Music Ministries
Music has been an important part of the life of The Church in Aurora for generations. We are committed to a high standard of musical excellence, but even more so to the role music plays in creating meaningful worship. Whether through a choral anthem, a congregational song, a familiar hymn, or contemporary Christian music, we believe music can help us open our hearts, connect with one another, and experience the presence of God.
Our music ministry honors the rich heritage of traditional worship music while also embracing new expressions of faith through contemporary Christian music. Throughout the year, a variety of voices, instruments, and musical ensembles contribute to worship, creating opportunities for people of all ages to participate in the musical life of our church.
Music in Worship
At 10:30am, our worship features the Chancel Choir throughout the program season, from mid-August through late May. Under the direction of Ross Downing, the choir offers a wide range of sacred music, including traditional choral literature as well as gospel, spirituals, jazz, and other musical traditions.
During the summer months, when the regular choir season is on break, our 10:30 worship continues to feature special music from vocalists and instrumentalists from both the church and the wider community.
At 9:00am, the Worship Collective leads worship through contemporary Christian music. The current Worship Collective includes:
- Ross Downing — vocals, piano, acoustic/electric guitar, percussion
- Darren Gartrell — vocals, piano
- Kelsey Houlahan — vocals, acoustic guitar
- Peter Culver — vocals, piano
- JM Cooch — bass guitar, acoustic string bass
The Worship Collective provides a contemporary setting in which music is an integral part of congregational worship. With multiple singers and instrumentalists, the group leads songs that invite the congregation to sing, participate, and reflect together.
Music for All Ages
There are many ways to be part of the musical life of The Church in Aurora. Our ensembles provide opportunities for children and adults to share their gifts, develop their musical abilities, and contribute to worship.
Our music ensembles include:
- Chancel Choir — Ross Downing, Director of Music Ministries
- Children’s Choir — Grades 1–6, Ross Downing
- Adult Handbells — Mary Schnell
The Chancel Choir rehearses weekly during the program season. Our other ensembles meet at various times throughout the year as they prepare for worship and special events.
A Living Musical Tradition
Our worship is enriched by the distinctive sound of our Schantz pipe organ, as well as piano and a variety of other instruments. Special music from church members, community musicians, vocalists, and instrumentalists is woven into worship throughout the year.
Music also has a special place in our Christmas and Easter celebrations, when our choirs and other musicians come together to help mark these important seasons of the Christian year.
The musicians and music staff of The Church in Aurora bring experience, creativity, and a deep commitment to the ministry of music. We value the musical traditions that have shaped our congregation, while continuing to find meaningful ways to express our faith through music today.
At The Church in Aurora, music is more than something we hear during worship. It is something we share. It gives us a way to sing together, to celebrate, to reflect, and to participate in the life of the church.
