Director of Music Ministries and Organist - Mr. Ryan Pennington

Greetings and welcome to our Music Ministry page! 


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

713.666.2175 ext.11

music@spumchou.org

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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