Music

Fall/Winter 2026

We have an exciting season in store for our music ministry! Just some of the wonderful ways we’re sharing our ministry and the blessings of Christ are through our brand new quartet of high school Choral Section Leader Scholarship recipients, J-Chimes (our latest offering for the young ones), our 4th Annual Bowling Extravaganza on September 19th, Instrument Petting Zoos, ringing at the Community Christmas Event hosted by the Steele Creek Division of CMPD on December 6th, and our yearly ‘Songs of the Season’ on December 20th. Come join us; there’s a spot for everyone in our music family. Reach out to Kaarin at kaarin@steelecreekchurch.org for more info.

~ Meet Our Directors ~

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All are welcome here. Every voice matters to God.

Music is at the heart of worship at SCPCPH, with opportunities for all followers of Christ to find a home – from congregational singing to choirs, ensembles, outreach groups, and soloists. And our music is authentically live, meaning you’ll never hear pre-recorded vocals or backing tracks with our band. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned musician, we’d love for you to join us and be a part of a ministry where we work together to follow Christ in joyfully serving our neighbors.

VOCAL GROUPS

From our intergenerational Sanctuary Choir to our Praise Team and our soloists, our vocalists inspire worship through meaningful music, offering a diverse repertoire from classical to modern gospel. We have many opportunities for you to grow musically – all while building community, having fun together, and worshiping Christ.

SANCTUARY CHOIR

The Sanctuary Choir members share the common vision of creating music that inspires us to lift our hearts to God in praise. Rehearsals encompass a wide range of repertoire styles, along with educational opportunities for vocal technique, choral sound production, music theory, sight reading, and reflection on why music moves our hearts. In addition, time for fellowship activities to facilitate group bonding (i.e. FUN) is mixed into the schedule. You do NOT need to be an experienced chorister because you’ll have access to rehearsal tracks in order to sing at home or on the road. The requirements for membership are enthusiasm, energy, and effort. We welcome interested singers to drop in to any of our rehearsals.

Rehearsals: Wednesdays from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm • Ages Pre-teen+ • February – May, September – December • No audition – all are welcome

PRAISE TEAM

The Praise Team offers contemporary music every Sunday during our blended service. Our musicians are warm, outgoing, and share a common heart for worshiping God and serving together. Positions include (but are not limited to): Singers, Keyboardists, Drummers, Percussionists, Bassists, Guitarists, Winds, Brass, etc. Praise offers music on Sundays through a rotating schedule. Inquire about auditioning for this talented group!

Wednesdays, 6 pm • Ages 13+ • February – May, September – December • Schedule an audition!

BELLS & CHIMES

Our bell groups bring vibrant music to worship and community events year-round, offering ringers the chance to develop skills and enjoy musical camaraderie. We play a large variety of repertoire on our 5+ octaves of Malmark Handbells and 3 octaves of Malmark Chimes. And we even have some of those BIG bass bells!

STEELE CREEK RINGERS

Thursdays, 7 pm • Ages 13+ • Music reading helpful but not required • We also need subs!

BRONZE

Thursdays, 8:30 pm • By audition only as space opens up • Excellent music reading skills are essential

MUSIC & MEMORIES CHIMES

Sundays after worship • Ages Pre-teen+ • Seasonal • Community outreach

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Our Children & Youth Music Ministry nurtures faith and joy through music, helping young people grow spiritually and share their gifts with the community year-round. They present delightful, worshipful music throughout the year in various ways.

J-MUSIC (click here for schedule)

Children’s Choir rehearses Sundays during worship • Ages 4+ • Seasonal programs (Christmas & Spring)

J-VIBES

Sundays after worship • Pre-teen – 18 • Community outreach • Seasonally in 5-week sessions (ice cream included!)

INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOOS

Sundays after worship, quarterly • Ages 0+ • Hands-on musical exploration on a variety of instruments

INSTRUMENTALISTS

Do you play an instrument? We’re always looking to add vocalists players to our Praise Team Band rotation. Keyboardists, percussionists, bass players, guitarists, winds, and brass can all take part in this exciting worship team.

AUDIO/VISUAL TECH MINISTRY

Join our Tech Team to gain hands-on experience with audio, video, lighting, and live streaming while playing a vital role in worship. Training is provided, and all it takes is a conversation with us to get started. (A background check is required.)

Wednesdays, 5:45 pm (for training) • Sunday worship • Ages 13+

MORE OPPORTUNITIES

Other opportunities at SCPCPH include solo and ensemble singing, along with volunteer roles in music support, children’s choirs, administration, graphics, and outreach. We’re always adding new music groups and activities – there’s sure to be something that fits your interest (including our latest offering “Summer Church Songs: Where Some Are Church Songs & Some Aren’t”).

In addition, we believe that great worship includes bonding in our love of Christ together. We regularly plan outings and activities that aren’t music related, from food trucks to movies to festivals. Just reach out to get involved!

OUR DIRECTORS

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC If you happened to peek down into the orchestra pit in either Belk Theater or Ovens Auditorium during the latest runs of the Broadway National Tours of Wicked and Kimberly Akimbo, you probably saw Kaarin Record at the keyboard. For 37 years she has worked in the professional music world as a music director, pianist, and singer under the direction of Leonard Bernstein, Riccardo Muti, and Yannick Nézet-Séguin at halls including Juilliard, Carnegie, and Lincoln Center. Here in Charlotte, she contracts with Charlotte-based venues such as Blumenthal Performing Arts, Carolina Voices, and Northwest School of the Arts. With decades of experience as a church music director, Kaarin believes that music has the power to connect people to God through service to one another. She is passionate about creating a worship environment that is inclusive, uplifting, and authentic, and is wholeheartedly committed to serving SCPCPH with a grateful heart. She holds both an undergraduate degree in music education and a master’s degree in collaborative piano/vocal coaching from Westminster Choir College (both partially completed through Princeton University). She also holds a second master’s degree in science.

Kaarin and her husband of 20 years, Don Leach, moved to Charlotte from the northeast in 2006. Within their blended family, they have 3 adult children and 3 grandchildren. They love to travel and have spent time on 6 continents. Kaarin is a passionate birder, crafter, and musicology hobbyist, while Don is an avid golfer and snowboarder. They live in the Palisades, where they are ~~frequently~~ continuously bossed around by their two cats, Nola and Finley. You can reach her at kaarin@steelecreekchurch.org.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Laura Thompson, who brings decades of experience to our music ministry, is a native of the Steele Creek community and a lifelong member of Steele Creek at Pleasant Hill. Over the years, Laura has served in numerous musical roles, including pianist, accompanist, praise band leader, handbell choir member and director, and Interim Director of Music. Her deep knowledge of our church history along with her remarkable natural musical abilities makes her an invaluable part of our music ministry team. She is also our Tech Queen and faithfully guides our services each Sunday from the Tech Desk.

Beyond music, Laura has faithfully served the church as a Sunday School teacher, Elder, and member of numerous congregational committees, just as one might expect from a born-and-bred Presbyterian. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Social Studies from Erskine College and has dedicated more than 25 years to education as a high school teacher with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

When she’s not teaching or making music, Laura enjoys spending time with her family, many of whom also have deep roots in the Steele Creek community. A fan of British royalty, American presidents, museums, concerts, gardening, and good desserts, she can often be found riding a lawn mower, performing with the Carolina Rhythm Band, or searching for her next great book to read.

PIANIST EMERITA Linda Hess has been a cherished part of the music ministry at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church at Pleasant Hill for nearly 40 years. Through her faithful service and exceptional musicianship, she has inspired generations of worshipers and played an integral role in the musical life of our congregation.

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Linda earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Central Methodist College, where she sang soprano in the a cappella choir and performed on tenor saxophone in both the marching and stage bands. After graduation, she worked in a retail music store, where she met her husband, John (who also happened to be the owner of the store). During those years, she also served as a substitute organist at her employer’s church and sang with the St. Louis Symphony Chorus.

Linda and John moved to Charlotte in 1980, where they opened a music store and quickly became active in the region’s musical community. Eight years later, they settled in Steele Creek and found their church home at Steele Creek at Pleasant Hill. John was initially drawn to the congregation by then-pastor Bob Jack, whose familiar Boston accent resonated with the New York native.

Today, Linda continues to share her remarkable talents with the congregation she has faithfully served for decades. Whether accompanying choirs, playing solos, or ringing bells in the handbell choir, her artistry, dedication, and quiet spirit have left an enduring legacy that continues to enrich the music ministry of Steele Creek Presbyterian Church at Pleasant Hill.

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