The Music Ministry exists to lead the congregation of Westminster Presbyterian Church in joyful worship through music that glorifies the living God, encourages the body of Christ, and magnifies the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name.
about
The Music Ministry plays a vital role in the worship of Westminster Church. Under the leadership of our Director of Music, the Music Ministry nurtures the musical gifts and spiritual lives of all ages in the preparation of music for worship services and special events.
Our Music Ministry includes numerous choirs, instrumental ensembles, and small groups. There are also recurring opportunities for soloists and accompanists to serve.
vision
As we lead through music, the Music Ministry strives to exercise and develop the God-given musical talents of our congregation, so these gifts can be further used to glorify Him now and throughout eternity.
Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God;
for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.
Psalm 147:1
Choirs
SATB singers, Grade 9-Adult; presenting a variety of outstanding choral repertoire covering a wide range of time periods and musical styles. Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays, 7:30-9 PM, in Music Room 203. This choir sings weekly at the 11 AM Sunday service, and at specials services such as: Thanksgiving Eve, 10 PM Christmas Eve, Holy Thursday, and both Easter morning services. The Sanctuary Choir also has an annual Saturday choir retreat in the fall and typically presents two major choral works each year.
SATB singers, Grade 9-Adult; requires less time commitment than the Sanctuary Choir. Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays, 6-7 PM, in Music Room 203. The Matins Choir sings every 2-3 weeks at the 8 AM Sunday service, and additionally at the 6 PM Christmas Eve service and
both Easter morning services.
All children in Grades 1-3; introduces the fundamentals of good choral technique to beginning singers. Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 PM, in Room 210, including both singing and fun games to build music reading skills. The Primary Choir sings monthly at the 11 AM Sunday service and at the 6 PM Christmas Eve service.
All singers in Grades 7-12; sings regularly in Sunday worship services with rehearsals scheduled by the director. Singers will be musically challenged and spiritually nutured.
Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.
Instrumental Ensembles
Instrumental ensembles are open to experienced musicians, Grade 7 – Adult, and rehearse periodically. Music is presented in Sunday morning and evening services. Frequency varies with each ensemble. Contact the Director of Music for more details.
The following INSTRUMENTAL ensembles play periodically throughout the year, with rehearsals scheduled by the
directors:
handbell Ensembles
JUBILATE RINGERS
2-3 octave bell choir; open to beginning and intermediate ringers of all ages, Grade 4–Adult. Rehearsals take place Tuesdays, 6:15-7:15 PM, in Music Room 203.
WESTMINSTER RINGERS
3-4 octave bell choir; open to experienced ringers Grade 9-Adult. Rehearsals take place on Tuesdays, 7:15-8:30 PM, in Music Room 203.
Additional Opportunities to serve
There are many opportunities for vocal and instrumental soloists to share the gifts God has given them throughout the year in our worship services. Preludes, anthems, offertories, and musical offerings are scheduled quarterly by the Director of Music.
Pianists are specifically needed to play Sunday evening services and to accompany various groups and Sunday School classes.
Other extended musical opportunities:
Qualifications for Participation
In addition to a saving knowledge and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord, we desire these fruits in the lives of our active musicians:
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
music camp
Thanks For Music Camp 2023
Many thanks to the 12 high school counselors and 40 adult volunteers who made our 2023 Music Camp possible. Our next biennial Music Camp will be held in June of 2025. In the meantime, we look forward to welcoming our campers back in the fall to participate in our church choirs and instrument ensembles.
COncerts
Announcing Our Upcoming Westminster Music Series 2023 - 2024
Saturday, October 21, 7 pm – Double Piano Concert
Pianists Duane Funderburk and Jamie Rankin bring an energetic performance of concert and sacred pieces featuring two pianos, four hands, and two exquisitely talented musicians in a concert that will be sure to delight all ages.
Sunday, December 10, 6 pm – Soli Deo Gloria: Service of Lessons & Carols
Join Westminster musicians and readers for a glorious night of Christmas music and worship featuring combined children’s choirs, festive brass, and the Sanctuary choir in a presentation on John Rutter’s Gloria.
Friday, March 8, 2023 – Wheaton College Concert Choir
Under the direction of Dr. William Trotter, the Concert Choir joined by student instrumentalists will present a fresh take of Handel’s Messiah as a part of their spring tour.
Friday, March 29, 7 pm – Good Friday Concert
Westminster’s Sanctuary Choir presents the timeless choral masterwork The Crucifixion by John Stainer. Featured soloists include Timothy Bentch, tenor and Steven Condie, bass.
Friday, April 5, 7 pm – Messiah Sing-a-long
Join us for a performance of the Easter portion of Handel’s Messiah with a professional orchestra and soloists. All are invited to sing this timeless masterpiece in the unrehearsed choir, or you may listen as part of the audience.
Saturday, April 27, 7pm (date change!) – Andrew Peterson in Concert (ticketed event)
Hear celebrated Christian singer-songwriter and award-winning author Andrew Peterson live in concert! Online ticket sales will open March 18.
Westminster Music Concerts are open to the public.
A free will offering will be taken.
No registration is needed to attend, unless otherwise noted.
