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Music Ministry
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The core of the
ministry of music at St. Mark’s is the magnificent pipe organ
located in the nave of the church. The organ, built by the M. P.
Moller Company of Hagerstown, Maryland, contains 2692 pipes that are
given voice by air blown into large reservoirs by an electric blower
located in the basement of the church. Because of the design of the
nave and natural materials used, the acoustics for music are superb.
Thus, the organ in its fine acoustical setting pours forth its notes
Several opportunities for regular musical participation in the worship services are available to our families. The Contemporary Choir, Senior Choir, the Kantorei, the Adult Handbell Choir, the Family Handbell Choir, and the Recorder Group meet regularly and present the fruits of their hard work frequently during Sunday services. Additionally, many talented members of the congregation are called upon through the year as soloists and instrumentalists. On Christmas Eve 2011, a number of our more talented youth formed an orchestra to play Christmas carols. Our services are enhanced by the participation of other local musical talent. In recent years the Lycoming College Concert Choir, Chamber Choir and Touring Choir have performed sacred pieces during church services. The Williamsport Civic Chorus, The Suzuki Violin students of Pat Thayer and The Williamsport Music Club have also performed during services and in concerts at St. Mark’s.
At St. Mark’s music is a part of our worship, our Youth and Family Ministry and our social life. Through our music we learn, we praise and we celebrate. |
Since the time of Martin
Luther, the Lutheran Church has been known as "the singing church."
At St. Mark's, we proudly embrace Luther's example in our worship
services and with special musical events throughout the year. We
express our faith through hymns and choral works, with instrumental
music and in stage productions. Music is the heart and soul of St.
Mark’s - and each member of the congregation plays a role in this
expression of our faith through music.
with great brilliance and majesty.
In May 2011, Music Director
Jungwha Kim joined St. Mark's. She began her professional study with a Bachelor of Music degree from Yonsei University in her native South Korea. She also holds a Sacred Music Diploma from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, and a Master of Music in Organ Performance and Literature, also from the Eastman School, and an additional Professional Studies certificate from the Juilliard School in NYC. 
In recent years, several full scale musical
productions have been undertaken by the young people of St. Mark’s,
with vocal assistance from their parents and others. Most recently,
“In the Beginning...”, a musical production based on the Creation,
was performed for a large crowd at a Sunday dinner theater, after a week of “choir camp.” Christmas Eve
services were enlivened with the pageant, “Simple Gifts of
Christmas." “The Seeds That Grew to be a Hundred” was also preformed
for a large crowd in Fellowship Hall. Choir Camp 2010 had the
kids performing "The Wizard of Oz."