Greetings, and welcome to the Music Ministry page!
I believe that the role of musicians in the church is similar to that of the Biblical Levites, and that we have been put here as a group to magnify the Lord Jesus Christ and encourage His church to worship Him through music. We are always looking for men, women, boys and girls who want to use their musical gifts to help us fulfill our purpose. Are you a singer? A handbell ringer? Do you play guitar or a keyboard instrument? We need you!
We are so excited about being part of what God is doing here at Salem! We are still making history after 222 years, and we want you to join us! To get involved, or to get more information about the music ministry, please contact me at Careen@salembaptist.org. I can also be reached via text at 804 867 7374.
God bless!
Careen Stanley
Music Minister, Salem Baptist Church
Bells of Salem:
Our handbell ringers are guys and gals of all ages (high school - senior adult) and we meet in the bell room Wednesday nights from 6-7 p.m. We play special music in service as often as possible and would love to add you to our team! Our winter season is nearly over, and Spring will begin right after Easter. However, you may contact our director, Mrs. Becky Broaddus (rebecca@bealenet.com), to get more information on how you can join us then!
Middle School Girls' Ensemble:
We are looking for 6th, 7th and 8th grade girls who love to sing to start a new ensemble! Don't worry - no audition is required, and we will start slowly, learning to sing in unison and practicing onstage with microphones. We'll grow in our skills and confidence together, and who knows what God will do? Parents or students can contact Mrs. Stanley to get more information.
Salem Kids' Choir:
This high-energy group of kiddos K-5th grades loves to sing and dance, play claves and games, and praise the Lord together! Our winter season will wrap up on Palm Sunday with a fantastic combo choir number in the worship service, which we are very excited about! We will take a short break and then begin our Spring session on Wednesday, April 30. We would love to add more kids to our roster, so please contact Careen Stanley to register your kids. We meet Wednesdays from 4:30-5:30 in the choir room on the top floor of the Fellowship Hall, and rehearsal dismisses in time for the midweek meal and Wednesday night programming for all ages.
Instrumentalists:
We’re always looking for instrumentalists! If you play a solo instrument and would like to contribute to the music ministry in regular services or for a special occasion, please contact Careen.
Ladies’ Ensemble:
This group of ladies of all ages (high school-senior adult) is constantly forming and reforming, singing several times a year in worship services, on special occasions, and for holiday events at Salem. Singers should be able to hold a part, but not alone, and no audition is necessary. Our winter session will end with Holy Week, but we would love to give you information on how you can join us in the spring. We meet at 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays in the choir room in the Fellowship Hall. You will find us a fun, energetic group and we would love to add your voice to our mix!
Praise Band:
Our band leads worship every 2-3 weeks, and we’re always looking to add more folks to the team. Rhythm guitar, electric guitar, drums - if Salem is your church and you have the skills, don't wait any longer! Musicians should be proficient on their instrument and able to keep up with a given tempo (we do not use in-ears). Weekly rehearsals are required, and any instrumentalists who aren't quite ready for the stage are welcome to attend practice and then play along (unplugged) from the front row on Sunday mornings. Contact Careen for more information.
Praise Team:
This group at Salem has been a group of vocalists who lead worship with the band or with CD accompaniment in different combinations. Some sang together for years, some were newer singers, but all were God-followers living a lifestyle of worship. We are currently looking for singers with the same skills and lifestyle to help lead our congregation in authentic worship. If you are a confident, flexible singer with a love for contemporary worship music (think Elevation, Phil Wickham, Vertical Worship, Shane & Shane, Chris Tomlin) we need you! Not quite ready to audition yet? Contact Careen and schedule a Sunday to lead worship with her as a duet or trio. It’s a low-anxiety way to work your way into the music ministry!
Worship Choir:
This group of singers spans the generations from high school to senior adult, and we'd love to have you join us! We are learning more about worship, and how worshiping God as a lifestyle gives us purpose and brings us joy. Our winter season will be end dramatically with our musical offerings for Holy Week, but we would love for you to join us in our spring session! Rehearsals are Sundays from 11:15-12:15 (right after church) in the choir room, and we have a wonderful time together. If you love Jesus and love to sing, please contact Careen to get more information. We hope to see you soon!