Music

Stafford Turner, Director of Music Ministries

Music expresses our love for God, communicates our faith and understanding, and provides ministry to others. At Fernwood, there are a number of opportunities to worship God and to serve our neighbor through music by being a part of our ensembles.

Our prime directive is to continue to build a ministry featuring music that is diverse, vital, and faithful; to take care of the artists God sends our way; and to promote musical and spiritual growth in all people. We extend an invitation to you to join us in our music ministry.

 

 

Sanctuary Choir

The Fernwood Sanctuary Choir leads the congregation in worshiping each Sunday. They share music in a variety of styles—traditional anthems, sacred masterworks, spirituals, contemporary gospel, and hymn arrangements. Although our roots are firmly anchored in traditional anthems and sacred masterworks, we enjoy worshiping and performing music in all of these styles.

In addition to leading worship services, the choir has presented special music for remembrances and holidays. They have participated in community-wide Thanksgiving Services and Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrations, and have performed with the Spartanburg Community Band. On occasion, the sanctuary choir has joined together with area churches to present larger musical works where they have performed works of Bach, Handel, Mozart, St. Saën, Randall Thompson, John Rutter, and other contemporary composers.

Members of the choir have participated in state-wide events such as the Festival By the Sea and the Festival of Sacred Music in Anderson, SC. Membership in the Sanctuary Choir is open to adults of any age. No audition is required. During the traditional school year, the choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8:15 in the Music Suite.

Fernwood Ringers

We have a dedicated group of musicians who rehearse weekly and share their music in worship services at least once a month. The Fernwood Ringers also participate in state, regional, and denominational handbell festivals. Membership in the Fernwood Ringers is open to adults and high school youth who know how to read music and are interested in ringing. No previous ringing experience is required. Fernwood has 5 octaves of Schulmerich handbells and 4 octaves of handchimes. This ensemble rehearses on Sunday mornings. Please contact our Directory of Music Ministry, if you are interested in playing or learning to play these lovely instruments.