We are a vibrant ministry within the church and are always seeking new members. Are you passionate about singing or playing an instrument? Do you feel called to serve God in our community?
Being an open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ, our music ministry is a diverse group of people. We invite all to full involvement in our music program regardless of ability, age, ancestry, family or economic status, gender, sexual orientation, spiritual path, cultural origin, or any other visible or invisible difference.
Skyline is a wonderful place to make music and the people are what make the experience magical. We have a wealth of expertise, and the spirit of collaboration among all makes for beautiful worship music. The congregation sings a mix of traditional hymns, familiar songs that we do regularly (printed in our own homemade mini-hymnals) and new music which is learned with the leadership of the choir.
We often have soloists as part of our service, most often our own choir members who provide a wonderful accompaniment to the offering. We are eager to welcome guest soloists (either singers or instrumentalists) and eager to collaborate with musicians of all kinds. Our choir is a regular and important part of services and we are always eager to welcome new singers.
Skyline Singers, a small choir that welcomes singers of all skill levels, will begin rehearsing again every Sunday at 8:45am, in the wonderful acoustic of our sanctuary, for 10-11am service. Accompanied on piano by director Gabrielle Lochard, and occasionally by guest musicians, they lead the congregation in hymns, perform choral anthems and solos as able. Repertoire is planned in consultation with the pastor, primarily using The New Century Hymnal, welcoming its progressive theology and inclusive texts, and often sourcing the African Methodist Episcopal Hymnal, Lift Every Voice and Sing, Flor Y Canto, and Breaking Bread. Our Congregational services often include traditional folk music, from African-American spirituals to Spanish and Shaker hymns, to contemporary popular and gospel songs with uplifting lyrics and familiar melodies. To join, drop into a rehearsal or email [email protected]
Music Director Gabrielle Lochard is a singer, collaborative pianist, and writer. An avid interpreter of classical song, Gabrielle is active as a recitalist in the Bay Area. Recent programs have included “Liebeslieder” a program of love songs by Robert Schumann, Clara Schumann, and Johannes Brahms, performed with pianist Nate Ben-Horin; and “Elements: Romantic and Neo-Romantic Song,” a collection of songs dealing with our relationship to nature, time, style, and love, performed with pianist Jonathan Liu. Gabrielle is also an enthusiastic voice teacher, piano teacher, and choir director for students and musicians of all ages.
