Pullen’s ministry of congregational, choral and instrumental music resonates our church’s values. With thought-provoking words and expressive music we engage the things that are meaningful in our lives and convey them in worship and service. As we make music together, we experience deep connection with others and realize our oneness with all.
Whether you are new to communal music-making, or someone for whom it has been part of your life-long journey, you are warmly welcomed to participate!
Contact: Larry E. Schultz, Minister of Music, 919.828.0897, ext. 9, lschultz@pullen.org
Music Ministry Groups
All are welcome to participate in Pullen’s Music Ministry Groups.
Music Ministry space at Pullen is found on the first floor of the church building and includes a Rehearsal Hall (128-B), Robing Area (128-D), Resource Rooms (128-A &C) and the Office of the Minister of Music (130-A).
Childcare is available for Music Ministry Group rehearsals and events by reservation through Pullen’s Minister with Children and their Families. (Tommy Cook, tcook@pullen.org).
Perpetual Groups
(meet consistently throughout most of the year)
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Worship Choir (Youth and Adults): Sundays at 10:15 am in 128-B (excluding December 15 and 29)
This choir gathers each Sunday morning to enliven congregational singing and offer accessible music for that day’s worship. There are no other prerequisites or prior rehearsals. All youth and adults are welcome on any Sunday!
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Pullen Orchestra (Youth & Adults): Scheduled Wednesdays at 7:30 pm in 128-B and Sundays at 9:30 am in Sanctuary
Youth and adults who play wind, string, or percussion instruments at an intermediate level or beyond play in this group that accompanies congregational singing, provides music for worship, and other events. Rehearsals take place in Room 128-B or the Sanctuary on scheduled Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. On December 8 at 4 pm, the orchestra will join the Caroling Christmas Choir in a Vespers service at Glenaire Retirement Community.
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Music Friends (Kindergarten-Grade 2): with Pullen Kids Sunday Group, Sundays at 9:30 am in 123
Younger children will find a welcoming space during Pullen Kids Sunday Group, where age-focused activities instill the joy of music-making and explore Sunday Group themes.
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Children’s Choir (Grades 3-5): with Pullen Kids Sunday Group, Sundays at 9:30 am in 128-B
Older children participate in this choir that is integrated with Sunday Groups for Kids. With a multisensory approach, children will explore Sunday Group themes, grow as musicians, offer music for worship, and participate in the Raise a Song! Festival.
Periodic Groups
(meet for a specific time period and purpose)
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Caroling Christmas Choir (Youth and Adults): 7:30 pm in 128-B on November 6, 13, & 20; December 4 & 11
Youth and adults are invited to register for this choir that prepares music for Pullen’s second “Caroling Christmas” service following the traditional Christmas Breakfast on Sunday, December 15. This joyful, interactive service combines the Caroling Christmas Choir with the Pullen Orchestra and congregation in festive and meaningful carols of the season. Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays, November 6, 13, 20, and December 4 and 11, from 7:30-8:30 pm in Room 128-B. This choir will also join the Pullen Orchestra in presenting music for a Vespers service at Glenaire Retirement Community on Sunday, December 8 at 4 pm.
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Adult Festival Choir: in Room 128-B on January 5 at 12:30 pm; January 8, 15, and 22 from 7:30-8:30 pm
All adults are invited to register for this choir that prepares music for the Adult Choir Festival by the Sea, held in Charleston, SC, January 24-26, 2025. Pullen partners with other regional churches to provide this experience of choral music-making, with a large festival choir led by nationally known conductors. Participants who are unable to attend the Charleston event are also invited to sing in this choir, as the festival repertoire is used in worship at Pullen. A “Sack-Lunch Rehearsal” takes place on Sunday, January 5 from 12:30-1:30 pm. Other rehearsals are on Wednesdays, January 8, 15, and 22 from 7:30-8:30 pm in Room 128-B.
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Youth Festival Choir (Grades 6-12): Wednesdays at 6 pm in 128-B during January-February 2025
Youth are invited to register for this choir that prepares music for the Youth Choir Festival by the Sea held in Myrtle Beach, SC, March 7-9. Pullen partners with other regional churches to provide this experience of choral music-making, with a large festival choir led by nationally known conductors. Participants who are unable to attend the Myrtle Beach event are also invited to sing in this choir, as the festival repertoire is used in worship at Pullen. Rehearsals are prior to Youth Group from 6:00-6:30 pm on Wednesdays in January and February in Room 128-B.
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Resonance Choir (Youth and Adults): Wednesday nights at 7:30 pm in 128-B during March-April 2025
All Youth and Adults are invited to register for this choir that prepares for a service of music on Sunday, May 4. The Resonance Choir will lead an experience celebrating a specific area of Pullen’s diverse life and ministries.
Video Series:
May A Song Remain Within You
This video series explores a variety of topics related to Pullen’s Music Ministry.
View episodes via the drop-down menu below.
Music Ministry Videos
When the Covid-19 pandemic brought about the distancing of individuals, Pullen’s Congregational Voices, Choirs and Orchestra continued to experience communal music-making through remotely-recorded videos for worship.
Featured below is the winning anthem of Pullen’s 2015 Church Music Search: Commonwealth of Love by UK composer, Chris O’Hara.