Music Ministry

Zion is blessed with a fabulous musical staff and many gifted members who make up our choirs, singers and instrumentalists. We look forward to listening to their musical contribution to praising God each weekend. Zion is proud to be one of the few church choirs to be asked to perform with the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra at the DeYor Performing Arts Center at Powers Auditorium.

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Saturday Singers

Saturday Singers are soloists and/or small ensembles that lead worship for the 5:00 service.  Singers are scheduled on a rotating basis, sharing in worship about 3 times over a two month period.  Rehearsal time is limited and based on the schedules of those who are singing for worship that week.  An audition is required to participate with that group. The Saturday singers meet throughout the year.

Adult Choir

The adult choir sings for all 11:00 worship services September -May and any special services such as Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, and Holy Week services to name a few.  Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the choir room next to Alber Hall.  Attendance at rehearsals is vital, but understanding personal schedules, arrangements can be made for less than weekly attendance.  This choir is open to anyone without an audition, but preferably with some choral experience. The choir does not meet throughout the summer months (June-August).

Youth Choir

While we do not have a formal Youth Choir, our Youth sing as part of the opening for Sunday school and sing at 11:00 worship several times throughout the year.

Instrumentalists & Small Ensembles

We use various instrumentalists throughout the year, both as soloists and to accompany choral selections.  We love to showcase the musical talents of those that are willing to play. An audition is required and coming to a choral rehearsal if accompanying an anthem.

Bell Choir

We have a three-octave set of hand-bells, but the musicians only meet on an infrequent basis to prepare for pieces played for special occasions. We are always looking for more people that would be interested in learning how to play the bells.

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Participation in the music ministry requires a commitment of service to God, to the directors, and to the group as a whole.  Members should evaluate their gifts and talents, to see if the music ministry is where God has called them.  Reading music helps, but is not a requirement to participate.  Each member has value, and is valued by the other members of the team, therefore weekly attendance at rehearsals and worship is vital to maintain a level of excellence for God.  Participation means having a desire to offer music as a gift to God from the heart, through reflection of the message in song, and preparation of the music to be shared with others.  

Joan Gent

Music & Worship Administrator/Organist
musicdirector@zionohio.org

Stephanie Chizmar

Choir Director

Stephen Ley

Percussionist