“Come let us sing for joy to the Lord…” Psalm 95:1-3
Music ministry is an integral part of Croydon SDA Church and over the years we have become widely known as a musical church that boasts three choirs, as well as several groups and soloists.
Our choirs are open to anyone with some musical ability who would like to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. There are also opportunities for smaller groups of talented singers/musicians to perform special items and lead the church in song each Sabbath. If you’re interesting in performing please contact the Music Ministries department at: music@croydonadventist.org to be scheduled.
Our purpose
The purpose of music ministry at Croydon SDA is to give praise and glory to God. Music is an important tool other than the spoken word in bringing people closer to God and helping those that are seeking to know the Lord. The Music Ministries Department believe in not only serving our church, but also our community. Look out for our Festival of Sound concerts, which are held throughout the year, by visiting our events page.
The Croydon SDA Gospel Choir began life as a non-auditioned church youth choir in 1979. Initially, its performances were mostly at church services and occasional small scale concerts. In the nineties, the Gospel Choir entered the Choir of the Year competition, a televised six-part series on BBC2. It was a quarter finalist in 1992, and was the runner up after being one of three finalists in 1994, alongside its sister’ choir, the London Adventist Chorale which won the competition. The Gospel Choir’s popularity swiftly grew due to its originality, diversity and innovative approach to gospel: it sings a variety of genres of music, and often fuses genres. On occasion, it uses creative ways of presenting songs, including interacting with moving images, and surrounding the audience.
The Gospel Choir has appeared on numerous television programmes, including BBC Songs of Praise. It was part of an innovative live BBC television programme, ‘Flashmob: The Opera,’ which was broadcast live from Paddington Station. The choir has also performed across the continent and the US. It has recorded several projects, many under its own imprint CGC Music, but also recorded with record label, MCI, an international commercial release, The Very Best of Gospel. This album was featured on the BBC TV series, Paradise Heights. The choir’s repertoire is a strong reflection of each member’s personal faith.
The choir is led by Doriel Benjamin, Ken Burton (Musical Director), and Maureen Simpson (Assistant Leader). It sees its mission as being completely uncompromising in the expression of its faith. For more information about Croydon SDA Gospel Choir visit their website at: www.croydonsdagospelchoir or email: info@croydonsdagospelchoir.co.uk.
We aim to lead young people to understand their individual worth and discover and develop their spiritual gifts and abilities. This involves equipping and empowering young people for a life of service in the community and in God’s church. Rehearsals are usually held on the first, second and fourth Friday of every month between 7:00pm and 9:00pm.
There’s always a buzz of activity as we participate in vocal warm-ups, sing-alongs, rehearse performances, share experiences, encourage one another, and have Bible discussions. If you are interested in joining the Youth Choir, come along to a few of the rehearsals. This allows you to gain an understanding of how it works and what to expect, who the members are and talk to the leaders.
The most important thing we are looking for is potential – don’t be put off if you haven’t done much singing before. After you have decided, you’ll either have a one-to-one or two leaders.
On 9 July 2016 we held our first ever Youth Choir Reunion Concert to mark 21 years since our exceptional Croydon Youth Choir was established! View the reunion in the video below.
Have questions?
Contact Croydon SDA Youth Choir at: music@croydonadventist.org
We encourage our Church Choir members to express themselves and praise God through the learning and singing of good old favourite hymns and spirituals. We believe that the hymns of years gone by should not be lost, and we enjoy reviving some of the most cherished and favourite selections. In doing so, we are offering praise and lifting the name of Jesus.
Additionally, our coming together strengthens fellowship among the members who are from varied backgrounds and age groups. Most people have a song in their heart and the desire to express it. We strive to unleash the musical potential of each member. New members are always welcome.