Music

Music is an integral part of the worship experience at the St. James Chapel, and in addition to hymn singing, we build “special music” performances into each service. Working with our organist and music director, Peter Borgia, guest musicians from St. James and the greater Southport area share their talents as they enhance the beauty and sanctity of our worship. We always welcome new musicians to come and perform, so please contact us at StJamesPlantationChapel@gmail.com if you or someone you know is interested.

Our Organists

Paige Gordinier

Paige is a native of Sanford, North Carolina, and began playing the piano at age six and became an organist at the First Baptist Church of Sanford at age eleven! After college she and her husband settled in Durham where she was the organist/pianist at Bethesda Baptist Church for more than twenty years. For many years, Paige and her family vacationed in Oak Island and dreamed of one day moving here full time. A few years ago, they decided to make that dream come true, and now live in Southport.

Julie RANER

Julie is a graduate of Crane School of Music. She is a retired music teacher from Mexico, New York, of elementary students and also the band teacher for 5th and 6th grade students. She was the Pianist/Music director for 20 years at the Presbyterian Church in Parish NY and a singer/accompanist for 14 years in the Master’s Touch Chorale. Julie is married to Jeff Raner, and she has 3 children and one adorable grandson.

Our Musicians

CAROL AMAYA Carol Amaya is a soprano who currently sings with the St. Peter Lutheran Choir in Southport and the Cape Fear Chorale in Wilmington. She sang with the Boston Symphony Orchestra & Boston Pops as a member of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus for 25 years touring with the BSO to Europe, Japan & Hong Kong. Her vocal studies began at the Wheaton College Conservatory in Illinois and continued privately in Boston for many years. With the trio “Synchronicity” she has performed concerts in Southport & on Bald Head Island. Carol has also enjoyed singing with the Southport Chamber Music at house concerts in St. James. CAPE FEAR A CAPPELLA (Madrigal Group) Jane Izod began directing an a cappella singing group in September 2013. The group started with 11 singers who would become the inaugural members of the “Cape Fear Carolers.” JOHN LEHMAN John Lehman sings in the Southport Presbyterian Church Choir. He sang 19 years in the Hickory Coral Society in prep school, the Boy’s Chorus and the Columbus Boy’s Choir. In addition, he took singing lessons at the Peabody Conservatory. CLAIRE Mc DONALD At the age of 17 Claire sang with the world famous composer & conductor of Liturgical music, Dr. Alexander Peloquin & his renowned Peloquin Chorale. They performed in many Cathedrals throughout the country. The chorale performed “Sing Freedom”, 4 compositions which were written in collaboration with Leonard Bernstein, Thomas Merton and the late Martin Luther King. This historical and outstanding presentation was done in NY for a special telecast on NBC NEWS. Claire also has a strong background in jazz & was honored to have been in two books of “Who’s Who” in RI jazz artists. Claire sang in resorts, super clubs, and concerts at many RI Universities including Brown & Johnson & Wales. She also sang at USO Shows on military bases & hospitals & very often did concerts in the magnificent chapel of The Little Sisters of the Poor in RI. SUE SAGER Flutist Sue Sager was born and raised in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, but has resided in Raleigh for many years. She plays with the Raleigh Area Flute Association “Silver Fantasy” flute choir, as well as performing in a quartet. Each year Sue travels on a medical mission to Santa Cruz, Bolivia where she plays at Sunday worship service with her mission team. During the trip, she also mentors and plays duets with a young Bolivian woman who the mission team gifted with a flute several years ago. SEASIDE SINGERS “The Seaside Singers” have been performing together for several years at various churches, luncheons and fundraisers throughout Southport. Most recently, they sang for the 911 ceremony at the St. James Community Center. Members of this group are Geoff Gersen, Joe Laughlin, Pat Stephenson and Debby Surniak. They all sing with the Sea Notes. Their audio person is Jerry Dycus. JEANNE SHEEHAN Jeanne Sheehan has sung in church groups since she was five. She is a member of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Choir, Brunswick Little Theater and sang with Sea Notes Choral Society for many years. Jeanne and her husband Mike reside in Southport. SILVERWOOD BY THE SEA Silverwood by the Sea is a beautiful musical blend of harps and flutes. Named by combining the materials from which harps and flutes are made – wood and silver – the group is composed of harpists Tammy Etienne and Beth Klahre and flutists Mary Helen Turek, Julie Sloup and Faith Sexton. The flutists, who also perform as the flute trio Trilogy, joined with the harpists for their first performance as Silverwood by the Sea at the St. James Chapel in 2023. They play for local events, private parties, garden parties and non-profit organizations upon request. SOUTHERN COMFORT “Southern Comfort” is made up of four voices who sing many versions of barbershop, including traditional, pop and gospel. The members are Geoff Gersen (lead), Joe Loughlin (bass), Bill Clegg (baritone) and Bill Chase (tenor). They have been singing together for about seven years. PAT STEPHENSON Pat Stephenson grew up singing Southern Gospel music at the age of 5 with a musical family from the southwest part of Virginia. After winning several contests as a child, Pat won the Miss Teen Roanoke contest and sang in the Miss Teen America contest. Later in her teens, Pat was asked to sing with the Miss Virginia organization. Her highlight was singing at her niece’s wedding at Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, Va. Since moving to St. James, Pat has sung at the St. James Chapel, the Carillon and also sings with the Sea-Notes. SYNCHRONICITY Synchronicity is a musical trio with Diane Lusk on piano, Michelle Barcalow who plays the flute and Carol Amaya, the singer. TREBLEMAKERS The Treblemakers – Deb Warner, Caren Laiosa, Suzanne Peters and Diane Lusk began singing with their musical families in childhood. Diane went on to study classical piano and all have sung in several choirs, chorales and ensembles through the years. They began singing togethere in 2020 , performing at a variety of venues in the local area. SALT Trio with DEB WARNER, SUZANNE PETERS & DON SLAUGHTER Deb Warner was raised a “Preachers Kid” and started singing as a toddler with her parents in church. She has been a member of numerous choral groups in the greater Philadelphia area prior to moving to NC. Suzanne Peters grew up singing and dancing for anyone who would listen! She has performed a variety of music from classical to Broadway. Don Slaughter sings and accompanies on guitar. MAXIE WASHINGTON Maxie Washington is a highly accomplished trumpet player. Born and raised in New Orleans, he began playing music in his high school band. Maxie initially entered college on a music scholarship, performing classical music. While living in Charlotte, he was a member of the orchestra at Central Church of God for 15 years. He performs regularly with the Brunswick Community Big Jazz Band and various other groups. TOMMY YOUNTZ Tommy Yountz has enjoyed singing over the years in various church choirs, community groups, Wilkes Chamber Singers, and the Cape Fear Carolers He has been a member of the Sea Notes Choral Society for the past 12 years.