First Church Choir
The First Church Choir (adult, mixed) sings at the 11 a.m. service each Sunday from September to June. Rehearsals are held in the Parish Hall on Thursdays, 7:15-9:15 p.m., and on Sunday mornings in the Choir Room before worship. The Choir alternates singing from the Gallery and the Chancel, depending on the service of the day. Professional section leaders assist the musicianship and sound as the Choir explores five centuries of great choral music. The Choir participates in the Concerts at First Church series, including fall and spring choral concerts, Christmas Lessons and Carols, services of Evensong and special music for Holy Week and Easter Day. The Choir was in residence at Gloucester Cathedral, UK, from August 3-10, 2015, and in residence at both Norwich and Lincoln Cathedrals, UK, in July 2018.
The Jubilate Choir is for boys and girls in grades 2-5 who like to sing and take part in the worship life of First Church. The Exultate Choir is a natural step for the trebles as they enter grade 6-12. Rehearsals are held in the Music Activities Room (for Trebles) and the Choir Room (for Teens) on Sundays at 9 a.m. during Choir season, September through mid-May. Choristers develop their singing voices and music reading skills, learn about the church and the liturgical seasons and explore hymnody from the 6th century to the present and the music of other cultures. The choirs have performed musical dramas, including 100 % Chance of Rain by Walter Horsley and Francis: The Poor Little Man of God by Douglas and Sandra Wagner, at special congregational gatherings. The choirs lead 11 a.m. worship on the third Sunday of each month during the program year. Dr. Sandra Mathias is the director of the Jubilate Choir. Kevin Jones is the director of the Exultate Choir.
The First Church Ringers
The First Church Ringers is a handbell choir for adults. Rehearsals are seasonally on Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. The ringers play five octaves of Whitechapel bells and five octaves of Malmark choir chimes The choir rings during Sunday worship and at special services. Membership is open to those with solid music reading ability. Rehearsals are held in the Education Wing, Room J.