Music

Wide shot of Saint John’s choir

Welcome from John Sabine

Minister of Music

There are many reasons why children, youth, and adults participate in the music ministry here at Saint John's: learning about the faith through singing, building friendships, and finding a therapeutic outlet away from the stresses of everyday life. If you are looking for a place to use your musical talents in a close-knit community, come and check us out!

Saint John's provides a comprehensive ministry for children, youth, and adults to use their gifts of music to offer praise to God. In addition to liturgy, the music ministry sponsors Music at Saint John’s—a series of concerts, recitals, and choral Evensongs featuring our parish choirs under the direction of Minister of Music John Sabine, as well as noted guest artists.

Music has been an important ministry at Saint John's Parish since its beginning in 1785—glorifying God in worship, education, fellowship, and reaching out to the wider community.

Close-up of John Sabine conducting

Music Ministries for Children, Youth, and Adults

Interested in joining a choir or learning more? Contact John Sabine, Minister of Music at 301-733-2560, ext. 108, or music.stjohns@myactv.net.

Opportunities to Participate

Music Making Opportunities for All Ages

Children’s choir singing during a Christmas Eve service

Saint Francis Choir: Grades K–3
Rehearses 5:45 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Singing, pitched and non-pitched rhythm instruments, and games

Canterbury Choir: Grades 4–12*
Rehearses 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Saint John’s Parish Choir: Grades 9–12 & Adults*
Rehearsals 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Thursdays)  |  Beginning Thursday, September 8

Saint John’s Handbell Choir
Inaugural rehearsal: Sunday, September 21 at 12:15 p.m. (1-hour rehearsals).
Basics of ringing technique and change ringing. No prior experience necessary.

*Youth in grades 9–12 may sing in either the Canterbury or Parish Choir.

Music at Saint John’s Series

Our concert and Evensong series is a true outreach ministry—drawing music lovers from the parish, the city, and beyond. Programs include our Parish and Canterbury (youth) Choirs, guest choral groups, chamber ensembles, and recitalists on organ, piano, and harpsichord.

2025–2026 Music Series — Sneak Preview

  • Saturday, October 11, 3:00 p.m. — Opening Concert featuring Andrew Singer Sords, violin
  • Sunday, November 2, 5:00 p.m. — All Saints Sunday Evensong
  • Sunday, November 23, 5:00 p.m. — Hymn Festival of the Trinity (1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea) with the Rev. Dr. Don Saliers (preacher), Saint John’s Parish Choir, and John Sabine, Organist
  • Sunday, December 7, 5:00 p.m. — Advent Lessons & Carols
  • Wednesday, December 24 — Christmas Eve Carol Sing, 10:30 p.m., followed by Midnight Mass at 11:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, January 4, 5:00 p.m. — The Christmas Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols (Combined Choir Event with Saint John’s Parish Choir and the Schola Cantorum of Saint Luke Lutheran Church, Silver Spring, MD — Adam Graham, organist/choirmaster)
  • Sunday, February 15, 5:00 p.m. — Organ Recital with Adam Graham
  • Sunday, March 15, 5:00 p.m. — Evensong for Lent with Saint John’s Parish Choir
  • Saturday, May 2, Time TBA — Hagerstown Choral Arts Spring Concert
  • Saturday, June 6, 4:00 p.m. — Solo Recital with James Baker, baritone
John Sabine conducting Saint John’s choir

Additional Parish Choir Highlight:
Combined choir celebration of the Reformation at Saint Mark’s Lutheran Church — Sunday, October 26, 3:00 p.m.