Music Ministry

Here at First Congregational UCC music plays a vital part in our ministry.  From our children’s choirs to our Alleluia Ringers and beyond, our music ministries help us to lift our voices and make a joyful sound during our morning worship. We’d love for you to join one of our many groups! Below you’ll find details on all the different musical ministries opportunities we offer here at our church as well as some videos of our congregational musicians in action.

Music Ministry Groups

Chancel Choir

Volunteer choir including singers from 7th grade - adult, roughly 12 - 20 members in size. Chancel Choir performs a variety of repertoire ranging from classical music, traditional hymns, and contemporary sacred anthems to contemporary christian and secular music, world music, and musical theatre. Chancel Choir sings roughly 2-3 services monthly from mid-September through early June. Chancel Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30pm in the Music Room and is directed by Kelley Calpin.

The Band

The Band is comprised of 5 - 7 professional musicians and plays every Sunday for service. The Band performs a wide variety of repertoire consisting of contemporary christian, secular pop/rock, jazz, musical theatre, and soul. The Band is led by Justin Kono.

Junior Choir

Junior Choir is comprised of volunteer singers in grades 1 - 6 and sings roughly once a month from mid-September through Mother’s Day. Junior choir performs a mix of christian choral music, sometimes including dance and Orff instruments. Junior Choir rehearses Sunday mornings from 8:30 - 9:15 in the Coffee House and is directed by Maria Carini.

Cherub Choir

Cherub Choir is comprised of our youngest singers from age 3 through kindergarten. They perform traditional christian songs. Cherub Choir sings 2 - 3 times per year (Sunday before Thanksgiving, Advent, and Mother’s Day). Cherub Choir meets on Sunday mornings from 10:30 - 10:45 in the nursery with Peggy Gutzke.

Alleluia Ringers

Alleluia Ringers is a volunteer bell choir with roughly 10 - 15 participants. Alleluia Ringers performs traditional christian music played with handbells and handchimes using a variety of techniques. Alleluia Ringers performs roughly once per month at services from mid-September through end of May. Alleluia Ringers rehearses on Sunday mornings from 10:45 - 11:30 in the Music Room and is directed by Maria Carini.

Special Music Ministry Events

  • Our Christmas Concert features music from all of our musical groups as well as solo/duet performances by members of our congregation. Generally occurring on a Sunday evening in mid-December, our Christmas concert is a free family event and a highlight of the year. The concert is programmed by our entire Music Ministry Staff.

  • The Band performs a free concert that is open to the public. The concert consists of pop/rock, Top 40, jazz, soul, and other varieties of music performed by professional musicians. Weather permitting, this concert is held in Fishel Park behind the church or in our Sanctuary. The concert is programmed and led by Justin Kono.

  • Chancel Choir will occasionally put on a spring concert or a special music event (cantatas, requiem masses, etc.) that is open to the public. Special choral events are programmed by Kelley Calpin.

  • In conjunction with our Congregational Care Ministry, singers from the congregation go out to sing Christmas carols to our homebound members. This event usually takes places either the first or second Sunday in December and is open to anyone who wants to participate.