Music at St. Barnabas

Music is at the heart of the St. Barnabas community. We are blessed by the offerings of our accomplished musicians and dedicated volunteers who lead and share their music with us as part of our adult, youth and bell choirs. We have music programs for people in all ages and stages of life. There is room for everyone in our music ministry, from the newest beginner to the most seasoned professional. Join an ensemble or contact us for other ways you can share your musical gifts.​

Youth Singers

Children, Grades 2 – 8

Youth Singers is for all children and youth who want to sing and make music together at St. Barnabas. We typically meet in the Choir Room for practice after our 10 a.m. Sunday service. We'll finish by 11:45 a.m. most Sundays. Youth Singers will perform about six times during services throughout the school year.

Adult Choir

Grade 9 & older

Lift your voice in song with the St. Barnabas choir! Our choir practices Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and sings at the 10 a.m. Sunday worship service and various special services throughout the school year, including Lessons & Carols, Christmas Eve, Holy Week services. You don't need any previous experience, and every type of voice is welcome: high, low, trained, untrained. You'll sing music from the Anglican Church tradition, as well as spirituals, chants, and beautiful works by contemporary composers.

Handbell Choir

Grade 9 & older

Handbells are wonderful worship instruments, and they add a joyful element to worship services. Our bell choir practices Sundays at 9 a.m. in the sanctuary, and rings once a month at the 10 a.m. service, in addition to special holy services throughout the program year. Handbells are fun and easy to learn! No experience necessary. You will learn how to ring handbells and become familiar with many handbell techniques. The group rings a variety of music, including handbell anthems and hymns.

Percussion Section

Grade 9 & older

St. Barnabas is grateful to have a percussion section that fills our sanctuary with vibrant energy each Sunday! A beloved tradition, our percussionists are glad to help instruct others who are interested in learning more about percussion. Our percussion section meets as needed to rehearse, and they offer their music during the 10 a.m. Sunday Service, as well as at special services and concerts throughout the year, including Christmas Eve, Holy Week and St. Barnabas Day.

Music Staff

  • Michael Chertock

    Director of Music

    Michael has been with St. Barnabas for over 20 years. His experience and dedication have made our music program vibrant and rich.

    Michael received his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in music from the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music He is a successful piano soloist and conductor, appearing with orchestras internationally. He is currently symphony pianist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

    He is also Chair of the Piano Department at CCM, Conductor of the Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, and the associate artistic director of the Linton Chamber Music Series.

  • Janet Beckmeyer

    Assistant Director of Music

    Janet has enjoyed leading the St. Barnabas Handbell Choir in addition to playing piano and organ at St. Barnabas services since 2001.

    Janet earned her Bachelor and Master's of Music degrees in piano performance from University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where she was a student of Michael Chertock.

  • Lisa Peters

    Director of Choirs
    Lisa joined the Music Team at St. Barnabas in 2022 and has created a welcoming place for our Adult Choir.

    Lisa is a graduate of Ithaca College School of Music in Ithaca, New York where she received a Bachelor of Music Education with an emphasis in Choral and Vocal Music. In addition, she holds a Master’s Degree in Education with Music Emphasis from Xavier University.

    Lisa taught high school choir in the Cincinnati area for 30 years, and is currently the Assistant Conductor of the Cincinnati Boy Choir and teaches at Guardian Angels School