Music

We are united in our love of music and our belief that praying and singing combined make for a Spirit-filled worship experience..

At least a third of our worship experience is devoted to music because it covers the full spectrum of human emotion, speaks more deeply than words, and gives wings to our devotion. We are a congregation that loves to sing and appreciates a wide range of music in our services. Our children and youth perform in our services frequently and select music for the various youth and children's services throughout the year.

Service Music

In addition to the congregational hymns, music used for worship includes an anthem offering from the Sanctuary Choir and keyboard selections performed by music director, Jim Levy. Musical styles used in the service range from the most traditional to Jazz , Spiritual and Folk. Music from the Taize community is used regularly.

We are pleased to substitute music for the sermon several times a year including one Sunday in Advent, Passion/Palm Sunday; the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday, and "Singing Our Faith Sunday." Guest vocal soloists in the past have included Juanita Williams, Mary Ann Redmond, Sharon Clark, and Thembi Mtshali. Guest musicians have included some of the area's finest with both members of the National Symphony as well as top Jazz musicians.

Sanctuary Choir

The Sanctuary Choir rehearses every Thursday night from 7:30 to 9:30, except during the months of July and August. New members are always welcome!!!

The choir's repertoire is varied, but includes works from the European tradition, Medieval to Romantic--including the director's arrangements of Gregorian chant, works of Byrd, Bach, Handel, Mozart and Brahms, as well as contemporary popular style pieces and traditional American music, with an emphasis on the Spirituals.

The Music Director

Since 1991 James Levy has filled the position of Organist and Choir Director. His choral compositions have been performed at the National Cathedral and the Community Ministries of Rockville Interfaith Choral Festivals. The Paul Hill Washington Singers performed his setting of "Psalm 121" in 1995. In July of 1994, his title music for "To the Moon and Beyond" was heard on most of the nation's PBS affiliates. In 2004, Mr. Levy's rock opera, "When ET flew over the Cuckoo's Next" debuted.

As a jazz pianist, Mr. Levy has been heard nationally on NPR's "Jazzset." Professor Levy has been on the faculty of George Washington University since 1984.

Visit his website for more information.

Music for Children and Youth