Description of our weekly service music
Our traditional service (8:30 am) is led by our staff pianist and a cantor and contains hymns from the Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymnal (ELW).  Our contemporary service (10:30 am), led by piano and an occasional acoustic band, follows the basic ELW liturgy but contains contemporary arrangements of songs and hymns.  Regardless of style, our music reflects our ELCA theology and our Reconciling in Christ status.​"

ERLC Choir    There are roughly 20-25 people who sing with the ERLC choir.  They rehearse on Thursday nights from 6 pm to 7:30 pm and sing at services about once a month.  They'll also sing for major festival days like Christmas Eve, Holy Week, and Easter.  Since they mostly sing at the traditional service they're repertoire is mostly traditional, or classical songs that are accessible enough to do. They also sing with the kids in the kids' programs during Christmas and Palm Sunday.  If you've sung in choirs before and want to get back to it, you are welcome to join them for any of their projects throughout the year.  They are a tight-knit group and LOVE to sing and see new faces.  ​
Worship Band   About once or twice a month, the Worship Band leads the music at our 10:30 am contemporary service.  They rehearse on Mondays from 6:30 to 9:30pm, sometimes on Tuesday nights.  They come in a variety of ways.  Some days they'll be a keyboard and two vocalists, other days they'll be an acoustic guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, and three vocalists.  Any instrument and voice are welcome in the Worship Band.  This is a worship-leading group so musical experience and proficiency are needed.  Unlike the Choir and Riverside Ringers, the Director of Music Ministry & Worship will need to play a song or two with a new musician before they play with the Worship Band...as a casual, non-threatening audition of sorts.​
Riverside Ringers, ERLC's Handbell Choir    This ensemble is the newest addition to the musc ministry. Anyone who's interested is invited to join. No previous experience is necessary. Training is provided. Rehearsals are Tuesday nights from 6 pm to 7 pm. Pereformances are once a month at either the traditional or contemporary service. Contact Taylor Quinn, Director of Music Ministry and Worship for how to join.
​Instrumental Ensemble    Besides singers and ringers, Elk River Lutheran also has several talented and skilled instrumentalists.  From flute to trombone to autoharp, this ensemble gathers to rehearse for special services as well.  Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 6pm to 7:30pm.
Hymn Sings
Beer & Hymns was missed last year, so I also scheduled a few hymn sings.  I’ll be hosting two at Guardian Angels’ locations, one on Sept 11th at By the Lake and the other on Oct 2nd at Riverview Landing.  I’ll also host an Autumn HymnFest on Oct 18th outside the church.  It’ll be fall-themed with campfires and a hay wagon.  I’m kind of excited about that one.  I’ve always dreamed about leading a hymn sing from a hay wagon.  🙂
Soloists/Small Groups  We welcome all musicians of all ages and abilities to participate in special music opportunities.  Besides the large groups, soloists and small groups are always invited to share their gifts during services.  Rehearsals are dependent on the musician(s), and training is always available.
Children’s Music  Children are especially welcomed into the music ministry.  During select services throughout the year, they sing together through our LiFT program.  Young musicians who study a particular instrument also participate during special music times.
We are always looking for new talent so if you would like to join us to  sing, play an instrument, run the sound board
please contact Taylor at [email protected]  or 763-595-1216