Church Music Programs
Through diverse church music programs, Wellshire Presbyterian Church in Denver, Colorado is committed to the pursuit of beauty, excellence, and glory to God!
Our church choirs and contemporary music groups represent the full spectrum of Christian music — from the rich choral traditions and congregational hymns of our Presbyterian heritage to more modern expressions of church worship.
If you would like to get involved in one of the finest church music programs in Denver, please explore our:
- Traditional adult choir
- Contemporary adult music ensembles
- Youth church music group
- Children’s choir
- Church handbell choir
For upcoming church music events and rehearsal schedules, view our events calendar. To learn more about getting involved in our church music programs, contact Director of Music Dr. Michael Pohlenz.
Our traditional adult choir: “The Sanctuary Choir”
Wellshire’s adult choir adds to the powerful experience of worship on Sunday mornings in Denver, Colorado. This gifted, 70-voice church choir is united in the pursuit of beautiful choral singing for the glory of God.
Our adult choir prepares approximately 75 music titles for worship each year — as well as major choral works accompanied by orchestra, our Casavant pipe organ and other instrumental ensembles. Our adult church choir excels at singing carols, anthems and major sacred works, including:
- Bach’s Cantata 131 Aus der Tiefe and Magnificat
- Britten's Rejoice in the Lamb
- Duruflé's Requiem
- Fauré’s Requiem
- Finzi’s In Terra Pax
- Handel's Messiah
- Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass
- Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna
- Mechem’s Seven Joys of Christmas
- Rutter’s Magnificat and Requiem
- Saint-Saëns' Christmas Oratorio
- Susa’s Carols and Lullabies
- Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem, Five Mystical Songs and The First Nowell
Our adult Sanctuary Choir consists of bright, hard-working professionals who love music. Many majored in music in college or sang in their college or high school choirs. They have a great knowledge of church music and a great appreciation for fine choral singing.
Rehearsal for our traditional adult choir takes place once a week at 7:00 pm on Wednesday evening. Please refer to our events calendar for details.
If your background includes beautiful choral music in worship and you’re looking for one of the finest church music programs in Denver, please consider joining the adult choir at Wellshire! An audition is not required, unless you’re interested in a soloist or small ensemble role.
Our traditional adult choir is led by Dr. Michael Pohlenz, Director of Music Ministries. Learn about Michael or send him an email if you have questions.
Contemporary Christian music groups for adults: “Confluence” and “True North”
Our Presbyterian church in Denver recognizes that worship evolves and changes, including Christian music. With that in mind, our church music programs proudly include modern musical groups, in addition to our traditional church choirs.
Confluence
Confluence, our Christian band, enlivens our contemporary worship service with uplifting Christian music. This local church music group includes a basic rhythm section (such as guitars, bass and drums), a piano and a lead singer. These talented musicians accompany our congregation in singing.
True North
True North is the church vocal group for our contemporary worship service on Sunday mornings. Consisting of about 12 vocalists, this choir glorifies God in praise and prayer through contemporary song. (In expressing their joy for God, they have recorded two CDs and toured in New Mexico and Colorado.)
Our contemporary church musical groups are led by Kristen Samu. Read Kristen’s biography or send her an email if you have questions.
A church music group for Denver youth: “Vespers Band”
Vespers Band is the local youth band at Wellshire Church. Made up of middle school and high school students, this Denver church music group includes a guitar, bass, drums, vocals, and more. The band provides musical leadership for youth group worship on Sunday evenings and is directed by Graham Johnson.
Our children’s choir: “Sound Seekers”
The children’s choir at our church is for children in first through fifth grades. The fresh voices from our children’s choir give praise to God through Christian music and — from time to time — short musicals. Our children’s choir participates in both our contemporary and traditional worship services on a periodic basis during the school year.
For local children with musical interests, the children’s choir gives them a more challenging outlet than a typical music class, while they share their talents with God.
Kristen Samu directs our church children’s choir. Please take a moment to read about Kristen or send her an email if you have questions.
Our church handbell choir: “Celebration Ringers”
Our handbell choir is one of our distinctive church music programs.
About once a month, the church handbell choir at Wellshire accentuates our traditional and contemporary church worship services with melodic Christian music. Typically, our handbell choir is an adult choir, though we welcome high school students as well.
If you would like to explore this church choir, please contact Sue Hahn to schedule a conversation. There are a limited number of spaces in our Denver handbell choir. A background in music is preferred.