From Central Texas Master Singers to Vineyard Voice … and Back Again

An Open Letter to Our Community

Any new year always brings new opportunities, and in 2022 we felt called to approach them with faith, purpose, and hope. While many labeled that season as “2020, too,” we chose a different path—asking two simple but profound questions: What shall we do? and What would God have us do?

As always, Master Singers, Inc. sought to answer those questions faithfully while navigating one of the most unpredictable seasons in modern history. Like countless organizations, we adapted, restructured, and persevered through the COVID-19 pandemic—committed not merely to survival, but to sustaining meaningful ministry through music.

At the same time, the choral music world was undergoing unprecedented change. Major publishers closed or restructured. Long-standing music distribution models collapsed or shifted entirely to digital platforms. National research showed church choirs shrinking across the country, and the pandemic only accelerated that decline. For choirs everywhere, maintaining membership, momentum, and performance opportunities became increasingly difficult.

Yet our mission remained unchanged.

Central Texas Master Singers was founded in 2009 with a clear calling:  “To enhance the musical experience within the church universal, with excellence and enthusiasm, by expressing God’s Word in the contemporary choral setting.” Simply stated — to enrich lives through choral music.

When the pandemic struck in March 2020, Master Singers, Inc. became one of the first performing arts organizations in our region to suspend rehearsals, prioritizing health, safety, and responsibility. We developed careful, phased return plans and implemented rigorous safety protocols, allowing us to cautiously resume rehearsals that fall. Even so, for the first time in our history — after more than 200 full-length performances — we were forced to cancel our annual Christmas concerts.

We pressed forward, recording a Christmas album (NOEL!) and offering a limited spring concert season. But it soon became clear that the traditional large-ensemble model was no longer sustainable under pandemic conditions. In April 2021, we made the difficult decision to suspend Central Texas Master Singers, allowing time to prayerfully discern our next steps.

Out of that season of reflection, Vineyard Voice was born — a smaller, professional chamber ensemble of fewer than 30 singers. This format provided the flexibility, mobility, and intimacy needed to continue our ministry while navigating limited venues, evolving safety protocols, and reduced participation. Though our name and size changed, our purpose did not: To enrich lives through choral music.

And now — with grateful hearts and renewed vision — we are delighted to announce the full revival of Central Texas Master Singers.

After several meaningful seasons as Vineyard Voice, the time is right to return to the full-ensemble format that has touched thousands of lives across Central Texas since 2009. We are reopening our doors to new singers, rebuilding toward critical mass, and launching the next chapter of musical excellence, worship, and community engagement.

We are deeply thankful for the prayers, encouragement, loyalty, and unwavering support of our community throughout this journey. God has faithfully guided each step — and He has led us back to this moment.

If you are a singer seeking artistic excellence, meaningful ministry, and authentic community, we invite you to explore joining Central Texas Master Singers. And to our friends, patrons, and supporters — thank you for walking beside us. We look forward to sharing this new season of music with you.

With gratitude and anticipation,

Steven Kirkpatrick
Founder • President • Conductor
Central Texas Master Singers