Music Ministry

Ensembles

Music is a vital part of worship, and the life of Second Baptist Church. As we lift our praises in song, we are inspired to carry our faith into all aspects of our lives. To fulfill our commitment to bringing music to the hearts of all at Second Baptist Church, we offer many ways to participate.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Music Ministry at Second Baptist. Use this form to indicate what areas of music ministry interest you most, then a music staff member will reach out to you. We welcome church members of all ages to sign up to volunteer; students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult to volunteer.

In many cases, Music Ministry volunteers work with children or students and must complete a background check before serving in these settings. If you indicate interest in volunteering with children’s or student music, we will send you our Safe at Second background check link to fill out online along with any policies and training requirements related to the Children’s/Student Ministry. You can find out more about our Safe at Second program here. 

Music Ministry Volunteer

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Contact Taylor Vancil, Minister of Music and Worship

Adult Choirs

The Sanctuary Choir is the primary musical ensemble for The Sanctuary worship service (Sunday, 11:00 a.m.). This non-auditioned group gathers weekly (Wednesday, 7:15 p.m.) for rehearsal and sings intermediate to advanced choral repertoire. This group also presents a major work each season, most often with an orchestra or other instrumentalists.

The Vesper Bells are an intermediate to advanced handbell ensemble. This group performs in worship 4-5 times per year. Music reading and ringing skills are required to participate.

The Festival Singers are not regular participants of the Sanctuary Choir, but still capable musicians that enjoy singing with the choir for major works and other special occasions. This group is formed for a short time in preparation of a major musical work.

Children’s Choirs

A variety of musical ensembles and experiences are available to children of all ages during the school year. These groups meet on Wednesdays during the Music and Faith Development hour (6:00-7:00 p.m.). Ensembles sing in The Sanctuary and The Well worship services, present a Christmas program, Spring program, and sometimes, a Children’s musical.

  • For elementary: Joyful Spirit Choir (Kindergarten), Melody Makers Choir (1st & 2nd Grade), and Young Musicians Choir (3rd – 5th Grade).
  • For preschoolers: Tiny Tunes (3-year-olds) & Cherub Choir (PreK)
  • For our youngest children (2 years old and below): click here to learn about  WeePraise!

For more information about Children’s music at Second Baptist, please contact Wanda Kensinger, Children’s Choir Coordinator.

Student Choirs

Student Choir is open to any Middle or High School student that loves music and wants to learn how to share that through singing. This group learns a variety of music – choral, global, modern, etc. – and leads worship in a variety of contexts throughout the school year, including The Sanctuary and The Well worship services. Rehearsals occur each Sunday from 5:15-6:00 pm in the choir room. Special trips, choir tours, and excursions are planned throughout the year!

The Well Worship Team

The Well Worship Team exists to join with, encourage, and lead the congregation in song and praise. If you have musical gifts and would like to know more about leading worship in the Well, please let us know! The team regularly meets on Thursday evenings for rehearsal, then again on Sunday mornings for soundcheck and worship. If you would like to audition, contact Karin Goude, Worship Leader for The Well.

Handbells

Handbell Ministry
At Second Baptist Church, our Handbell Ministry offers a wonderful opportunity to grow in faith, fellowship, and music. Whether you are picking up handbells for the very first time or have years of ringing experience, we invite you to become part of this vibrant ministry. Our ensembles provide a welcoming environment where participants of all ages can develop their musical gifts while serving in worship.
 
Vesper Bells
Vesper Bells is our intermediate to advanced adult handbell ensemble. This dedicated group prepares challenging music and shares their talents by leading worship approximately four to five times each year.
 
Second Bells
Perfect for adults who are new to handbells or have limited experience, Second Bells is a supportive ensemble where you can learn the fundamentals of ringing in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere. Rehearsals are held every other Sunday at 3:30 p.m. in the Handbell Room.
 
Middle School Youth Ensemble
Open to all middle school students, this ensemble welcomes both beginners and those with previous handbell experience. Rehearsals are held on Sunday afternoons at 4:30 p.m. It’s a fun way to build musical skills, make friends, and serve through music.
 
High School Youth Ensemble
High school students with previous handbell experience are invited to join this ensemble. Rehearsals take place on Sunday afternoons at 4:30 p.m. in the Handbell Room, providing opportunities for musical growth, teamwork, and worship leadership.
 
Children’s Ensemble
Fourth and fifth grade students are invited to discover the joy of handbell ringing in a fun and encouraging environment. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings at 5:00 p.m. in the Handbell Room, where children learn music, work together, and prepare to share their gifts with the congregation. 
 
We would love to help you find the ensemble that’s right for you. Contact our music ministry for more information or visit a rehearsal.  We would be delighted to welcome you! 
Sunday Schedule

9:00 am – The Well worship service.
10:40 am – Sanctuary Choir Warm Up in the choir room.
11:00 am – The Sanctuary worship service.
4:30 pm – Student Bells rehearsal (6-12 grade students) in the handbell room.
5:15 pm – Student Choir rehearsal (6-12 grade students) in the choir room.
6:15 pm – Vesper Bells rehearsal (adults) in the handbell room.

Wednesday “MidWeek” Schedule

5:00-5:30 pm – Children’s Chimes (1-2 grade, rm. 246) and Children’s Bells (3-5 grade, handbell room) rehearsals.
6:00-7:00 pm – “Growing in Grace” Music and Faith Development (pre-k -5th Grade) in the Children’s Ministry building.
7:15 pm – Sanctuary Choir (adults) rehearsal in the choir room.

Thursday Schedule

6:15 pm – The Well Worship Team rehearsal (adults) on the gym stage.

Upcoming Events

Stay tuned...