Being true to our Methodist roots, we have a very lively music ministry within our church providing both traditional and contemporary church music. A Senior Choir, a Junior Choir and three bands all enrich and enhance our worship.

In April, 2003 we replaced our pipe organ, whose origins go back to 1920, with a Phoenix 'Digital Pipe' Organ. This important acquisition for our music ministry was largely made possible through a special donation from William and Alma Tolton, long time members of the congregation. The new organ was initally used at our 2003 Good Friday and Easter Services. (Note that the organ pipes have remained at the rear of the choir loft and form a decorative facade for the sound generation from Great division of the new organ.)

Some details on the history of organs at Streetsville Methodist and Streetsville United, the organ acquisition process leading up to the decision to make this purchase and the Tolton 'digital pipe' organ itself are available. Follow our Installation Diary to find the latest information on its construction and installation.

In addition to its use during weekly worship, two events in late 2003 helped realize the full potential of the Tolton Organ. Our Tolton Organ Inaugural Recital, held Friday, November 7 at 8:00 p.m. featuring John Tuttle, one of Canada's most widely recognized organists, demonstrated not only the wide range of organ music but also some of the instrumental aspects.

At our annual Christmas Choir Concert on Sunday, December 14, 2003, our Music Director, John Shillingberg, adapted the orchestral script of Robert Shaw's and Richard Bennett's "The Many Moods of Christmas" to the Orchestral Instrumentation available on the Tolton Organ: tympani, cymbals, brass, flute, concert harp and string instruments. (Click on the player icon - requires Real Player.) Our choir reached new musical heights as our 127-year old sanctuary took on a new life during this presentation. Traditional Christmas Choral music such as Pinkham's Christmas Cantata was accompanied by a mixture of traditional pipe organ and brass instrumentation sounds; one duet was accompanied by harpsichord and oboe. It was a full demonstration of our new musical versatility.

In the fall of 2002 we acquired a Yamaha acoustic piano for use during worship and other activities in our sanctuary.

Of course, ensuring that we can hear our service and music throughout the sanctuary is our very able and competent Sound System crew.

More About Our Choirs

Senior Choir

Our Senior Choir provides the major music leadership role in our weekly worship. Under the direction of our Music Director and Organist, John Shillingberg, they contribute through anthems, hymns and other choral accompaniment to the worship service.

The Group: The Senior Choir currently has approximately 20 members, comprising soprano, alto, tenor and bass. They always welcome new recruits; while some familiarity with music helps, the only prerequisite is an enthusiastic interest in music. For more information contact the President, Graham Oag, at 905-819-1253.

Rehearsals: Weekly rehearsals occur on Wednesdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Events: The Senior Choir also provides an annual Christmas Choral Service; often they will perform one other concert during the year. Several members also assist with the bands and Junior Choir.

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Youth Choir

The Youth Choir, a combination of our former Junior and Intermediate Choirs, performs at the regular worship service once a month.

The Group: Drawn from members of our church families, approximately 20 members between the ages of 6 and 16, perform under the leadership of Kim Perrin and assisted by Bev & Graham Oag.

Rehearsals: Rehearsals are held frequently after the Sunday Service for about an hour.

Events: The Youth Choir has also contributed to the Christmas Choral Concert, performed with the Senior choir on occasion during the worship service and in the spring of 2002 produced a musical drama.

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Sound Crew

We have been gradually upgrading our sound system to ensure that all seated in our sanctuary can hear both the worship service and our music clearly. To operate the system we now have four trained and enthusiastic operators to balance out the workload.

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More About Our Bands

Boomer Band

Our Boomer Band provides contemporary music for worship every fourth Sunday. Formed a year ago, the Band has built up a repertoire of Christian choruses and enjoys the congregation's keen participation. This repertoire has been published in a unique chorus book produced by Tom Smith and Wayne Moss; copies of the chorus book are available in each pew.

The Group: The Boomer Band currently has 8 members: 3 guitarists, a bass, piano and synthesizer. They are also very lucky to have 3 great voices from our choir.

Rehearsals: Rehearsals take place every second Thursday at 8:30 p.m. They are always looking for new members -- anyone older than senior high school. For more information, please contact Wayne Moss at 905-821-2118.

Events: The Boomer Band has played for the Valentine's Potluck, COCC, and for our church's Alpha group. They also played during the Christmas Eve Family Service, NACC events and potluck suppers.

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Senior Youth Band

The Senior Youth Band also provides contemporary music for worship every fourth Sunday, playing modern worship songs from the same chorus books as the Boomer Band.

The Group: Comprised of high school musicians ages 14 and up, our instrumentation includes a guitar, bass, piano, synthesizer, and saxophone. We welcome musicians who bring a willingness to sing and play any instruments.

Rehearsals: Senior High Band rehearses one Thursday a month. For more information, please call Wayne Moss at 905-821-2118. They are always ready to welcome new members in senior high.

Events: The Senior High Band also played during the Christmas Eve Family Service.

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Junior Youth Band and Chorus

Founded in 2000 by Tom Smith, the Junior Youth Band and Chorus also contributes contemporary music for worship every fourth Sunday. We play music from the same chorus books as the Boomer Band with the congregation joining in.

The Group: We welcome all young people in the 10 to 15 year age group who like to sing and/or play an instrument. Formal music training is not a prerequisite; however, a regular commitment is.

Rehearsals: Junior High Band rehearses every other Sunday immediately after the 10 a.m. worship service (approx. 11:15 to 12:15). For more information please call Chris Monk at (905) 826-6184. Newcomers are always welcome to join.

Events: Sang at the sanctuary piano dedication service in the fall of 2002 and at the annual Christmas family service.

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