Music Ministry

At First United Presbyterian Church, we find great joy in making and enjoying music together. Realizing the emotional and educational importance of music in worship and study, John and Charles Wesley carried hymnbooks along with their Bibles when they traveled to preach. They reasoned that timid souls who couldn't easily speak their faith could sing it.

Although First United Presbyterian counts among its members many talented musicians, training is not required for participation in the music program. All that is needed is the desire to make a joyful noise! Two adult choirs are available for membership without audition: the Chancel Choir and Chancel Ringers. They practice weekly and share responsibilities for Sunday morning worship services and special services.

Chancel Choir

The Chancel Choir at First United Presbyterian Church welcomes everyone. No audition is required. The Chancel Choir provides primary music leadership for the 11:00 worship service on Sundays from late August through June.

Led by Dr. Todd Prickett, director of music, and Jeannie Lee, organist, more than thirty volunteer singers make a joyful noise to the Lord in the Chancel Choir. We ask singers to commit to the regular schedule of this active ministry and to attend as often as they are able.

The Chancel Choir rehearses an exciting repertoire from many traditions. We choose music from the history of church music, from Baroque through Romantic and on to contemporary composers. The group also enjoys close fellowship in its ministry, joining for social functions throughout the year.

Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings, 7:15 to 8:30 in the Choir Room, with a warm up Sunday mornings in the Choir Room at 10:30.

Handbell Choirs

There is a long tradition of handbell choirs at First United Presbyterian Church. We offer several age groups, and people of all abilities are welcome to join us. We will give you the tools you need to have a successful music experience that offers music for the glory of God!

• The Chancel Bells, a group of adult bellringers, rehearses weekly in the sanctuary during the school year and offers music in worship 4-5 times per year. This group recently participated in a regional handbell festival.
• The Youth Handbell group is comprised of students in 6-12 grade. We rehearse in the sanctuary on Sunday afternoons just before UPY, and offer music in worship 4-5 times during the school year.
• Praise Ringers, for students in 4th and 5th grades, rehearses on Sunday mornings during the school year from 9:40-9:55 in the lower Knox building. This group offers music in worship 3-4 times each year. The music is marked for the students and we practice basic music reading techniques as well as learning how to ring the hand chime.
• Joy Ringers, for students in 2nd and 3rd grades, rehearses on Sunday mornings from 10:25-10:45 in the lower Knox building. This group offers music in worship 3-4 times each year.

Children’s Choirs

The children's choirs at First United Presbyterian are an important music tradition. The children's choirs rehearse weekly during from September-May, and participate in worship four times per year. We are grateful to have several accompanists that assist the choirs, including Jeannie Lee, Rob Button, Carla Romere, and Lorraine Brewer.

• The Carol Choir is for 3 and 4 year olds. This group sings during their Sunday school time and offers their singing in worship 3-4 times each year.
• The Calvin Choir is for Kindergarteners- 2nd graders. We rehearse in the lower Knox building on Wednesdays.
• The Knox Choir is for 3rd-5th graders. We rehearse in the Choir room behind the sanctuary on Wednesdays.
• The Youth Choir has offered music in worship, as well as preparing church musicals. Contact Amy Locke for more information.