From the very beginning, song has been the voice of Christian worship. It grows out of our need to express ourselves in gratitude and praise to the Creator. Music comes from our creative spark of God's own creativity. In the Old Testament, the Book of Psalms or Songs contains human expression of praise, Jubilation, confession, mourning and adoration. In the New Testament, Paul exhorts us to "speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs." We continue in the Biblical tradition by making music a significant part of our worship. Many opportunities exist for musical expression at First Presbyterian. We hope that you will consider being a part of a vital, exciting music program. Opportunities are afforded in the following areas:
CHANCEL CHOIR
The Chancel Choir is our adult choir made up of singers who love the art of choral music. They sing in the 11:00 a.m. worship service each week, and therefore serve as worship leaders. They also present special seasonal programs at various times throughout the year. Although focusing on traditional and classical anthem literature, a variety of musical styles is used over the season. Any adult with some singing skills is welcome to join. Music reading skills, while helpful, are not required. The Chancel Choir rehearses on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
The Chancel Choir is our adult choir made up of singers who love the art of choral music. They sing in the 11:00 a.m. worship service each week, and therefore serve as worship leaders. They also present special seasonal programs at various times throughout the year. Although focusing on traditional and classical anthem literature, a variety of musical styles is used over the season. Any adult with some singing skills is welcome to join. Music reading skills, while helpful, are not required. The Chancel Choir rehearses on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
MUSIC MAKERS AND DISCOVERY SINGERS
These are our two choirs for children, which meet on Wednesday afternoons as part of our weekly LOGOS program from September through April. Music Makers (for grades K-2) and Discovery Singers (for grades 3-6) sing and participate in other activities in learning Worship Skills. Teaming with children from St. John’s Episcopal Church, they appear as worship leaders several times throughout the year in our 10:00 a.m. worship service.
ST. CECILIA HANDBELLS
This is our adult handbell group, which performs music for 4 and 5 octaves of bells. Membership is open to any who are interested, though music-reading skills are strongly recommended. St, Cecilia rehearses on Wednesday afternoons at 5:30 during the school year.
MARY MCDONALD MUSIC SERIES
The Mary McDonald Music Series allows First Presbyterian Church to provide a rich variety of concerts for the Fort Smith community. Through this music series such artists as organist Diane Bish, pianists Neilson and Young, and The Chestnut Brass have performed at First Presbyterian Church. In addition to guest artists, each season the Chancel Choir presents two concerts as part of the Mary McDonald Music Series.
This music series is named in honor of our former organist, Mary McDonald. Mrs. McDonald has been a member of First Presbyterian Church since childhood. She began her tenure as church organist in the 1950s and retired in 1996. She has since filled in as Interim Organist several times as needed. Throughout her tenure at First Presbyterian Church, Mrs. McDonald directed children’s choirs, handbell choirs, and the Chancel Choir. Through her work Mary has led many in the worship and service of our Lord. It is with great privilege that First Presbyterian Church presents the Mary McDonald Music Series in her honor.
These concerts are presented free of charge as a gift to the community.
The Mary McDonald Music Series allows First Presbyterian Church to provide a rich variety of concerts for the Fort Smith community. Through this music series such artists as organist Diane Bish, pianists Neilson and Young, and The Chestnut Brass have performed at First Presbyterian Church. In addition to guest artists, each season the Chancel Choir presents two concerts as part of the Mary McDonald Music Series.
This music series is named in honor of our former organist, Mary McDonald. Mrs. McDonald has been a member of First Presbyterian Church since childhood. She began her tenure as church organist in the 1950s and retired in 1996. She has since filled in as Interim Organist several times as needed. Throughout her tenure at First Presbyterian Church, Mrs. McDonald directed children’s choirs, handbell choirs, and the Chancel Choir. Through her work Mary has led many in the worship and service of our Lord. It is with great privilege that First Presbyterian Church presents the Mary McDonald Music Series in her honor.
These concerts are presented free of charge as a gift to the community.