Music Ministry 2011-2012

Marcia Sommers, Director of Music Ministry

Kevin Freaney, Principal Organist               

Jane Waddington, Assistant Organist

Marilyn Lutz, Children’s Choir Director, First ImPressions (flute ensemble) Coordinator

Brian Claeys, Brass Ensemble Coordinator

In the Psalms we are exhorted to praise God’s name in song and with instruments. Through our Ministry of Music, members of our congregation participate in making a “joyful noise," and our congregation is led in worship through inspirational music.  Music is a vital and exciting part of the life of this church, and there is a place for you in our Ministry of Music!  Talk with Marcia or any member of our choirs to find out, either for you or for a family member, about our graded program of choirs.  We look forward to welcoming you!

The Chancel Choir

Throughout the year our Chancel Choir sings regularly at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship, and on several occasions during the year, presents special music outside the Sunday morning schedule.  Visitors to our church often comment on our “large” choir; despite its size, the Chancel Choir can always accommodate good voices!  The choir is completely volunteer, and requires your commitment of time and talent.  They prepare music in a wide variety of styles, from great oratorios of the past to the finest of contemporary and folk music.  Rehearsals are Thursday evenings from 7:30-8:40 p.m.  Opportunities also exist to lead in our weekly 8:00 a.m. worship for solos or small ensembles, and our Chamber Choir rehearses at 8:45 each Thursday night for special projects. Call Marcia at the church (610 696-0554) and let her know of your interest.

Youth and Children’s Choirs

Our youth and children’s choirs rehearse each week as a part of The Bridge, and provide vital vocal and musical training as well as great fellowship.  The choirs sing in worship about every month to six weeks.  Call Marcia for more information, or come to a rehearsal!

The Youth Singers-Wednesdays, 7:00-7:40pm.  For all Senior High and Middle School singers.

The Celebration Singers-     Wednesdays, 5:00-5:45, grades 2-5, this choir emphasizes learning music with great Scripture texts, use of the Hymnal and Bible-based stories.  They’ll be presenting Allen Pote’s The Tale of Three Trees during Lent of 2012.

The Cherub Choir-Wednesdays, 5:00-5:45pm, Grades Pre-K, K and 1, these are our youngest singers. This training choir teaches music through games and delightful Christian songs.

\

Handbells at First Presbyterian

In addition to our singing choirs, there are four handbell choirs at First Presbyterian.  The choirs ring 3-5 octaves of Malmark handbells and chimes, and participate regularly in worship and in community events.  If you would like to participate in any of these choirs, call Marcia to let her know of your interest.

The Chancel Ringers             

Rehearse Wednesday evenings. 

Membership in this advanced choir is limited.

The New Chimers                 

Rehearse Thursdays from 6:30-7:20 p.m.  

This choir is for adult ringers who would like to learn the art of handbell ringing.

The Youth Ringers               

All Senior High Ringers and Middle School Chimers meet from 6:30-7:00 pm on 

Wednesdays evenings as a part of The Bridge.

Instrumental and Dance Ensembles

Our Church sponsors a Flute Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, a String Ensemble, a Sacred Dance Ensemble (Moving Spirit) for all members of the congregation. Whether you continue to play or dance on a regular basis, or would like to spruce up those long-ago-learned skills, these groups are for you.  Designed to be intergenerational, our ensembles enhance our worship greatly.  Please contact Marcia if you’re interested in participating.  Welcome!

The Rev. J. Garrett Kell Memorial Organ

In November of 2001, First Presbyterian Church dedicated the J. Garrett Kell Memorial Organ.  The organ is a 38-rank, 3-manual pipe organ made by the Schantz Organ Company in Orrville, Ohio.  The instrument is played from a computerized console that includes 99 levels of memory; it has two digital 32’ stops in the pedal division.  There are also two sets of bells on the organ – the Chimes and the Zimbelstern (cymbal star).  The organ includes 15 ranks of pipes from our previous instrument, made by the Austin Organ Company and dedicated in 1962, and 23 ranks of new pipework made by Schantz.  The organ pipes are in two chambers alongside the Choir loft in the Sanctuary; the Swell division is closest to Darlington Street, and the Great and Choir Divisions are in the chamber inside the Sanctuary.  The new tonal openings facing the congregation are the result of improvements made to the Sanctuary as a part of the organ project, and enable the organ to speak directly to the congregation.  Finally, the console can be moved out onto the Chancel floor for special musical events throughout the year.  On Sundays, you are invited to come to the Chancel area to enjoy the special music played on this magnificent instrument.

Column Classics

Column Classics is the fine arts series of First Presbyterian Church, offering programs to our congregation and the West Chester community.  Column Classics is supported by the gifts of those who are passionate about the arts and arts education in our church, and donors included members and visitors to our church.  You are welcome to attend any of the programs on this year’s series, which began on September 11 with a special Concert of Commemoration by the Brandywine Singers.  For a complete schedule, or to be placed on the mailing list, please contact the office at 610-696-0554.