St. Peter's Episcopal Church400 N. College - McKinney, TX

Helen Cantrell, Minister of Music

Music Ministries

The Music Ministries of St. Peter's are comprised of many musicians who lovingly give of their talent and time to serve God.  All ensembles and choirs exist to assist and facilitate the congregation of St. Peter's to experience God through the mysterious and beautiful language of music, in worship, service and fellowship. All choirs and ensembles rehearse regularly throughout the school year. 

Adult Choirs and Ensembles

The Adult Choir is open to all adults. This choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7:20 9:15 p.m. in the Terrill House, and leads worship at the 11:00 a.m. service each week, late August through June. In addition, this group sings at all major feasts and seasonal services, as well as special events and seasonal concerts.  Director:  Helen Cantrell.

The 9:30 Worship Team facilitates music and worship during the 9:30 a.m. service.  This ensemble is composed of instrumentalists and vocalists who meet regularly and rehearse weekly to prepare for the upcoming service.  If you would like more information on this group, please contact Fr. Michael Hoffman or Helen Cantrell.

Children's Choirs

The Children’s Choirs meet each Wednesday evening at 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. September through April. Each choir focuses on helping the children of St. Peter’s to find their role and voice in worship through music. Each group rehearses not only on music and anthems, but focuses on liturgical aspects of our life together, as well as our biblical and historical foundations in music. All choirs are lead by a dedicated group of volunteer musicians and leaders from the Music Ministries.
The Cherub Choir is open to children age 4 through Kindergarten. Director: Claudia Deramo.
The Canticle Choir is open to children Grades 1 through 5.  Director: Helen Cantrell.

Handbell Choirs and Ensembles

The Adult Handbell Choir is open to adults and high school students. Some music reading skills are necessary, but no previous bell experience is required. This choir plays during various worship services, as well as special events and seasonal concerts. This group also performs in community seasonal events as well. This choir uses St. Peter’s five octaves of Malmark Handbells and three octaves of Malmark Handchimes and has performed together for seven years. This choir rehearses on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. weekly September through May. Director: Helen Cantrell.

The Jubilation Handbell Choir is open to youth grades four through eight. A music reading skills proficiency assessment is required and instrumental or bell experience is also required. This choir plays during various worship services, as well as special events and seasonal concerts. This choir uses St. Peter’s five octaves of Malmark Handbells. This choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 - 5:45 p.m. weekly September through April. Director: Helen Cantrell.

The Celebration Ringers are open to children grades two through eight. A music reading skills proficiency assessment is required, however no previous music reading skills or instrumental or bell experience is required. This choir focuses on music theory skills, as well as handbell techniques and general playing skills. This choir plays during various worship services, as well as special events and seasonal concerts. This choir uses St. Peter’s three octaves of Malmark Handchimes.  This choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 - 5:45 p.m. weekly September through April. Directors: Elsie Kadera and Sandra Taylor.

For more information on any ensemble or program, please contact the Director of Music Ministries, Helen Cantrell. 

Click HERE to view the latest Music Notes newsletter.

Music Ministry Calendar