Music

The Music Ministry of Highland Baptist Church seeks to provide a place where every person is encouraged to use their God given musical talents to the glory of God and to the betterment of the community. The Music Ministry strives to allow each participant an opportunity to sharpen his or her music skills through music education in order to become a more effective communicator of the gospel message through music.

Highland Baptist has a rich musical history that incorporates choral, solo, and instrumental offerings. In addition to the GREATER CHOIR (that is, the congregation), opportunities for music ministry are available for all ages - as young as 2 years old through the senior years of life. All music groups are open to anyone who has a desire to participate.

INSTRUMENTAL OPPORTUNITIES

	Sanctuary Handbells encourages adults (by audition) with handbell experience to prepare and ring in worship services on a monthly basis. Ringing a three-octave set of Malmark Handbells and Hand Chimes, this choir participates annually with the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers – Area V. (3:00 – 4:00 Sundays)
	Orchestral Ensembles (Brass, Strings, Woodwinds) prepare instrumental selections separately and together that include the leading of hymn singing for worship services. These groups also prepare secular selections for various church functions such as picnics and the church Christmas Banquet. (Sunday afternoons. Contact the director for more information)
	Highland Orchestra strives to allow all who have previous instrumental experience an opportunity to rekindle the love for instrumental music. The orchestra prepares selections for worship as well as provides orchestral accompaniment for large choral works. (Sunday afternoons. Contact the director for more information)

CHORAL OPPORTUNITIES

• Music Time for Two’s involves both parent and child discovering together the joy of active music making. Music Time allows families with two-year olds to help their children learn the basics of music through movement, stories, singing and playing instruments. (6:00 – 6:30 Wednesdays)
• Music Time for Preschoolers invites the young child to sing simple songs, play and move to the steady beat and add sounds and instruments to Bible stories. (6:00 – 6:45 Wednesdays
  
• Elementary Choir allows children (K – 5th grade) to continue their growth of music skills through singing of children’s anthems and playing of instruments. Time is allowed for both choral singing as well as small group time for Orff instruments. Handbell instruction is provided for 4th and 5th graders. Elementary children learn of the Liturgical Church Year and sing for worship during the Advent and Lenten seasons. Beginning in 4th grade, singers are encouraged to audition for Kentucky Baptist’s All State Children’s Choir which rehearses each April and presents two concerts in the eastern part of the state. (6:00 – 6:45 Wednesdays)
  
• Middle School Musicians (6th – 8th grade) continue to be active worship leaders through singing and the ringing of handbells. Music skills learned in Elementary Choir are built upon through rehearsal techniques in good choral practices and advanced handbell techniques. (6:00 – 6:30 Wednesdays)
  
• Youth Choir (9th – 12th grade) actively participate in the preparation of anthems for worship services. Music reading and good choral singing skills continue to be the focus of rehearsals. Youth Choir also participates in a large youth choir experience, Jubilate, twice per year in the Atlanta, GA area. They also prepare a musical every other year for Highland’s Christmas Banquet. (12:45 – 1:30 Sundays)
  
• Sanctuary Choir is open to all singers over the age of 16 who have a love for choral music. This choir is the primary leader of music in the 11:00 worship services at Highland Baptist. Careful attention is given to the selection of anthems that enhance both the Lectionary readings and the Liturgical Church Year. Sanctuary Choir participates in choral activities outside of Highland’s walls as a gesture of ecumenical goodwill within the Louisville area. Larger choral works are an integral part of worship particularly in the Advent and Lenten seasons. (7:00 – 8:15 Wednesdays)