Music Ministry

All Saints’ has a strong, largely volunteer music program consisting of a church choir, a handbell choir (when a director is available), and a brass band for special occasions. We also provide special music upon request at funerals, weddings, and other services throughout the year.

Our church offers a 10:15 AM service with music and choir. This includes hymns, a psalm, an offertory anthem, and various interludes provided by an organist. Hymns are largely traditional, with occasional selections from other sources. 

If you are interested in sharing your musical talents to the glory of God, please contact John Spencer. 

 

Choir

The All Saints’ Chancel Choir is comprised of approximately 30 volunteer singers of all ages. These musicians share a desire to give their time and talents to glorify God through the gift of music. Our choir leads congregational singing, provides an offertory anthem, and an occasional communion anthem. 

The Choir holds regular rehearsals on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30 PM, September through June. They also gather on Sundays around 9:30 AM to rehearse prior to the 10:15 service. 

At the beginning of December, the choir (and organists!) participate with other church choirs through the Tri-Cities in the annual AGO Christmas Choral Festival.

No try-outs are required to be in the choir nor are there any age limits: just a love of music and a willingness to give of your time and talent. If you love to sing, to learn, and to laugh, come and join the choir!

 

Summer Music

During the summer, we give the choir a much deserved break from providing weekly anthems. Parishioners are invited to share their musical talent by providing the Offertory music (vocal and/or instrumental) during the 10:15 AM service. We have many talented musicians in our midst and its always a welcome treat when they sing or play.

 

Pipe Organ

This pipe organ was originally built in 1972 by Balcom and Vaughan Organs of Seattle Washington; it was their 792nd instrument built. Originally it was a 10 rank organ with 694 pipes. This organ was expanded by the same company in 1992 under tonal director John Moir, adding three ranks of pipes and increasing the pipe count to 896 pipes. It is a beautiful, well balanced, and versatile instrument despite its relatively small size. 

The console was updated and rewired in 2018 by Bond Organs of Portland Oregon. The work was completed by Joe O’Donnell. The organ console was rewired entirely, the manuals (keyboards) were replaced, all contacts cleaned, a solid state computer system was installed, and the presets were expanded significantly.

The instrument has well served this congregation for many decades and some great works have been performed on this instrument. It has had everything from Bach to Franck played on it. It has also seen some wonderful choral works performed as well, including John Stainer’s “Resurrection," Theodore Dubois “7 Last Words of Christ," and portions of Handel’s “Messiah." 

 

“My heart is steadfast, God. I will sing and I will make music with my soul.” Psalm 108:1

Principal Director          

John Spencer

I have been accompanying soloists, choirs, and musicals for almost 30 years. Under the tutorship of Betty Russell, I began playing the organ and found my calling: choral accompaniment and hymnody. Over the years I have also directed multiple choirs.

I came to All Saints' in 2013 and instantly felt at home. One of my greatest joys in life is being in church on Sunday with everyone.

Assistant Director

Adam Muhlestein

I started playing the organ at age 12 in the LDS church. I have substituted for churches around the Tri-Cities and Seattle, WA. Most recently I served as organist and choral codirector at St. Paul's in Kennewick.

I believe that music has the power to teach and can speak louder than words. Religious music has spoken to me for years. I look forward to sharing my talents and experience at All Saints'.