Music

Joe Burt (Director):

Born in Mississippi, grew up in central Alabama, Joe Burt has been a Chicago resident since the mid-80s. He holds degrees in architecture, sacred music, voice, theory and composition from Auburn University, Samford University, and Northwestern University. Joe has spent 18 years as a college professor in the humanities and music. His performance skills are in voice, piano, and organ. Additionally, he sang professionally in opera, oratoria, musical theater and recital and presently maintains a studio for voice, piano and theory/composition.

A church musician from the age of 14, Joe enjoys “blended” worship that merges the liturgical traditions with contemporary elements of the worship music of today. He is a lover of the Sacred Harp music of the south.

Joe is a recognized composer whose work has been honored by a Pulitzer nomination, a National Endowment Award, the Faricy Prize, the Southeastern Composers League, The Bradley University prize in contemporary music. His works have been performed by the New Orleans Philharmonic Symphony, Mobile Symphony, Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra, Bradley University Chorale, Northwest Indiana Symphony Chorus, Midwestern Composers Consortium, among others.

In addition to his musical endeavors, Joe is an avid sailor.

The Choir:

After Pentecost (June 3) the Epiphany Choir will take a much deserved break. However, the choir is always looking for more members! If you would like to help the church while enjoying God’s gift of song in a positive, uplifting environment please consider joining the choir when it starts up again this fall. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to sing. We need your voice!

Rehearsal is at 9:00 on Sundays. To sign up, please email Joe at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call the church!