“There's nothing like music to relieve the soul and uplift it.”
~Mickey Hart

Eliot Choirs

Music plays an important part in the life of Eliot Chapel.  A wide variety of music enhances our Sunday services, ranging from traditional religious and classical music to contemporary and everything in between. Solos, ensembles and choirs provide music for Sunday worship.  Often you will find guest musicians on Sunday morning, enhancing the service with their talents and on special occasions, our choirs combine forces for a monumental performance at both services.

In additional to music on Sunday mornings, we also frequently host special musical performances at Eliot, which you can read about on the “Eliot Chapel Presents” page.

We have choirs for both adults and children, including intergenerational groups, and they are active from September into June. No auditions are required for most choirs and teenagers are welcome. 

Want to learn more?

Please contact Music Director Jan Chamberlin at music@eliotchapel.org or 314-662-2947. 

The Eliot Chapel adult choirs provide an excellent opportunity to contribute to the congregation while experiencing the fellowship and joy of making music. No matter where a singer is coming from in their lives or beliefs, for the duration of a song they are resonating “as one” with others.

9:30 Chamber Choir

This adult choir, led by Music Director Jan Chamberlin, sings at the 9:30 service on Sunday mornings.  The evening rehearsal affords this group more time to “sing ahead” and become comfortable with the music, as well as time to socialize. The musical choices of the 9:30 services may tend to be a bit more “contemplative” than the 11:00 services, with this choir occasionally singing from the balcony.

Rehearsals: Wednesday evenings at 7:30 and Sunday mornings at 8:30 in the Music Room

11:00 Eliot Chorale

This adult choir, led by Choir Director Dr. Leon Burke, III, sings at the 11:00 service on Sunday mornings. In addition to preparing music, this group has the benefit of Dr. Burke’s vocal teaching experience to guide them. This larger group sits on the chancel, during the service.

Rehearsals: Sunday mornings at 9:15 in the Music Room

Children’s Chalice Choir

The children’s choir is open to kids in first through fifth grades and is led by Music Director Jan Chamberlin. The focus is on having fun, learning musical skills and practicing UU-centered songs for worship services.  The group proudly wears their yellow Chalice Choir t-shirts as they sing in select services.  During the holidays they gather together for a pizza party and then share their voic es in song at a local retirement home.

Rehearsals: Sunday mornings from 10:35-10:55 in the Music Room

Eliot Handbells

This is an inter-generational group led by Music Director Jan Chamberlin. Handbell ringing is a fun, challenging activity. Members of this choir bond over music while they prepare for Christmas Eve and other occasions. New and returning ringers are welcome, with or without experience.

Rehearsals: Tuesday evenings at 7:30 in the Music Room

Inner Voices

This adult women’s choir is an a cappella singing group led by Music Director Jan Chamberlin.  Music is learned by ear and harmonies are improvised. Songs are drawn from folk, contemporary and spiritual traditions with inspiration from UU Ysaye Barnwell of “Sweet Honey in the Rock.”  Inner Voices will sing for worship services, for home or hospital-bound members, or for justice rallies. New singers are welcome by audition.

Rehearsals: Saturday afternoons in the Music Room

The Loafers

This is a “pick-up” bluegrass group led by volunteer Jim Gender. They play for Eliot’s annual Bread Sunday services in November. New players and singers are always welcome, especially banjo, fiddle, bass and guitar.   Please contact Jim at James_Gender@clayton.k12.mo.us or 314-740-3425 if you would like to learn more.

Eliot Woodwinds

This volunteer ensemble has played together for many years and they play occasionally for worship services. Players include David Seidensticker, oboe; Amy Endrizal, horn; Ann Fessenden, bassoon; Sandy Riggs, flute and Tracy Howe-Koch, clarinet.