MUSIC MINISTRY AT HBBC

Music Ministry is at the heart of worship and the mission of the church. It inspires our faith and expresses our love for God. Music ministries create opportunities for spiritual and musical growth while enriching our worship and witness.

At Hayes Barton, we believe in the “voice of the congregation.” The congregation is our largest choir and we strive to empower that voice. Lifting our hearts in song unites our minds and spirits in the worship of God. 

Our worship services are most often accompanied by organ and piano. The Hayes Barton Orchestra, the chamber orchestra, and our brass ensemble also accompany and lead quite often. Solo instrumentalists from our orchestra are featured frequently as well. In addition to our Chancel Choir, Chancel Choir Express, and Adult Ensemble, we have a range of other choirs, including preschool and children’s choirs, youth choir, and several handbell choirs. We encourage everyone to find a place to serve and grow in the ministry of music and worship.

FESTIVAL DAYS

We periodically have special days of worship, Festival Days, that feature special music, soloists, orchestra, and our festival choir. These days always provide meaningful and transformational times of worship.

Festival Days

Sunday, February 11
Sunday, March 31
Sunday, May 19
Sunday, September 22
Sunday, November 3
Sunday, December 15

Lisa Moxley

Music Associate/
Accompanist

Jackson Glover

Organist

Chancel Choir

Anchoring our times of corporate worship, the Chancel Choir at HBBC is primarily responsible for leading our congregation in worship each Sunday morning at 11:00 AM. The choir meets to prepare for worship and special performances on Wednesday Nights at 7:05 PM.

Chancel Choir Express

Chancel Choir Express is a great way to be involved in leading worship, even with a busy, demanding schedule. Shortened rehearsals and the option of childcare are offered so that everyone can take part in leading worship.

If you are interested in leading worship as part of the Chancel Choir Express, please contact Larry Dickens (ldickens@hbbc.org) or join us for a rehearsal to find out what we’re all about!

Festival Choir | Join Now

The Hayes Barton music ministry is pleased to announce a new opportunity for experienced choral singers to join our Festival Choir. Members of this choir will partner with our Chancel Choir for major music events (Festival Days). This choir creates a new participation pathway for those who cannot attend rehearsals on a weekly basis. Applications are available and will include interviews, recommendations, or auditions. For more information contact Larry Dickens (ldickens@hbbc.org).

Adult Ensemble

The Adult Ensemble is made up of members of our Chancel Choir who perform special music throughout the year. The Adult Ensemble meets regularly to rehearse, and there are some requirements to join. If you are interested in being part of this group, please email Jeff Brooks (jeff2404@att.net) or Larry Dickens (ldickens@hbbc.org) for more information.

Adult Handbell Choir

The Handbell Choir is a special opportunity for adults who read music and have some previous handbell experience to prepare and play for worship throughout the year. The Handbell Choir rehearses in 5-6 week sessions in the handbell room. For more information about participation contact Lisa Moxley (lmoxley@hbbc.org).

Alphabells (Handbells for children grades 3-5)

This group gathers on Sundays from 4:45-5:30 PM. Contact Lucy Austin (stateaustins@gmail.com) for more information.

Youth Choir

Youth Choir is made up of 6th-12th-grade students and meets to rehearse each Sunday at 5:00 PM. They are invited to lead worship throughout the year and participate in special events and festivals. Contact Hanna Castellano (hcastellano@hbbc.org).

Children’s Choir

Music plays an important role in the worship of God and the lives of each of us. We begin with celebrating the joy of singing and the joy of singing about our God with our four and five-year-old children. Our graded choirs help our children develop their musical gifts and provide opportunities in worship for our children to lead through music. Children’s Choirs meet on Wednesdays at 6:00 PM during Family Nights. To find out more about Children’s Choirs, please contact Hanna Castellano (hcastellano@hbbc.org).

Hayes Barton Baptist Orchestra

Made up of HBBC members and community musicians, our HBBC Orchestra leads in worship for Festival Days during the year. They also share their gifts and talents for special worship events and musical presentations. Several of the members of the HBBC Orchestra teach lessons in the Hayes Barton Baptist School of Music and have performed for our Summer Concert series.

This group is open to advanced musicians by audition.

Violin

Sarah Griffin: Grimes-Napier Principal Violin Chair
Scott Laird: Ruth Hawkins Wilson & Murphy Sue O’Neal Violin One Chair
Matt Laird: Chancel Choir 2021 Principal Violin Two Chair
Dwyla Pearson

Viola

Warren Ferguson: Kathy Hartenstine Principal Viola Chair
Kevin Yen

Cello

Sonny Enslen: Robert L. Crotts Jr. Principal Cello Chair
Open: Shinn-Turner Cello Two Chair

Double Bass

Zac Denning: John W. Tote III Double Bass Chair

Organ

Jackson Glover: Doug and Kathy Best Endowed Organ Chair

Flute

Erin Munnelly Denning: Michael Hester Endowed Principal Flute Chair
Amy Bradshaw: Eleanor C. Cromartie Flute Two Chair

Oboe

Taiki Azuma: Larita Kellison Oboe One Chair

Clarinet

Marianne Breneman: Kitty Newman Parker Clarinet One Chair

Bassoon

Wenmin Zhang: Larry and Gail Dickens Bassoon Chair

Horn

Tim Dyess: Tyler Ingram Horn One Chair
Caresse Virnig
Rachel Niketopoulos

Trumpet

Michael Mole: William F. Massey Trumpet One Chair
Lucy Austin: Paul B. Conway Trumpet Two Chair
Alex Smingler: Joy Cogswell Trumpet Three Chair

Piano

Lisa Moxley: Mabel James Woods & Hazel James O’Brien Endowed Piano Chair

Trombone

Christina Thompson: A.A. James Family Trombone One Chair
Mark Mabe

Tuba

Richard Austin

Percussion

Matt Vooris: Dyess Family Percussion Chair
Andrew Munger

Hayes Barton Orchestra Endowment Ministry

The Hayes Barton Orchestra was organized in 2016 and has had tremendous success since its founding. The future of this ministry is unlimited. Generosity, virtuosity, and the power of sacred music are creating a new path toward spiritual transformation.

The following Endowed Chairs have already been established and the formal announcement of several others will be released soon:

Michael Hester Principal Flute Chair

The Michael Hester Endowment is given in memory of his enthusiastic leadership and personal commitment to church music at Hayes Barton Baptist Church. He was an active singer, pianist, and music leader who found great joy in serving and supporting others. The Chancel Choir offers this gift in grateful appreciation for his humble and inspiring legacy here and beyond. 

Robert L. Crotts, Jr. Cello Chair 

The Robert L. Crotts, Jr. Endowment is given by Delores Crotts in memory of her husband “who loved music.” This gift is given to enhance the worship ministry of Hayes Barton Baptist Church.  

Mabel James Woods & Hazel James O’Brien Endowed Piano Chair 

Given in honor of Mabel James Woods and Hazel James O’Brien by the Arthur James Family, this chair is a tribute to the musical inspiration inherited from these aunts. Mabel Woods was the organist at Roxboro Baptist Church for over 54 years. Hazel James O’Brien graduated from Women’s College ( UNCG), majoring in music, and played the piano and organ for the enjoyment of others for many years.

Grimes-Napier Principal Violin Chair

The Grimes-Napier Principal Violin Chair is given in memory of Rev. Dr. Gordon W. Grimes and in honor of Janie Napier; Gordon and Lora Grimes's parents who passed on a passionate commitment to Christian ministry. Their parents’ leadership in pastoral ministry and church music impacted their lives and are a priority in their families today.

Detailed information about orchestra-endowed chairs is available by contacting Larry Dickens (ldickens@hbbc.org). Here are the three ways individuals or families can participate:

• Fully Funded Endowed Chair: offers the option to name a Chair in honor or memory of an individual, couple, or family. (15,000)

• Endowed Chair: offers the option to establish and name a chair in honor or memory of an individual with the option to continue with future contributions. ($5,000)

• Endowed Chair Contributions: Offers the option to contribute to a future or established Chair in honor or memory of someone.