Worship & Music
The Ministry of Music seeks to teach, equip, and inspire all ages to experience the privilege of worship leadership through the medium of sacred song. While using choirs, organ, brass, and acoustic instruments, the relevance of newly composed songs are blended with the traditional melodies of faith that have inspired generations for centuries. Our vision and philosophy is truly unique and unprecedented in this present day of stylistic confusion and uncertainty.
 | Sanctuary Choir |
Sanctuary Choir
For over a century, the Sanctuary Choir of First Baptist Church San Antonio has filled the chancel as the backdrop for worship, and has dedicated its ministry to exalting the grandeur and glory of God.
Unified in the purpose of praise and adoration of our Creator God, this extraordinary choir has been devoted to excellence in all things pertaining to the powerful presentation of the gospel through choral music. Renowned for its distinctive qualities and musicianship, the choir has inspired the hearts and souls of the worshipers at First Baptist and the greater community.
The Sanctuary Choir has performed for the Texas Choral Director’s Association, the Baylor University “Alleluia! Many Voices, One Song” Conference, and the National Assembly of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Each year, the Sanctuary Choir is the centerpiece for “Christmas at First” which has become a San Antonio tradition where thousands of people gather downtown to experience the majesty and beauty of the music of Christ’s birth.
This choir is open to all high school graduates, colleges students, and adults and does not require an audition. The rehearsal for the Sanctuary Choir is held in Unity Hall from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday evenings.
| The Sanctuary Choir Chamber Singers |
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Chapel Singers Choir |
Chapel Singers Choir
For many decades the Chapel Singers, First Baptist Church’s youth choir, has been a flagship youth choral ministry within the landscape of local church music. This choir has been featured weekly at First Baptist in morning and evening worship services for over 40 years. Their role as a service choir in the early editions worship services and in evening worship venues has set them apart as a church youth choir with a vast learned repertoire with a distinctive worship ministry responsibility.
This past March, 2011, the Chapel Singers were honored by the YouthCue Network, Randy Edwards, founder, with the “Spirit of Cue” Award citing this choir’s commitment to the ideals of excellence for the Kingdom of God within music ministry, and missions. The Chapel Singers have also been the featured concert for Baylor University’s “Alleluia! Many Voices, One Song” Conference, and have also been featured in concert with the Texas Choral Director’s Association.
This choir is open to all students grades 7-12, and rehearses at 4:30 p.m. on Sundays in the Crouch Music Suite.
| One Voice |
One Voice
The ensemble is open to audition for 9-12 grade, senior high students, and rehearses on Sunday afternoon at 3:45 p.m. in the Crouch Music Suite.
| Children’s Choirs |
Children’s Choirs
Our goal is to help each participant learn to express love to God in the form of music and to develop an understanding of the role of music in worship.
If your child would like to join any of our children’s choirs, he or she is welcome to attend choir rehearsal on almost any Wednesday evening from 6:00pm-6:45pm. For information regarding rehearsal location, please contact Barbie in the church office at 210-226-0363.
Programs
Music Friends – 4 year olds and Kindergarten
This beginning choir, led by Judith York, teaches simple musical concepts to these young children. The group performs at Christmas time and at the end of the choral year in May.
Music Makers – Grades 1-3
Jesus Rocha directs this group in further education in musical concepts, playing various instruments, and having the opportunity to perform more often. They are the youngest group of singers involved in churchwide combined choir performances. In addition to singing during designated children’s choir evenings in December and May, they also perform in Christmas at First.
Young Musicians – Grades 4-6
This choir, directed by Cindy Bates, is taught more advanced musical concepts, as well as learning skills in becoming musical worship leaders. The majority of rehearsal time is used to prepare songs and anthems, with many concept-building activities used throughout. Our most frequently performing children’s choir, Young Musicians perform in December and May, at Christmas at First, and at various other times during worship services. Choir members also serve in key roles in the annual Vacation Bible School musical.
| The Sanctuary Instrumental Ensemble |
Instrumentalists
The Sanctuary Instrumental Ensemble is featured weekly in worship services and is integrated artistically with the Shantz pipe organ and Steinway grand piano to enhance the worship services of First Baptist Church San Antonio. The singing of the congregation and choirs I enhances with musical nuances of majesty and meditation as these instrumental artists bring color and beauty to worship.
The Sanctuary Instrumental Ensemble is a volunteer organization and rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 6:15 p.m.-7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The ensemble is open to seating by audition.