St. Luke's was established as the church of the Word and the Sacrament. Sincere, effective mission begins with God-centered worship. Music in worship provides a meaningful, appropriate setting and context for the spoken Word. Indeed, there are times when music conveys the Word, though differently, as profoundly as the spoken Word. Music communicates and inspires in ways speech cannot. The music at St. Luke's Presbyterian Church provides the important function of framing and communicating the Word by directing our focus toward God in worship.
The many people who are actively involved in our ministry of music have multiple blessings: they are both recipients of and participants in God's Word. They not only hear and receive it, they sing, play and memorize it. They participate in God's Word in such a way that allows God's Voice to impress itself deeply upon hearts, minds and daily lives. Whatever your age, interest, ability or schedule, there's a place for you in music.
Cherub Choir This beginning choir is comprised of children ages four to first grade. They rehearse on Wednesdays 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. in Room 203 and sing at special times of the year. Director Cathy Schreiber can be reached by e-mail at schreib@mindspring.com.Listen to a recent performance here.
Westminster Choir
The singers in this choir are in grades 2-5. This choir leads in worship each Sunday and joins the Chancel Choir frequently in singing responses and special anthems. Special attention is given to creating an atmosphere of enjoyment and positive reinforcement as children are creatively taught proper voice training, music reading skills, worship traditions and values plus instrumental development. This choir also learns to play choir chimes and rhythm instruments. They meet every Wednesday from 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. in the choir room.
Youth Choir
The newest choir to join St. Luke's offerings is for those in grades 6-12. The choir meets on Sundays from 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. in the choir room and sings a wide variety of music. The Youth Choir sings in worship several times throughout the year and participates in special events in the life of the church. Music reading, sight singing, instrumental accompaniment, vocal development, and worship leadership are included in this group's activities. Any interested youth is welcome!
Festival Ringers
On Wednesday evenings at 6:15 p.m. in the bell room from September through May, our church's bell choir rehearses, develops techniques, and prepares for special events. Men and women of all ages are welcome to be a part of this group where the only prerequisite is the desire to learn. Music-reading skills as well as advanced bell techniques are taught. This choir rings several times throughout the year for services and special occasions including weddings and in the community. The choir has also played at the Governor's Mansion and Georgia State Capital Christmas tree lighting ceremonies.
Chancel Choir
This choir is comprised of adults who come together each week to prepare music for regular services, special concerts and events. The repertoire of the choir covers all eras of music from Gregorian and Genevan chant to 21st century literature. It has premiered anthems by K. Lee Scott, Howard Davis, and Jane Marshall. In November 1998, the Chancel Choir sang Mozart's Coronation Mass at Carnegie Hall, New York City. They have sung at Carnegie Hall, the Montreat Conference Center, and at Columbia Seminary among other venues. Sight-reading skills, vocal training, worship traditions, knowledge of liturgy and warm collegiality are blended together in weekly rehearsals on Wednesday evenings, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Childcare can be provided for families upon request.
Clair Maxwell is Director of Music at St. Luke's Presbyterian Church in Dunwoody, GA. He oversees the church's comprehensive music program for all ages. He also serves as organist for worship and accompanist for soloists and choirs. He is actively involved in worship and music planning with the church staff, and he coordinates the Celebrate the Arts series of programs held in the church sanctuary each year
Clair is also the Artistic Director and Conductor for the Choral Guild of Atlanta, a community chorus based in Fulton County dedicated to presenting lesser known works for chorus and orchestra. The group presents four concerts a year in addition to participating in community events. In addition, he is teacher of private organ and piano students and is active in the local musical community.
Prior to his appointment to the St. Luke's staff, Clair served as Director of Music and the Arts at Doylestown Presbyterian Church in Doylestown, PA and Director of Music Ministries and Organist at the United Methodist Church of Red Bank, NJ. He was also the Associate Conductor of the Shrewsbury Chorale.
Clair is active as a recitalist, playing as organist and accompanist at various local venues. His musical training consists of a Bachelor of Music degree from the Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory and a Master of Music degree in Organ and Church Music from the Cleveland Institute of Music as a student of Todd Wilson. Some of Clair's former teachers include Robert Mayerovich, Craig Dobbins, and Charles Goehring. He has had additional workshop coaching in organ, choral music, vocal technique, and conducting from John Weaver, Rene Clausen, James Jordan, Eric Nelson, and Judith Clurman, respectively.
St. Luke's Presbyterian Church
| 1978 Mt.
Vernon Rd.Dunwoody, GA 30338 |
(P) 770.393.1424 | (F) 770.393.3278
