Music Ministry
At St. Mark’s there is always a sense of excitement in the air each time we come together for worship. Our adult & youth choirs, contemporary worship teams, and handbell choir lead us in uplifting, high energy worship. There are musical opportunities for all ages at St. Mark’s.
The music at St. Mark's is under the direction of Robert Murphy. Robert is a graduate of Pacific Union College’s music department and holds a master’s degree in sacred music from Westminster College, New Jersey. As the music director at St. Mark’s for over twenty years, Murphy has been kept busy conducting choirs, developing ensemble groups and overseeing the music programs for the children and youth choirs. In addition, he plays the organ and piano for church services, weddings, funerals and many other occasions as needed. He watches over the musical life of the church, working with the pastors and the worship and music committee to plan services.
The Choir of St. Mark’s
Classical sacred music, spirituals, folk and hymn arrangements are the focus of this adult choir. Love to sing? Come join the group for rehearsal on Wednesday evenings at 7:15 p.m. from Sept. — May. The group sings primarily for the 8:45 a.m. service. Robert Murphy, Director
The Morning Psalm Praise Band
This band leads the contemporary worship service at 10:15 am on Sundays. The ensemble consists of guitar, vocals, keyboard, piano and drums. Robert Murphy, Director
New Jordan Singers
This contemporary adult vocal ensemble meets Wednesday nights at 9:00 pm. They primarily perform on Sundays at 8:45 and 10:15 am. Robert Murphy, Director
Jubilee Handbell Choir
The handbell choir performs for major festival services, Christmas, Easter and during Holy Week. The handbell choir, which is open to high school students and adults, rehearses on Monday evenings at 7:30 p.m. The choir uses 4-Octaves of Schulmerich handbells. Robert Murphy, Director
Colla Voce Choir
This choir is for young people from 6th –12th grade. We provide special music for worship services and help lead congregational singing. This is a vibrant, energetic group who love to sing and show their love of God and their church through music. No experience is necessary to join Colla Voce. Sign-up is typically in the fall, however anyone may also just come to a rehearsal and join at any time of year. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 4:45 to 5:45 pm from September to May. The choir usually sings at two services a month (mostly at 10:15 am). Dorothea Jirsa, Director
Joyful Noise Choir
This choir is for children in 1st – 5th grade and gives children a fun introduction to faith-based music. Choir rehearses once a week (September to May) and sings twice a month at the 10:15 a.m. Sunday service. Robert Murphy, Director
St. Mark’s Sanctuary Organ
The Sanctuary organ was built and designed by the Rod Levsen Organ Company of Buffalo, Iowa, and was installed in 1993. It is presently three manuals and 30 ranks. This pipe organ is unique in that it transposes and has a self-recording device and computer capabilities.
