Seek Love Serve: The St. Ambrose Choir
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.”
- Colossians 3:16 NRSV
The St. Ambrose Choir at St. John’s isn’t just about music; it’s about community, spiritual growth, and the joy of worshipping together through song. Led by the Music Director and Choirmaster Chris Brown, this choir is renowned for its musical excellence and its welcoming atmosphere.
“The St. Ambrose Choir has a rich history of beautiful music and meaningful Evensongs,” Brown shares. “What makes it special to me is the incredible talent and care that each member brings to the choir.”
Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. These sessions start with stretching and vocal exercises to warm up, followed by practice on the hymns and anthems for upcoming services. Brown emphasizes that rehearsals are not just about getting the notes right—they are about enhancing the worship experience for the choir members and the congregation.
Anyone with a love for singing is welcome to join the choir. “You don’t need any formal music training,” Brown notes. “Our choir members are always ready to help new singers, and I’m here to guide anyone through challenging parts of the music.”
The choir’s open and supportive environment makes it easy for new members to feel at home. For Brown, some of the most memorable moments at St. John’s have been when the choir collaborated with other choirs for special events like Evensongs and joint concerts. These experiences highlight the choir’s role in fostering community within the church and beyond.
For those who are considering joining, Brown offers an open invitation: “Feel free to come to a rehearsal and listen, or even try singing with us. There’s no pressure to commit, and you might find that it’s exactly what you’ve been looking for.” With a welcoming community and the opportunity to grow both musically and spiritually, this choir offers a fulfilling way to serve God and connect with others at St. John’s.
