Meet Russell Patterson, Minister of Music
We are delighted to have Russell Patterson as our Minister of Music. Want to know him better? Join one of the many choirs!
Music is an important part of worship at First Pres. From classical Baroque through recent choral works. eclectic organ pieces, and the occasional praise band, our music surveys sacred music from around the world and across the centuries. In addition to weekly choral pieces sung by the Sanctuary Choir, most Sundays will feature one of our bell choirs or children's choirs. And of course, there's special music on special occasions, e.g. the bagpipe on Reformation Sunday!
If you're interested in joining one of the choirs, contact Russell Patterson. You don't have to be affiliated with the church to be in the choir.
The Sanctuary Choir is an ensemble of approximately 30 adults that sings most Sundays at the 10:30 Family Worship Service. Music spans the range from Baroque to Contemporary, a capella to instrumental accompaniment, and solemn to joyous.
Anyone, regardless of religious affiliation, is free to join us. Contact Russell Patterson.
Rehearsals are Thursdays 7:30-9:00 pm, and alternating sectionals at 6:30 pm.
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The Celebration Ringers bell choir plays intermediate to advanced works on our 4.5 octave handbell set and 3 octaves of chimes. The ensembles usually plays for the 10:30 Family Worship Service on the fourth Sunday of the month. Auditions are not necessary, but some experience in handbell ringing is preferred.
Rehearsals Wednesdays 7:30-9:00 pm.
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This adult bell choir is for those who are still learning basic bell techniques, or who just want to try out playing bells for a short while. Jason will show you everything from note recognition to counting to all the special bell techniques that make for exciting pieces. The bell choir is augmented as necessary from members of the Celebration Ringers to complete the coverage of 3+ octaves. They ring during worship approximately once a month, usually on the first Sunday of the month.
If you have limited or no prior bell experience, this is the bell choir for you!
Rehearsals Wednesdays, 6:45-7:30 pm.
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The Chapel Choir includes kids grades 1-6. There's more to singing than just "singing." Jason teaches rudimentary singing skills such as diction, counting, and using a "singing voice."
Rehearsals Wednesdays 4:30-5:15
The Calvin Choir is for youth grades 7-12. In addition to choral music, this choir also occasionally plays handbells. Jason teaches voice technique as well as general skills in reading and listening to music.
Rehearsals Wednesdays 5:15-6:00
Each choir leads worship at the 10:30 Family Worship Service, approximately once a month. All youth are invited to join either of these choirs. Bring your friends!
For this year's concert series, click here.
Russell Patterson
We are pleased to announce that our new Minister of Music, Russell Patterson, has joined us to lead worship. Russell comes with over 20 years of experience at large and small Presbyterian churches. He's directed choirs, including an Oratorio Choir with full orchestral accompaniment, boys' choirs, children's choirs, and handbell choirs. He is an accomplished organ recitalist, performing hundreds of concerts on the world's largest pipe organ, and serving as organ soloist for numerous organ concerti. In addition, he has accompanied numerous events on harpsichord and piano. He has experience in leading contemplative worship services as well as worship involving contemporary and world music.