At Concordia, music helps to enhance the overall worship experience. Through musical liturgies, hymns, and special anthems, music is one of the ways we honor and give praise to God.

Choir

The Concordia Church choir leads congregational singing during worship and also prepares special music for worship services and holiday concerts. Any individuals with a desire to sing are welcome to join the choir. To get involved, contact Choir Director Paul Dykstra at [email protected].

The Choir rehearses and performs during the regular church season from September through early June. Rehearsals are Sunday mornings before worship. The Choir takes the summers off.

Song Leaders

Song leaders help lead musical selections during worship. Often offering special anthems and leading responsive musical liturgies, song leaders are a key component of our music ministry.

Avery Sujkowski
Avery Sujkowski
Currently based in Chicago, IL, Polish-American baritone Avery Sujkowski has performed with the Chicago Symphony Chorus, Florentine Opera Company, and Chicago Opera Theater, and also in a variety of opera productions. Mr. Sujkowski completed his Masters degree at Boston Conservatory at Berklee in Boston, MA and his Bachelors degree at Ohio Northern University in Ada, OH. Avery also has a background in dance and plays the guitar.
Jade Dashá
Jade Dashá
Dashá is a Chicago based soprano and music teacher. She has performed with Cedar Rapids opera, Opera Steamboat and Chicago Fringe Opera, among many others. She has also been the recipient of many awards. Jade earned her bachelor’s degree at Florida Southern College graduated from DePaul University with her MM degree in 2021.
Benjamin Burney
Benjamin Burney
Tenor Benjamin Burney is a native of Youngstown, Ohio, and has performed locally in his hometown and internationally from the Caribbean Islands to Estonia. He has performed notable works with a variety of opera companies. Benjamin received his M.M. Vocal Performance degree at Roosevelt University. He graduated from Anderson University with a B.M. in Vocal Performance.
Marisa Buchheit
Marisa Buchheit
Marisa Buchheit is an operatic soprano, event host, marketing expert and sales professional from Chicago. She has performed on stages around the world in opera and musical theater, and continues to perform solo and with her trio Très Belle. She graduated from Cleveland Institute of Music with Academic Honors, and earned her Master’s from DePaul University. She is proud to serve as soprano soloist and Music Director at Concordia Lutheran Church.

Instrumental Opportunities

We welcome those with musical gifts to share their talents during worship services. We have featured brass, string, and woodwind players during worship. Anyone with an interest in volunteering their time to play an instrument during worship should reach out to Marisa Buchheit, Concordia Church Music Director, at [email protected].

Liturgical Music Donation

Financial gifts to the music ministry help us to grow the musical worship experience. Funds support regular vocalists who lead music during worship, the purchase of choir robes, sheet music, and the like.