Singing is a vehicle for prayer. Since the earliest days of the Church, congregational song has been an essential element of the Christian worship experience. Our congregation sings old and new hymns, spiritual songs, and other music to enrich our common worship. While choirs and instruments play significant roles in worship, congregational song is central.
Idlewild Choir supports and enhances congregational song. It also offers choral music to deepen the worship experience. The choir’s repertoire is drawn from a broad spectrum of the Church’s musical heritage, including Renaissance polyphony, psalms, spirituals, and folk songs, as well as modern compositions. A traditional Service of Nine Lessons and Carols is presented each Christmas Eve and other special services and concerts occur throughout the year. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 7:30 – 9 pm.
Join us for a delightful summer choir experience! This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals of all ages, including high school students and older, to come together and enjoy making music in a relaxed and informal setting. We practice at 9:15 am on Sundays (through June 30.)
Each week, worship begins with a peal that calls us to a worshipful place. They often enhance congregational song and choral music with their ringing. Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 5:30 – 7 pm.
Cherub Choir: JK-1st Grade (must be 4 yrs old by September 1)
Primary Choir: 2nd-6th Grade (must be 7 yrs old by September 1)
As part of Woven Wednesdays, this fall the children will be preparing a Christmas Musical to present during Advent. Additionally, the children will take part in leading worship on Children’s Sunday on October 20th at 11 AM. Music is such a formative part of a child’s faith journey, and we hope you will join us! Sign-up through Realm.
University of Memphis University Singers in Concert
March 25, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Idlewild is proud to welcome the University Singers from the University of Memphis, directed by Dr. Francis Cathlina. This dynamic ensemble will present an inspiring program of varied music, with a special collaboration featuring the Idlewild Chancel Choir. Join us for an evening of exceptional choral artistry.
Good Friday Worship: The Seven Last Words of Christ
April 18, 2025 | 7:00 PM
This Good Friday, experience the profound beauty of Theodore Dubois’ The Seven Last Words of Christ performed by the Idlewild Chancel Choir. This moving choral work will guide us in solemn reflection as we observe this sacred day.
Music Ministry Sunday
May 11, 2025 | 11:00 AM Worship Service
Celebrate the gift of music with all of Idlewild’s ensembles! This joyous service will feature the Chancel Choir, Idlewild Ringers, Cherub and Primary Choirs, and the Memphis Brass Quintet. We’ll honor our children’s choir participants and lift our voices in gratitude for the role of music in worship and community.
Sanctuary Organ
Primary among the organ’s roles is that of supporting congregational song while its colorful palette allows for an eclectic repertoire to be successfully presented.
The current sanctuary organ was installed in 1988 by the Bedient Pipe Organ Company. A detailed stop list of the instrument can be found online.
Carillon
Idlewild possesses the only carillon in Memphis – the largest musical instrument in the Mid-South. It is housed in an English gothic stone tower which rises majestically 120 feet above the church’s sanctuary. Its forty-eight bronze bells were cast at the Paccard-Fonderie de Cloches in Annecy, France. They range in weight from 29 to 4,397 pounds, totaling more than 26,890 pounds.
