Music Ministry
THE MUSIC MINISTRY AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
At First Presbyterian Church, we strongly affirm the ability of music to address and engage us as a religious people. John Calvin once said that “music is a funnel into the heart through which should pour the word of God.” The First Presbyterian Church has maintained a long-standing tradition of musical opportunities. You can join a choir or a handbell ensemble to enhance and facilitate worship, or you can be a vital part of the congregational choir, our largest choir. You can also attend the varied offerings provided by our Church’s music series, now in its 37th season.
We encourage parents to have their children take advantage of our offerings in music education and worship. We are totally committed to the musical and spiritual growth of young people. The old adage continues – SINGING AND RINGING IN A CHOIR CAN BE A JOY FOR A LIFETIME!
THE CHANCEL CHOIR leads the congregational song and offers anthems and responses in various genres and styles from the Medieval Period to the Present. The choir sings mostly at the 11 a.m worship services for nine months out of the year, for the single 10 a.m. services during the month of June, and for various services throughout the year, including the 11 p.m. Christmas Eve Festival of Lessons and Carols. For membership information, please contact Edgar Highberger at (724) 832-0150. Rehearsals are in the Choir Room on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., beginning on September 8, 2011.
THE KIRK RINGERS ring the Church’s Schulmerich handbells at the 11 a.m. service and for the festive services. Rehearsals are on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Handbell Room.
THE ELEMENTARY MUSIC PROGRAM is a part of the Wednesday evening 7:06/Deep End programming, recently revamped by our Staff and Education Committee. A light meal is served at 5:30 p.m. followed by music (singing, handbell ringing, and the playing of various percussion instruments) and a Bible lesson.
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAM includes a Cherub Choir for the very young, and a Sunday School Choir for older elementary children. The music curriculum guides the children in discovering their voices. The vocabulary of worship is introduced in song and prayer.
THE JOYFUL NOISE SINGERS AND RINGERS is also a part of the Wednesday evening 7:06 / Deep End programming. These groups are open for young people in grades six through Senior High school. The groups participate in various services. A special highlight of the choir season is participation in the Inter-generational Musicals, and the Christmas Eve Festival of Lessons and Carols.
THE CHORAL SCHOLAR PROGRAM, instituted in 1987, continues to provide the Chancel Choir with gifted soloists and section leaders.
THE ORGAN SCHOLAR PROGRAM provides talented high school pianists with complimentary organ lessons.
THE TRAINING OF CHURCH MUSICIANS has been an essential part of the music program for several decades. Since 1974, well over 125 students have had instruction on the church’s pipe organ. The majority of these students have been from Seton Hill University. Seton Hill students have also fulfilled their sacred music internship requirements at First Presbyterian Church.
