Marilyn Ossentjuk has been St. Luke’s Minister of Music (Organist-Choir Master) since the fall of 2019. Prior to this, she was Organist and Music Director at Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for 18 years. She has a masters degree (with honors) from the University of Michigan, where she studied with Dr. James Kibbie. Her undergraduate degrees in K-12 Vocal Music Education and German are from Calvin University. A member of the music honors society Pi Kappa Lambda, she teaches Organ at Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College. She also sings with Early Music Michigan and is Subdean of the Southwest Michigan Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
The Children’s Choir is intended primarily for children of elementary school age and older, although singers as young as 4 years old are welcome to participate. The basics of good singing and general music knowledge are taught using instruments, games, and other activities. A highlight each year is the performance of an Advent musical during a Sunday morning service in December. The Children’s Choir sings at the 10am liturgy about once a month during the program year. They rehearse on Sundays from 12 noon to 12:40pm.
The Handbell Choir rings St. Luke’s beautiful 3-octave set of Schulmerich handbells. Adults and high school students are welcome to participate. No prior ringing experience is necessary, although the ability to read music is very helpful. The Handbell Choir rings at the 10am liturgy monthly during the program year, and they rehearse on Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30pm each week. On occasion, they ring for the community during the holiday season.
Bell choir playing at Bronson Hospital
Choir during Pirate Mass
St. Luke’s is home to a very fine mechanical action organ built by Lynn Dobson, Op. 57 (1992), with 42 ranks and 30 stops. Both visually and aurally, the organ is a work of master craftsmanship. Its diverse palate of sound serves our liturgy remarkably well, and it is frequently used for community concerts and recitals.
