benefits to Abiding Savior include:
- Ongoing fulfillment of our mission to teach and nurture faithful young musicians who will possibly become future church musicians
- Allows Abiding Savior to fill an educational void that has been created by changes in University Music Programs
- The ongoing security and stability of the choral program(s), and the enabling of all our faithful volunteer choristers by the presence of their trained voices and skilled ears amongst them in their sections.