MEET THE
music staff

Patricia Bjorkund,
Music Director

John Hermanson,
Worship Leader 

Elizabeth Mangold,
Worship & Choir Pianist 

Beth Key,
Handbell Director

Oak Knoll Music Ministry

Congregational Song is highly valued at Oak Knoll Lutheran. Whether classic European or modern folk hymnody, global or gospel style songs, we celebrate our diverse musical identity by lifting our voices in song to the glory of God~ within a musically eclectic worship experience. The music ministry of Oak Knoll Lutheran exists to engage, encourage and enrich this spirit of song in the worship life of the congregation.

All are invited to enter into this mission, whether as participants in the “Greater Choir” (the congregation) or our other group opportunities which include:

Adult Choir:   Adult and teen singers who can reasonably commit to a regular Wednesday 7-8:30 pm rehearsal schedule September through May are most welcome to join the singing! While ability to match pitches or sing in tune is a basic requirement to sing in the choir, ability to read music is not.

Our first rehearsal for the 2011-12 Singing Season will be Wednesday, August 31. Throughout the year you can expect to sing a wide variety of anthem styles -from classic European choral repertoire to modern Christian Gospel - and everything in between.  Occasionally both Men’s and Women’s Chorus selections are presented. The choir also plays an important role in Sunday worship as song leaders for liturgy and newer hymns and songs.

Ideally, singers are encouraged to participate for the entire choir year. However, those who can commit to singing in choir on a short term basis only are most welcome to join choir for Special Singing Sessions. Scheduled in blocks of 6 to 8 weeks throughout the year, these sessions typically culminate with a special festive worship event. Special Singing Sessions schedule for the 2011-2012 singing season will be announced soon.   

Please contact choir conductor Patty Bjorklund at pattyb@oklutheran.org for more information or to register your interest to sing in the Oak Knoll Adult Choir.

Handbell Choir:     Membership in the Oak Knoll Hand Bell Choir is open to teens and adults. Ability to read music is recommended but not required. Performing on an as needed basis, this group plays for worship approximately 4 times per year, rehearsing a few weeks prior to scheduled presentation date. Please contact director Beth Key through the church office at churchoffice@oklutheran.org for more information or to register your interest.

Rhythm Team: Formed for the purpose of providing rhythmic support for “global” congregational songs, the Oak Knoll Rhythm Team plays in worship on an as-needed basis. Rehearsals also are held on an as-needed basis. RT-er’s can expect to play a variety of percussion instruments including Congo Drums, the African Djembe, Bongo Drums, Maracas, Cowbell, Guiro, Claves and a variety of Ethnic instruments. A Digital Drum set is used for the Oak Knoll Gospel Sing worship event. Membership is open to all ages. Please contact Oak Knoll Music Director at pattyb@oklutheran.org for more information or to register your interest.

Instrumental Team: Our varied worship liturgies and choir anthems often call for supporting instrumental parts. Volunteer instrumentalists of high school level and better are invited to play as needed, both for the liturgy and special feature selections.  To volunteer your instrumental skills, please contact Music Director Patty Bjorklund @ pattyb@oklutheran.org

Sunday School Singers:  Singing for worship 3-4 times per year, our Sunday School Children also present an annual Christmas Pageant .

“The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of Godand the refreshment of the soul.”

J. S. Bach.