Born in Song

God's People Have Always Been Singing

A Message from the Minister of Music

Islington United Church has a long, rich history of music-making. Music has enriched the worship life of the community for hundreds of years – and continues to – through robust congregational singing, the offering of choral anthems and introits, a focus on intergenerational music-making, and a variety of special services and opportunities to share our gifts with each other and bring us together in faith and fellowship.

We strive for an ever-evolving music program where both congregants and visitors can find themselves in the music being shared. We are committed to inclusive language for the gathered community and a broadened palette of metaphors for God in the words we sing. We are blessed to have a Shöenstine Organ and Yamaha Grand Piano to accompany the congregation. As you explore this page, perhaps something will invite you into music-making at Islington United Church.

Jason Locke
Minister of Music

A Visual Snapshot

Our Musical Community

Musical Offerings & Opportunities

Senior Choir

The Senior Choir is an excellent, dedicated, mixed-voice ensemble of around 35 singers, supported by professional leads, whose primary ministry is to lead the church in weekly worship through supporting congregational singing and offering weekly anthems. The Senior Choir also has a roster of special events throughout the year – most notably our Fall Retreat,

The Senior Choir is a non-auditioned, trial-based choir. Interested singers are encouraged to connect with the Minister of Music for more information.

Contact the Minister of Music

Children's Chorus

The Children’s Chorus is a vibrant program designed to offer a fun and high-quality singing experience from ages 5 to 12. The program consists of a meal together (for the entire family), group-based learning and opportunities to perform throughout the year. This program runs Thursdays from mid-September to late June.

There is no registration fee for this program, but families are encouraged to support the program by making a monthly or annual donation if possible. There is no audition process for this choir and all are welcome to join.

Contact the Children's Ministry Lead

Handbell Choir

Comprising of a team of 10-12 ringers, the 4-octave Handbell Choir rehearses each week to prepare musical selections, hymns and anthems to contribute to worship. This requires a commitment of a one-hour rehearsal each Thursday and periodic opportunities to play on a Sunday morning.

The handbells add a beautiful aesthetic to the worship life of Islington United Church. If you are interested in being involved in this ensemble, please reach out to the Handbell Choir Director, Christy Cummings.

Contact the Handbell Choir Director

Chiming Ministry

Each Sunday morning, the steeple chimes call the wider Islington Village to worship. This beautiful tradition is carried out by a team of volunteer chimers, who receive some simple training and are placed in a roster of ringers by our Chiming Coordinator, Joan Hunter. The chimes are controlled from the organ console, so piano skill is required to contribute to this ministry. If you are interested in becoming involved, please contact the Minister of Music, Jason Locke, for more information.

Contact the Minister of Music

Other Instrumental Opportunities

Many members of the Islington United Church community have other musical gifts – perhaps you play the violin or the clarinet or the trombone – there is space for you to share those gifts as well. Reach out to the Minister of Music, Jason Locke, to find out how to lead a sectional at Summer Music Camp or play in one of our seasonal orchestras.

Contact the Minister of Music

Resonance Band

The Resonance Worship Band supports the contemporary Resonance worship event that takes place the first Sunday of each month. The band consists of piano, guitars, bass, drums and singers. If you have gifts in this area, and experience playing on a contemporary worship team, please connect with the Minister of Music, Jason Locke, for more information. We are often looking for subs and alternates for this established and capable team.

Contact the Minister of Music

The Dr. John Derksen Music Fund

Islington United Church has a legacy of supporting students who have an interested in sacred music. Dr. John Derksen served as the Minister of Music at Islington United Church for nearly 25 years. In 2024 a memorial scholarship was established in his honour and will be awarded for the first time in September 2025. An application process will be posted here in spring 2025.

Piano Meditations

This series of piano mediations are free-improvised, thematic sessions. Minister of Music, Jason Locke, recorded these in 2020, when life felt a little unsure. These meditations make great devotional reflections or can simply be on in the background during dinner. Feel free to use them and share them with others.