*Music Ministry
Bell Ringers Needed!
Can you read music? Can you hold a bell? Are you free Thursday evenings at 5:30? If the answer to all of these is YES, then we need you. We will start practicing again on January 12, 2012 down in the choir room. If you are interested, please contact Louis at the church office (520 622-6481), or any of the bell ringers, or just show up on January 12. We really need you!
Chancel Choir: First Church's Chancel Choir leads worship with anthems and hymns every Sunday from mid-August till late May. The Chancel Choir also puts on seasonal concerts twice a year at Christmas and Easter. Past performances include Vivaldi’s Gloria, Rutter’s Gloria, Bach’s cantata, Christ lag in Todesbanden (BWV 4), G. Fauré’s Requiem, excerpts from Handel's Messiah and Mozart's Requiem. The choir rehearses Thursday evenings from 7:15 pm to 8:45 pm in the Sanctuary. New members are always welcome—sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses. If you can read music or match pitches, you are welcome to sing in the choir. During the summer months, the Summer Choir leads worship. Childcare is available during rehearsals. For further information, contact the church office at 520 622-6481.
Sanctuary Singers: The Sanctuary Singers was established in October 2008 and was designed for people who love to sing. The Sanctuary Singers lead worship, singing all congregational songs and with a large anthem repertoire. The Sanctuary Singers sing once a month on pre-scheduled Sundays and rehearse on the Thursday prior that Sunday. Thus it requires a less laborious commitment than Chancel Choir membership. During rehearsal time, fun art activities are provided for kids. For further information, contact the church office at 520 622-6481.
Chancel Bells: The First Church Bell Choir participates in worship service once a month and also performs at special services and concerts. The Bell Choir has a five-octave range of bells and a two-octave range of chimes. The Bell Choir includes youth and adults, and rehearses Thursday evenings from 5:45 pm to 7:00 pm in the choir room. Childcare is available during rehearsals. For further information, contact the church office at 520 622-6481.
Scholarship Singers: First Church is blessed to sponsor young professionals who sing with the Chancel Choir and provide solos during the offertory each Sunday.
Kyle Vincent Connor, baritone, is pursuing a Master’s degree in Voice Performance & Opera at U/AZ. He brings to the First Church chancel choir a wealth of experience, an outstanding talent and a passion for singing. Kyle began singing when he was five, honed his vocal performance skills working at his mom’s Orlando restaurant and nearby karaoke bar. He also sang in several Florida churches, including Faith Presbyterian Church (four years) and Winter Park Presbyterian Church (two years). One of his fortes is contemporary worship music; Kyle directed a contemporary worship group for several years in Orlando.
Our newest Scholarship Singers are Asleif Willmer and Jae Ho Lee.
Instruments: the organ in First Church's Sanctuary is a three-manual, 24-rank Moeller built in 1967. The Sanctuary is also home to a 6' Yamaha grand piano. The Chapel is equipped with a small electric organ and a Baldwin console piano.
