Music and the Arts at Church of the Palms

John W. Ferreira has served as Director of Music and Arts and organist at Church of the Palms for twenty-one years. He enhances the traditional worship services on the 4 Manual Organ and is responsible for the eleven music groups at the church. John also has a ministry of teaching others to show God’s love through the American Sign Language.

John comes to us from Waterbury, CT where he served a congregation for over fourteen years. While in Conneticut, he became the founding director for the First Church Gilbert and Sullivan Troupe as well as Music Director in residence for the Civic Theater of Waterbury.

John is a graduate of Westminster Choir College and is the recipient of the C.A.G.O. degree from the American Guild of Organists.

Upcoming Concerts

“Reel Classics” - Sarasota Pops
Sunday March 7, 3:00 p.m. - Sanctuary
Guest Artist - Andrew Lapp, Piano

Suncoast Concert Band
Sunday, March 14, 3:00 p.m. - Sanctuary
Suncoast Concert Band will present “A Wee Taste of Ireland” on Sunday, March 14. The band will perform a variety of selections including music from “The King and I”, “A Leroy Anderson Portrait”, “El Capitan March” by John Philip Sousa, and “Irish Tune From County Derry” by Percy Grainger. John W. Ferreira will join the band on organ in “Crown Him With Many Crowns,” a fanfare prelude. Suncoast Concert Band is in its 76th season bringing cultural and historical enrichment to Sarasota and Manatee counties as well as the joy of music to the community through a series of entertaining, low-cost concerts. In 1993, the band received North America’s most prestigious award for a community band, the Sudler Silver Scroll Award, presented by the John Philip Sousa Foundation. Leo Laier is currently in his 46th year as Music Director of the band. Leo became director in 1964 and has led the concert band and Jazz Ambassadors ever since. He and his wife Beverly ( who plays percussion and is the band librarian) have devoted countless hours to make the band the success it is today. Admission to the concert is only $5.00. Contact John Ferreira for more information.

“Broadway to Hollywood” - Sarasota Pops
Sunday April 11, 3:00 p.m. - Sanctuary

Special Music in Worship

Seven Last Words of Christ
Sunday, March 21,
9:15 and 11:00 a.m. - Sanctuary

Kirkin of the Tartans
Sunday, April 11
9:15 and 11:00 a.m. - Sanctuary

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John W. Ferreira, C.A.G.O.
Director of Worship, Music & the Arts
Adult Choir Director
Jubilee Ringers: Is our Adult Hand-Bell group. Offering music on a monthly basis in Worship, they perform a variety of levels and Hand-Bell ringing technique. Rehearsals on Wednesdays at 7:45 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

Dr. Linda Vasilaki
Instrumental Director
String Class
Meets on Mondays at 6:00 p.m. in the Music & Arts Building. Under the direction of Dr. Linda Vasilaki, this group is for stringed instruments only.

Dr. Linda Vasilaki
Instrumental Director
Sounds of Glory Orchestra
Meets on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. in the Music & Arts Building. Under the direction of Dr. Linda Vasilaki, this group enhances our Worship on a regular basis. The group is open to all ages and all stages of playing ability.

Megan Mooney
Contemporary Worship Music Director

Caroline B. Decker
Church Pianist

We need members for each and every group, if you would like to share your faith with Music and Arts, please contact John W. Ferreira, 924-1323 or email jferreira@churchofthepalms.org

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Children's Choirs

Judy Lutes
Assistant Organist,
Children's Choir Director

Kids of the Kingdom: is a choir open for all children first grade through fifth grade. This choir rehearses Sunday morning from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. in the chapel. The children will share their talents in church once a month as well as in the Contemporary service and the Family Christmas Eve service. A musical is being considered for the spring. Choir rehearsals will begin in September.

God's Kids Choir: is a choir for children ages Pre-K and Kindergarden. This choir will rehearse in the chapel from 9:00 to 9:20 a.m. after which the children will be taken to their Sunday School class. Ann Jones will direct the choir and they will learn to sing together, prepare songs to sing in church as well as have some musical fun. The choir will sing at the traditional service and also for the Contemporary Service. They will also sing with Kids of the Kingdom at the Family Christmas Eve service. God's Kids rehearsal will begin in September.

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Adult Choirs

John W. Ferreira, C.A.G.O.
Director of Worship, Music & the Arts
Adult Choir Director

Chancel Choir: Is the heartbeat of the Music Ministry program. Working as one big family of friends, they are the main choir to provide music for our Worship experiences. Rehearsals are on Thursdays at 7:15 p.m. in the Music and Arts building. You do not have to be a soloist for this group, but you have to bring a smile at all times. We will be having our first get together for pizza and a music run-thru on August 30th at 6:30pm in the choir room.

Cantori Choir: Is made up from congregation and choir members. They bring their gift of song to nursing homes, retirement centers and hospice during the Christmas season. Rehearsals are on Mondays during the months of October and November at 7:00 p.m. in the Music and Arts Building.

Praise and Glory Singers:
Is a small group that learns contemporary Christian Music to enhance our Worship experiences. All of our music is memorized and often performed with a professional recorded accompaniment. Rehearsals are Sundays at 4:30 p.m. in the Music and Arts Building because there is a limited enrollment; please contact John Ferreira for details on how to join this ensemble.

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