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Worship
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Music Ministries
Music is an integral part of the worship life of First Presbyterian Church. It raises our spirits to God in worship, assists us in prayer, and moves us to a realm beyond the spoken word. We celebrate not only our rich musical heritage, but look to the future with excitement as we continue to grow our ministry of music. We offer several areas of involvement for all ages, both choral and instrumental. You are warmly encouraged and welcome to be a part of our dynamic Music Ministry. If you have questions or are interested in joining the Music Ministry, please contact Director of Music Ministries Bill Stein at 314-965-0326 or bstein@kirkwoodpres.org.
The Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir is the principal choir of the church, and provides music at the 11:00 a.m. service each Sunday, as well as special services and holidays throughout the year. The Chancel Choir also presents 2 concerts annually, performing major choral works with orchestra, such as Antonio Vivaldi's Gloria, Schubert's Mass in G, and Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem. The Choir is planning a Fall 2009 tour of Scotland and England.
Rehearsals are Thursday evenings 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. in the Choir Room on the A-level, and the choir year is from Rally Day Sunday in early September through Pentecost in May.
Chancel Ringers - Handbell Choir
We are blessed to have 5 octaves of handbells. Our hand bell choir, the Chancel Ringers, rehearse Thursday evenings during the school year from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. We ring on various Sundays during the year and at special occasions as needed. Each ringer is assigned a certain position and rings the same bells each week. Rehearsal time is spent learning notes, rhythms, and bell techniques. Ringing is a fun way to be involved in our Music Ministry!
Arise! Praise Team
Electric guitars, bass, keyboards, percussion and vocalists perform contemporary Christian music for our weekly Arise! service at 9:05 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Opportunities for Children and Youth
The Musikgarten program is for parents and children ages 3 months to 5 years. The adults learn to play musically with their children and to engage the child's natural curiosity through music. Classes meet during the day September through May and are taught by licensed Musikgarten instructor Lura Koch.
Cherubs is the youngest children's choir, open to all in kindergarten through 2nd grade. Cherubs rehearse on Wednesday afternoon during the school year and sing on select Sunday mornings as well as participate in the Christmas and Spring musicals.
Choristers is our children's choir for those in grades 3 to 5. This group rehearses on Wednesday afternoon during the school year and sings several Sundays throughout the year. The Choristers play leading roles in the Christmas Eve and Spring musicals.
Middle School Ringers is a hand bell choir for all in grades 6 through 8. Members are taught basic ringing skills and repertoire, and ring on occasional Sunday mornings as well as in the Christmas and Spring musicals.
High School Choir will begin this Fall. For many years our church was known for its Senior High Choir. The voices and the talent are here––we will put them together and sing to the Lord!
***Kirkwood Children's Chorale makes First Pres it's new home. For more information, visit KCC website.
Instrumental Opportunities
The Church Orchestra is open to members who play any instrument at any level. Performances are scheduled 4 times a year, at the Sunday morning worship services, with three weeks of rehearsal prior to each performance.
Wind Ensemble and Brass Choir is open to our instrumentalists who play in either group. These smaller ensembles meet periodically throughout the year and play at Sunday morning worship.
Con Spirito Concert Series
This September begins the 9th season of Con Spirito. Our concert series brings together guest musicians, local artists, and our own music ministers in concert throughout the year. Highlights of the upcoming season will be the Genesis Connection, an all-male Gospel Choir from Chicago, the Gateway Ringers hand bell choir, as well as our Chancel Choir performing with full orchestra in November and December.
