Numerous surveys of our members have shown that music is an important part of our community life. To accomplish the goal of making music a priority at our church the Music Program has been divided into three parts:
Choir: Our choir is directed by Robert Lischetti and sings approximately every other week during the regular church year (September-June). If you like to sing we would love to hear from you. (No audition is necessary!) The choir rehearses on Thursday nights at 7:30 pm and our services are Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
Piano: Don Bryn—pianist, composer, and arranger—moved to Sarasota from Hawaii three years ago. He has since become passionate about teaching piano and music theory at Allegro Music Academy, and plays jazz, rock and dance music with Jennifer Leigh and The New Digs. He performs solo classical performances, vocal coaching for the Asolo Conservatory and has worked with the Anna Maria Island Concert Choir and Orchestra. Before Hawaii Don spent 15 years touring the globe, during which time he played and conducted for over 300 shows a year, including performances by Burt Bacharach, Lorna Luft, Nestor Torres, John Raitt, Jim Neighbors, and Charro, as well as Musical Directing and conducting the national revival tour of 7 Brides for 7 Brothers.
Guest musicians: Professional musicians perform at roughly 25 services throughout the regular church year as part of our Music Program. Soloists are recruited and coordinated by the Music Chair, Don DeMaio, who also heads up the church's regular concerts (see below).
Second service: From January through March our service schedule changes to accommodate the higher attendance we experience during the tourist season. For those three months we go from a single service at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays to two services: one at 9 a.m. and one at 11 a.m. Sermons are the same at both services but the music changes: The late service continues the tradition of choir and guest musician on alternating weeks. The early service is more contemporary: Music will be anchored by folksinger Mindy Simmons, with guest musicians to join her on occasion. Simmons describes herself as a veteran performing songwriter. Singing her own flavor of blues, jazz and folk Mindy is a one-of-a-kind, outstanding entertainer. More info on Mindy can be found on her website at www.mindysimmons.com.
Sanctuary Concerts throughout the church year
The series we call Sanctuary Concerts is now in its 4th year. The concerts committee produces six concerts a year on Sunday afternoons--usually at 4 pm--during the busiest time of the year (October-April). Proceeds go into a fund to benefit music at the church.
Audiences range in size from 65 to 165 and the admission price of $15 includes a complimentary wine and cheese reception with the musician.
See this page for more information about scheduled Sanctuary Concerts and its performers.