Music

Music at Plymouth

At Plymouth, we celebrate the arts and believe they are one of many paths to the sacred. Here you will find a rich program, rooted in a deep history of artistry and mastery provided by talented staff. Our Music program is led by internationally renowned Philip Brunelle.

Music in worship ranges from works by contemporary composers, including commissioned world premieres, to sacred music from past centuries—expressing hallowed values and modern understandings of our relationship to the Divine.

9 a.m worship service features more contemporary music coordinated by Jazz pianist Laura Caviani, our First Service Music Director.

11 a.m. enjoy the deep sacred music and hymns provided by Philip Brunelle.

Programs and Offerings

Young Voices

3–5-year-olds explore early musical concepts and skills through games, movement, and silly songs! This group may perform in worship for the Family Christmas Eve service, but not regularly during the church year. Parents, please plan to accompany your child(ren) for this short class.

Wednesdays beginning 9/14/22

For people ages 3–5 (younger siblings welcome!)

Room 205

5:30–5:55 p.m.

Director: Marie Scholtz

Cherub Choir

Cherub Choir is about learning to be in an ensemble for the first time. We will work on how to sing in beautiful unison, how to work and learn as a team, and build our basic music skills as we begin to focus on reading music. This group sings approximately once every 8 weeks in worship.

Wednesdays beginning 9/14/22

For people in grades K–2

Room 205

6:00–6:30 p.m.

Director: Marie Scholtz

Chorister Choir

Choristers are led to sing with joy and precision while they learn about the composers and cultural context of the pieces they perform. The collaborative nature of the group means that student ideas are heard, and the product is a reflection of the choir’s ideas. Choristers strengthen their basic music skills as they begin to read music and sing in multiple parts. This group sings approximately once every 6 weeks in worship.

Wednesdays beginning 9/14/22

For people in grades 3–6

Room 205

6:35–7:15 p.m.

Director: Marie Scholtz

Youth Choir

Youth Choir goes beyond singing and performs a wide range of musical pieces once a month during worship.  This ensemble values community and skill building along with finding your voice and celebrating it!  To join, a music background is helpful, but not required – but love of singing is essential.  Those who bring special music talents (composing, arranging or mixing) are welcome to join this group helping to make choral offerings at Plymouth come alive!

Wednesdays beginning 9/14/22

For people in grades 7–12

Room 203

6:00–6:45 p.m. 

Director: Siri Keller

Chapel Singers

Singers learn how to use their voices as part of an ensemble and build skills in part-singing, often using jazz and contemporary music traditions. This group is non-auditioned and welcomes singers of all abilities and experiences. Chapel Singers sing regularly in worship throughout the church year. Come join us and try something new, meet some great people and participate in worship!

Wednesdays beginning 9/14/22

For adults of all ages

Chapel

6:45–7:45 p.m.

instructor: Mary Laymon

PLYMOUTH ADULT CHOIR

Adults who have fond memories of singing in a high school or college choir – or wish they had – are encouraged to audition for the Plymouth Adult Choir.  This group of 50 singers rehearse 2 hours each week and sing for the 11AM service each Sunday.  Music ranges from the Renaissance to the present, including anthems commissioned for the Choir by noted composers like John Rutter, Libby Larsen, Carol Barnett and Jonathan Dove.  Anyone interested in singing should contact Plymouth’s organist-choirmaster Philip Brunelle.

Handbells

Adult Handbells
Led by Eric Kvasnicka
Handbell ringing has been a Plymouth music tradition for decades. The main objective is to provide music for worship on a monthly basis and on Christmas Eve at the late service, along with one community service performance each year and other periodic events at Plymouth and with the Plymouth Choir. Tryouts are not necessary, but ringers must read music and have some rhythm skills.

Children’s and Youth Handbell Choirs
More information to come

About Our Organ

From the church’s founding in 1857, each of Plymouth’s sanctuaries has housed a pipe organ built by some of America’s finest builders, including Hook & Hastings, Aeolian-Skinner and, since 1981, Holtkamp. The present organ is renowned as one of the finest in Minnesota, equally attuned for hymn playing, anthem accompaniment and solo organ repertoire. Philip Brunelle is only the third person to serve as Plymouth’s Organist-Choirmaster since 1900.