Music for the Church
How does marimba fit into the church service?
Percussion instruments enhance worship with timbres that illuminate joyous, upbeat praise and grace mellow, meditative moments. The instruments' resonances offer a depth to the sounds we create in worship and their rhythms accentuate and enrich traditional as well as contemporary hymns.
Marimba offers a mellow, worshipful sound, and it fills me with joy to play prelude, special music, offertory, postlude, or any combination of those! I offer solo performance and could accompany other pieces during the service.
“In her playing and in her music, Carol Pelkner is the perfect combination of artistry, precision and heart. She communicates through her instruments with beauty and displays excellence in every performance. I can freely recommend Carol and her concerts in the highest possible terms.”
FAQ
What is your rate for a church performance?
Please inquire for pricing. It will vary depending on location, length or number of services, opportunity to make my CD available for purchase, the need to create percussion parts, and whether rehearsal on a separate day is required.
Are you available for regular, ongoing services or special holiday performances?
Because I am heavily involved in the orchestra at Shadow Mountain Community Church, my best opportunities for playing services or concerts may be on Sunday evenings and late summer Sunday mornings… but it doesn't hurt to ask where I might be able to fit something in!
Do you play anything other than marimba?
I also play timpani, bells, xylophone, chimes, snare drum and the auxiliary percussion…. and any combination thereof! This could come in the form of timpani for the Mozart Requiem, timpani and/or percussion for any sacred cantata by a classical composer in a church concert series, or just a special one-time service such as an ordination.
What genres of music are you able and willing to play?
Let's just say Latin music on conga drums is not my wheelhouse, but that doesn't mean I can't handle different styles beyond classic hymns and more contemporary arrangements. Let's talk!
How does your relationship with God influence your music?
I believe that musical talent is truly a gift from God. I feel an intense sense of purpose and responsibility in using my gifts to inspire, bless and encourage others to the best of my ability. When playing, I ask the Holy Spirit to help guide my hands and heart to create meaningful expression.
“Carol was such a delight to include in our Sunday morning worship. She is an expert percussionist and worked out perfectly with our other instruments as well as providing a beautiful solo performance during our offering time. We look forward to having her join us once again.”
Where I’ve Played
Shadow Mountain Community Church | San Diego, CA
Village Church | Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Palisades Presbyterian Church | San Diego
Ascension Lutheran Church | San Diego
Note: While percussion is not frequently featured in performance videos, you can see some highlights of my playing at Shadow Mountain Community Church. View the video for about one minute starting at the 3:35 time mark. I am located to the right side of the orchestra.
Let’s make worshipful music together.