Music at Northminster

Music has always been a central part of Northminster's worship and community.

We were one of the first churches in the metro Detroit area to have handbells, a set of Petit & Fritzens stored in a wicker basket, back in the early ‘60s! Over the years, our vocal and handbell choirs have participated in workshops, festivals, and concerts in the Detroit area and other states. Highlights include:
  • Singing Orchestra Hall with the DSO as part of the 300th birthday celebration of Bach and Handel in the ‘80s
  • Singing John Rutter’s “Gloria” and “The Reluctant Dragon” with Central Woodward Christian Church in the ‘90s
  • Uniting withTrinity Community to celebrate Robert Ray’s “Gospel Mass” and including a service of special music at Christmas time
  • Singing at the Presbytery of Detroit and Synod of the Covenant services
  • Performing Paul Winter's "Missa Gaia" with Rochester Hills' University Presbyterian

Northminster has always been blessed with many talented musicians that allow us to be creative in our worship. On any Sunday, music might include selections from “Godspell,” Aaron Copland, Paul Winter, J.S. Bach, Andre Thomas, music from the Sacred Harp, from around the world, and from all different eras. Many of our members and children also play instruments and those gifts add to the richness of our musical life. As our population changes, new groups form and others dissolve. We have had handbell ensembles, a children’s handbell choir, a percussion group, and different children’s and teen choirs over the years. Current musical opportunities are described here. Maybe one of them is right for you!

Adult Choir

The Adult Choir welcomes singers high school age and beyond, and has a varied repertoire. It performs music from many eras and styles, including Renaissance madrigals, Early American hymns, gospel, contemporary music of all kinds, and music from all over the world. The choir participates in outside workshops when available and enjoys opportunities to combine their talents with other groups for special performances.

The Adult Choir rehearses September through early June on Wednesdays from 8:00 to 9:30 pm

Northminster Bells

Northminster Bells is a high school through adult group that rings five-octave music using complicated notation and advanced techniques. Some of the ringers in NB have been ringing for more than 30 years! The handbell choir also uses hand chimes and percussion instruments to enhance the music. Both of Northminster’s bell choirs participate in American Guild of English Handbell Ringers (AGEHR) events and try to attend one mass ring each year.

Northminster Bells rehearses on Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:00 pm

Les Bells

This handbell choir is an intergenerational group with ringers ranging from upper elementary school age to adult. The ringers in this group generally have less experience than the Northminster Bells and have a LOT of fun learning new techniques and improving their skills. Les Bells started out playing three-octave pieces, but have advanced to five-octave music and the ringers just keep getting better.

Les Bells rehearses on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 pm

All God’s Children

All God’s Children is a joint venture of Northminster’s Music and Christian Education programs. Children ages 3 through grade 5 meet with adults who use stories, songs, and fellowship to build an appreciation of music as a worship offering. The children are divided into two groups for music and the whole group does a craft together. The Play Pals, preschoolers through 1st grade, have a story and singing time. Older children, the Praise Pals, sing, play hand chimes and Orff instruments, and focus on more complex musical techniques.

All God’s Children meets Sunday mornings at 9:15