The Second Congregational Church’s Music Ministry is under the direction of the Music Director, Alexander Constantine, who also works closely with the church’s Music Committee. All music programs under the Music Ministry are driven primarily by the efforts and activities of these dedicated and important groups in the church:

Chancel Choir
Just-for-Men Chorus (JFM Chorus)
Just-for-Women Chorus (JFW Chorus)
Music Committee

In addition to regular Sunday services, the groups are also responsible for arranging several special concerts and musical events throughout the church year. Also, the music committee plans to include jazz workshops,
a talent night under a tent in June, Senior Serenades, multiple choir performances, and a summer music theater in its upcoming programs.

The Chancel Choir consists of a combination of professional musicians and volunteers from the congregation.

The Chancel Choir’s music season is from the beginning of October to the end of May (8 months). The choir sings at most Sunday Services, with at least one Sunday off per month during which the Youth Choir sings. The choir also provides special music during Christmas/Advent, Martin Luther King Weekend, and Holy Week/ Lent. Rehearsals occur weekly when the music season is in session, from 7:30-9:30p.m. on Thursday evenings and from 9:30-10:30a.m. on Sunday mornings just before the service. Extra rehearsals for holy days as well as concerts are scheduled in advance, which would include any instrumentalists who are being used for that particular event.

In addition to Sunday and holy day obligations, the Chancel Choir provides an opportunity for the congregation and the community at large to enjoy two very different musical programs, a “Broadway and Chili Night” in late October/early November and, in the spring, the choir alternates between a concert format featuring a famous musical work and a program titled “An Evening of Operatunity,” which features the marvelous music of the grand opera.

Interested volunteers and professionals should contact our music director, Alexander Constantine.

Both the Just-for-Men and Women Choruses provide fun and unique opportunities for members of our congregation who love to sing with a parish choir, but are unable to devote the time and/or commitment required to maintain active membership in the Chancel Choir.

These two choral programs provide an excellent time of fellowship as well as on opportunity for each volunteer to improve their vocal abilities. The primary objectives of each group are:

• To motivate all congregation members, regardless of their level of musical knowledge or talents, to share some joyful and meaningful musical and social experiences with each other;
• To encourage those congregants with limited time to participate in a modified program with more liberal rehearsal scheduling, as well as fewer performance dates;
• To provide a transition platform for members who feel that the music selections in the Chancel Choir are too challenging;
• To give each volunteer the opportunity to work on their voices and sight-reading skills for a year or two or until they feel more confident in perhaps taking the next step into the Chancel Choir.

In addition to regular singing with the Chancel Choir, the JFM and JFW Choruses engage in a number of unique musical events, including a Valentine's Day concert (JFM) and participation in the "Broadway and Chili Night" and the "Evening of Operatunity."

For more information on the choruses, please contact our music director, Alexander Constantine.

The primary responsibilities of the Music Committee are to a) support the Music Director in his/her vision for the church’s music ministry, b) help ensure that the music program brings grace and beauty to the lives of the faithful who attend our worship services, and c) be a community builder with those who engage in any of the musical endeavors offered to our parish community.

Furthermore, the Music Committee works closely with the Senior Minister and Church Council in broadening our congregation’s presence in the community and, hopefully, to minister to the community at large in a way that will inspire those who witness our ministry to visit our parish on Sundays and/or become members.