A few times each year, Friendship Presbyterian Church’s choir director comes up with a way to add a little extra flavor to a typical Sunday Service. 

This year, the church’s special choir – made up of choir regulars as well as other members of the community – will put together a jazz service on September 27, according to choir director Kevin Kelly.

“We’re always trying to think of what new perspective we can bring to a traditional service,” said Kelly. “This music is just so irresistible and rhythmic.”

The service, which begins at 11 a.m., will include all sorts of jazz styles, including Big Band, Fusion and blues music.

The service will include pieces Kelly has arranged himself, as well as pieces he’s always enjoyed listening to, such as Duke Ellington’s music. Other pieces include 12 Gates to the City, a gospel version of Amazing Grace and a spiritual arrangement of Wade in the Water. 

“We’re using jazz pieces with sacred texts – trying to find things that will fit into a service and make it meaningful,” said Kelly. “Easy to say, hard to do.”

The choir, which includes about 35 singers ranging in age from 16 to 70, will be accompanied by a 5-piece jazz band. 

 

Kelly said the choir was excited about the jazz theme instantly, even more so than last year’s Andean music theme. 

“I’ve never had such an immediate reaction,” said Kelly, who also emphasized that congregation involvement is an important component of the service. 

In addition to asking the congregation to participate in the service through hymns and response readings, the service will also feature readings by Jason Blanton, a graduate student studying drama. Blanton will read poetry from the Harlem Renaissance period, including work from poet James Weldon Johnson.

The choir has been rehearsing every Sunday afternoon since August, and will continue until the day of the jazz service. 

“What I would tell anybody planning to come hear this service is that it instantly grabs you, it’s really engaging music. And having a band with us always adds some color and rhythm,” said Kelly.

Anna Dolianitis is a reporter for The Oconee Leader. She can be reached at 706-310-1104 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

---