Music at Saugatuck

Focus
Music at Saugatuck serves the people of God by providing an elevation of praise in our worship services. Everything we do musically is solely for the greater glory of God and for the focus of our hearts on God's church and doing God's work during each and every week.

General description of music program
Music is provided each week at our Sunday morning services in many different varieties and styles. We have explored music from Gregorian Chant to new works "hot off the presses". In the past, performances of Bach's Magnificat and Duruflés Requiem have graced our Sanctuary. Our choirs have also explored the many gems of sacred music that, while not overtly difficult, always serve to lift our hearts and minds to the Creator.

Musical Instruments
Saugatuck has a fine 3-manual Austin organ (1960) with rich chorus tones and colorful reeds and mixtures. We also have a newly-rebuilt Steinway grand piano which has added much to our services especially at our 8:30 AM Sunday service which features an old-fashioned hymn-sing . We also have several fine practice instruments throughout the church complex. Our youth music program was recently able to purchase a full set of Orff instruments to enhance the musical training of our young people.

Adult Choirs at Saugatuck
The Sanctuary Choir is 20-strong with a core professional quartet of experienced singers. Membership is open to all interested singers in Saugatuck and in the greater Westport community. In recent years, the choir has presented Bernstein's Chichester Psalms, Mendelssohn's Elijah, Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors, and Respighi's Laud to the Nativity. The Saugatuck Choir presents a work each year jointly with the Green's Farms Choir. The Adult Sanctuary Choir meets on Thursdays from 8 PM.

The William E. Stone Handbell Choir is a group dedicated to the study of the performance practice of English Handbells. Our choir has a 4-octave set of Schulmerich bells at its disposal. Membership in this choir is open to all interested persons. While a basic knowledge of music is a prerequisite for handbell ringing, you should contact the director, Caesar Storlazzi, at 203-227-1261 x129 if you have any questions about joining our congenial group of ringers. The William E. Stone Handbell Choir meets on Thursdays at 6:30 PM.

Special Music
During the course of our music program, we have been blessed with the many talents of our staff and church members. While traditional organ music has been presented, we have also experimented with using a solo oboe or English Horn as the prelude instrument during a special Holy Week service. The Good News Gospel Choir and the St. Louis Women's Chorale have appeared as guests in our sanctuary. Our very own "Four Tenors" have presented barbershop-style Gospel music in our services.

Also come learn about Youth Music at Saugatuck.