We welcome all to join us at St. Philip's UMC For muisc and Worship!

We believe that music has a unique power to connect us with God and with each other. We invite you to explore the different ways you can share your musical talents with our church through our various ensembles and programs. I invite you to continue reading below about the opportunities and vibrant music community we celebrate here at SPUMC. We are thrilled to have you join us in any way as we seek to glorify God through the gift of music.


"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice!"

Philippians 4:4-8


Always Onward,

Ryan Pennington

Director of Music Ministries

(713)666.2175 ext.11

music@spumchou.org

Joining the Music Ministry @ St. Philip's UMC

We welcome any individual to apply to join our Music Ministry at St. Philip's United Methodist Church. Check-out some of the options below to join us or continue scrolling further down the page to learn more about the different groups within the church.

  • Scholarship Singers

    St. Philip's is proud to support our local community by offering (2) $500 singing scholarships to qualified candidates. Singers must be enrolled in Vocal Music as a Major/Minor at an accredited University and must complete 16 weeks of services singing at St. Philip's UMC. Scholarships are typically offered to one female and one male voice student each semester.


    Interested candidates can apply for Scholarships here: spumchou.org/music/scholarships

  • Staff Singers

    St. Philip's is proud to support local musicians and invites singers to join our choral program as paid, professional singers. Staff singers are invited to participate at St. Philip's for 8 months out of the year and are required to be at Thursday rehearsals and Sunday worship services. Starting salaries begin at $35/hr with typically a 3-hour commitment each week which comes out to $420 earned a month.


    Interested candidates should forward an email with an attached resume to: music@spumchou.org

  • Volunteer Opportunities

    We have an abundance of ways that you can participate in Music and Worship at St. Philip's UMC. If you would like to join a specific group or have more questions about commitments and rehearsals, please email us - we would be happy to get you plugged in: music@spumchou.org


    More information about all of the different music groups and opportunities can be found below.

  • Music and Morsels - Dinner Fundraiser

    Thank you to all who supported our fundraising efforts for the 2025-2026 Liturgical Year! We raised over $13,000 for the SPUMC Music Ministries! What an unexpected blessing - thank you to all of our friends and donors! May these funds continue to sustain our worship and music as we move into the new year!


    Click here for more info: https://spumchou.org/music/fundraising


Meet our Team

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

  • Susan Graham - Piano/Organ

    Susan Graham joined our music team in July 2025 and has been a phenomenal addition to SPUMC. Her heart for worship and 60+ years of experience in the Methodist Church provides beautiful, and thoughtful music each and every week. 

  • Steve Overton - Organ/Harp

    Steve Overton sought shelter at St. Philip's during Hurricane Beryl in 2024 - he showed an interest in participating in worship and now enjoys playing organ and harp at different services throughout the year.

  • Karen Wilkson - Violin

    Karen, and her husband Bill, have been members of the St. Philip's UMC community for over a decade. Recently retired from the Houston Ballet orchestra, Karen now enjoys playing with our Philip's Joy praise team and adding beautiful string music to worship services.

  • Tech Volunteers

    • Doug Greenhill - Sound
    • Steve Heatherington - Sound
    • Brian Drozd - Visual
    • Ruifang Zou - Livestream
    • Youth Volunteers - Ben & Alexander

  • Tom Wilkinson - Altar Guild

    Tom and his wife Tana have sung in the Chancel Choir for nearly 30 years. Tom helps maintain and arrange the banners and paraments throughout the liturgical year and coordinates the church's ushers.

  • Tagir Galiyev - Librarian

    The Music Ministry would fall apart without a dedicated volunteer to help organize and keep up with all of the loose sheets of music. And when you are the director's spouse - you have no choice!

music at st. philip's


Our music ministry is more than just a group - we are a family! 


We have programming for all ages from young children up to senior adults. The Music Ministry is the largest community in the church with over 75 musicians contributing to worship each year. Not only do we rehearse and perform together on Sundays, but we also enjoy spending time together at several structured social events and hangouts throughout the year. We are completely inclusive and welcome all to join our ranks.


Some might say "Oh, I cannot sing or play an instrument." Well, you would fit right in! We have a place for everybody, regardless of experience.


Come get to know us and grow in faith, fellowship, and fun as we join in unending praise to our risen King!


The Music Ministry breaks every Summer in July and reconvenes rehearsals by mid-August.  

Chancel choir

The Chancel Choir has a rich history of musical repertoire and performance. It it composed of around 15 singers who lead worship services and special holidays throughout the year. The choir rehearses Thursdays from 7:00-8:30pm and performs at the 10:30am Worship Service.


Highlights include:

  • SATB Choral Singing with Piano and Organ
  • Lent/Easter Cantata with Orchestra
  • Christmas Concert of Carols
  • Gospel Sundays / Hymn Sings
  • Occasional Public Performance


*Reading Music is not required*

philip's joy praise team

Philip's Joy is St. Philip’s praise music team that participates in the 10:30 am worship service and will present special music from time to time. They rehearse each Thursday evening in the Sanctuary at 6:00-7:00 pm.


Highlights include:

  • Small Ensemble Rock Band with Soloists
  • VBS Highlights and Youth Mentorship
  • Flexibility, Creativity, and Collaboration
  • Blend of Classic and Fresh Worship Sets
  • More Cowbell

*The ability to read music and an audition is required for this group*

Handbell Ensemble

The St. Philip’s Handbell Ensemble performs beautiful arrangements throughout the year at the Sunday 10:30 am service. 


The Bell Choir meets Sundays from 11:45 - 1pm right after morning worship. 


*Reading music is not required*

S.P.A.R.K. Choir

The "St. Philip's Angelic Rambunctious Kids" Choir rehearses on select Sundays from 11:30am-12:30pm and performs 1-2 times each semester. Any students in grades K-5th are invited to attend!


*Reading music is not required*

Drop-in/Seasonal Musicians

Short-term commitments are always welcome in worship! If you cannot commit to joining an ensemble for an entire semester, we would be happy to schedule you for a short period commitment! Your musical offering to share your gifts and talents with the Lord are always welcome! Here are some opportunities:


  • Sing or Play a solo or with a small ensemble
  • Accompany a hymn
  • Sing with the Chancel Choir on special occasions - Easter/Christmas/High Holy Days/etc.
  • Play with our community orchestra around Easter/Christmas
  • Play a Prelude/Postlude/Offertory - accompaniment can be provided if needed!
  • Other ideas/suggestions? Contact music@spumchou.org
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