Our Music Program
Sound is a marvelous gift of God. When we make music together, we affirm our common humanity and build our community through this shared craft. No other gift connects us in quite this way. - Alice Parker
God preaches the Gospel through Music and Music brings the text to life. - Martin Luther
Serving as a conduit of faith for both the congregation and musicians, the Buford Presbyterian Church music program offers opportunities for a wide range of abilities and experiences.
Chancel Choir
The Buford Presbyterian Chancel Choir provides opportunities to share musical talents, to lead the congregation in song, and to enhance our worship services through a wide variety of traditional choral music. This ensemble gives special presentations at Christmas, Easter, and other times during the year. The choir rehearses every Wednesday evening in the Choir Room at 7:30 p.m., and no audition is necessary. The ability to read music is helpful, but is not a requirement.
For more information, contact Lee Barrow, lee@bufordpres.com
Special Adult Ensembles
Buford Presbyterian offers a number of special adult groups from time to time, including a men’s choir, a women’s choir, short-term choirs, and a select ensemble designed to challenge more advanced singers.
For more information, contact Lee Barrow, lee@bufordpres.com
Chancel Ringers
The Buford Chancel Ringers is a three-octave advanced bell choir which rehearses every Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. and contributes to the 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. worship services. Membership is open by invitation.
For more information, contact Lee Barrow, lee@bufordpres.com
Harmonia Ringers
Our beginner handbell choir gives music readers from 5th grade to adults the opportunity to not only learn a beautiful new instrument, but to help bridge the gap between generations through fellowship and the love of music. We meet at 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sundays.
For more information, contact Katie Janssen, janheart90@gmail.com.
Youth Choir
The Youth Choir is comprised of Middle and High School students. Rehearsals are on Sunday evenings before Youth Group meetings from 5:00 to 5:45 p.m.
For more information, contact Melissa Espy, melissa@bufordpres.com
Children’s Choir
Children’s Choir provides an excellent way to nurture the spiritual and musical growth of our young singers. The choir rehearses weekly and provides special music several times a year for the worship services, including an annual Christmas Pageant.
Children in Pre-K through 5th grade are invited to join us on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:00 a.m., then enjoy Sunday School from 10:00-10:45 a.m.
For more information, contact JoAnna Johnson, joanna@bufordpres.com
Other musical opportunities
Vocal soloists and instrumentalists offer special music during the worship services on a regular basis. Small vocal and instrumental ensembles provide those who seek a greater challenge the opportunity to learn and present more difficult literature.
For more information, contact Lee Barrow, lee@bufordpres.com
Music Staff
Dr. Lee G. Barrow has served as Director of Music Ministries at Buford since 2014. He has decades of experience directing church, collegiate, community, and professional choirs, bands, and orchestras of all sizes and types. He has a masters degree from Florida State University and a doctorate in choral conducting from the University of Miami. In addition to his work at Buford, he is professor of music at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega where he teaches music theory, music technology, and conducting and directs the music theater ensemble. He has published books, articles, and a number of choral and handbell compositions. Dr. Barrow coordinates the music program and directs the Chancel Choir and Chancel Ringers.
Contact Lee: lee@bufordpres.com
Melissa Espy has served as the organist at BPC since 2003. Her duties include service playing, accompanying, and directing the youth choir. A church organist for 30 years and a high school math teacher for 26 years, Melissa attended Converse College (BA music/math double major); Clemson University (teacher certification) and Georgia State University (M. Ed. Mathematics and M. Music Organ Performance). She has accompanied choirs at Converse, Clemson, Georgia State, and the Gwinnett Choral Guild. Melissa has enjoyed traveling and studying music while participating in the McGill Summer Organ Academy in Montreal; the Summer Institute for French Organ Studies (Lyon and Souvigny, France); and the Haarlem International Organ Academy (Holland). She attends the Montreat Music and Worship Conference each summer where she continues to learn about church music and gathers creative ideas to bring back to BPC.
Contact Melissa: melissa@bufordpres.com
JoAnna Johnson has served as the Children's Choir Director at Buford Presbyterian Church since 2017. She also enjoys singing with the Chancel Choir each Sunday, and performing in musicals throughout the Atlanta area. She graduated with a Bachelors in Music Education from the University of Georgia with an emphasis in voice. Along with being the Children’s Choir Director, JoAnna is also the Adminstrative Assitant at BPC.
Contact JoAnna: joanna@bufordpres.com