Music ministry at St. Barnabas’ is vital in leading worship and presenting music to enhance our worship services. Each year 4 choirs sing over 60 anthems, present an annual Advent Lessons and Carols service, and lead worship every Sunday and for special services during Lent, Easter, Christmas, and for funerals and weddings. All our singers are volunteers who enjoy both the ministry and warm fellowship found throughout our music ministry. Instrumental music by our many talented instrumental musicians often enhances our worship services.
Organist/choir director Dr. Michael Larkin has led music ministry at St. Barnabas’ for 15 years. In addition to conducting the Chancel Choir and Renaissance Quire, Dr. Larkin often composes and publishes music performed by our choirs and instrumentalists. He also manages the church’s artist/concert series. “The Arts at St. Barnabas’.” Dr. Larkin also serves as founder and music director of the New Ark Chorale and is conductor and music director of the Brandywine Pops Orchestra.
Two youth choirs, the Cherubim and Seraphim choirs, usually sing the first Sunday of the month, our family Sundays, and also present a musical presentation at Christmas time and in the spring. The youth choirs are led by our talented lay parishioners, Sandy Witman and Cara Stanard. Rehearsals are held immediately after our 10:00 am service.
We are in the process of developing a hand chime choir ministry, conducted by Dr. Larkin, that will further musically enhance our worship services. All are warmly invited to participate in our diverse music ministry. If interested, or if you have any questions, please contact Dr. Larkin in church or at (302) 475-5658 or
St. Barnabas Choirs
The Chancel Choir (teens and adults) uses a variety of musical styles to enhance the worship experience of St. Barnabas’. Rehearsals are every Thursday night, except in the summer. Come sing with us!
The Renaissance Quire (teens and adults) concentrates on the wonderful polyphonic choral works of the Renaissance, and enjoys other traditions as well. The Quire typically sings on the 4th Sunday of every month and rehearses on the previous Thursday. If you share a love of beautiful a cappella works, come and sing with us!
The Youth Choir — all children and youth ages 3 through 17 are welcome to sing in the Youth Choir. No singing experience is necessary. No audition is required. We sing the first Sunday of each month and the children’s Christmas Eve Service. We practice on Sundays immediately after the 10 a.m. service. All that is required is a love of singing and a desire to make a joyful noise for Jesus.
Special events include a Christmas Pageant and a Children’s Musical performed in the spring.