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

Dear Friends,

A new year once brought new opportunities, and we were eager to share them. Many folks had labeled 2022 as “2020, too,” but we chose a different mindset. We asked ourselves two 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 the pandemic. Like many organizations, we adapted and restructured to survive an unpredictable season.

At the same time, the choral music and publishing world was in upheaval. Lorenz Corporation, parent of Word Music, filed for bankruptcy; Brentwood Benson closed entirely; and Lifeway Worship moved to an all-digital subscription model. National studies also showed choirs shrinking in churches across the country. The 2020 pandemic added more weight, placing performing arts under tremendous strain. Building or maintaining choirs became harder than ever.

We had founded Central Texas Master Singers in 2009 with a vision of bringing God-honoring music to the masses. Our mission and purpose remained unchanged: “To enhance the musical experience within the church universal, with excellence and enthusiasm, by expressing God’s Word in the contemporary choral setting” with the simple goal “To Enrich Lives Through Choral Music!”

When the pandemic hit, Master Singers, Inc. became one of the first organizations in our area to suspend rehearsals in March 2020. We developed phased plans for return, implemented strict safety protocols, and managed to resume weekly rehearsals in September. Still, the ongoing health crisis forced us to cancel our Christmas concerts for the first time in our history after more than 200 full-length performances without a cancellation.

We pressed on—recording a Christmas CD (NOEL!) and closing our 2021 season with a single spring concert. But it became clear that the large ensemble model was unsustainable at the time. In April 2021, we announced a suspension of activities for Central Texas Master Singers, giving us time to regroup.

Our board prayed and deliberated over the questions before us. The realities of health protocols, reduced singer numbers, and limited venues made it impossible to continue as we had. In response, we reorganized into a smaller chamber ensemble—Vineyard Voice—a group of fewer than 30 singers. This new form allowed mobility, flexibility, and continued ministry in a challenging season. Though the name and size changed, our goal remained the same: To Enrich Lives Through Choral Music!

Now, having weathered that chapter and grown through it, we are overjoyed to share that Central Texas Master Singers has been revived in its full ensemble form. After a season as Vineyard Voice, the time was right to return to the larger choir that has touched thousands of lives since 2009.

We give thanks for the prayers, encouragement, and unwavering support of our friends and community. God has indeed led us back to this moment.

With gratitude,
Steven Kirkpatrick
Founder / President / Conductor