Ariela Southland, Church Choir

Ariela Southland, originally from Piscataway, NJ, joined the Saint James Episcopal Church choir in September 2024, seeking to explore new types of choral music. Her musical journey began in high school and college choirs, and she brings this experience to our congregation.

Ariela appreciates the choir's diverse weekly musical selections and the opportunity to learn various types of worship music. Her favorite song, "Vine and Fig Tree," holds special meaning from childhood summers spent on a Quaker family farm.

Since moving to South Carolina in 2021, Ariela has built a life that balances her work doing paint repairs at Volvo with her creative pursuits of baking, film photography, and singing. She values the warm welcome she's received from both choir members and the congregation, making Saint James feel like home.