Choirs, Instrumentalists, Soloists, Congregational Brass, Handbells, Organ & more…

When the community of faith gathers, it makes a joyful noise. Singing is a natural thing to do at a celebration, so we always involve the whole gathered assembly in singing—often in ancient and modern hymns of faith that help us tell our story. It has been said that one who sings prays twice—and we are especially grateful for that when words fail us and music “moves us to a more profound Alleluia.” We understand the gifts of art and music to be expressions of God’s creativity among us.

Choir

A choir of teens and adults is a part of our worship from late August through June. The choir is open to anyone who would like to sing (no auditions!) and is willing to come to an hour-long rehearsal at 8:30 on Sunday morning. There are occasional special rehearsals and the celebrated choir potlucks from time to time. Our choir is not only a musical organization, it is a fellowship group.

The choir usually sings at least one selection in worship each Sunday. Members also prepare additional music for Advent and Easter celebrations.

Instrumentalists and Soloists

When the choir is not singing, we have many talented musicians in the congregation who share their gift of music—vocal solos; instrumental music by brass, woodwinds, and strings; small ensembles; Men’s Chorus, and Women’s Chorus. Our congregation includes college-level and public school music teachers of various instruments, as well as talented amateurs who simply love to play and sing.

The Congregational Brass

The Congregational Brass often plays for special services. This group is composed of church members and friends and is coordinated by Jim Lewis. Sometimes it’s a quartet or quintet, sometimes a trombone trio. If you play a brass instrument, Jim would like to talk to you!

Our Organ

Our organ is an important part of our worship. When our present sanctuary was constructed in 1904, there were no funds set aside for an organ, so a group of young women within the church called the CDB Society took it on as their project. They held bake sales, staged pageants and entertainments, and soon raised the money to purchase, move, and install a pipe organ originally installed in Grace Episcopal Church in Kansas City. That instrument served the congregation for 70 years. In 1974, the Möller Organ Company of Hagerstown, Maryland, built a new instrument for the church. It has received subsequent additions and continues to lift our spirits in praise. Click here to see a specification of the organ. From time to time, the organ is featured in concerts offered to the community. Often these include guest musicians from throughout Manhattan. click for image inside organ chamber

Handbell Choirs

Handbell choirs often form to play for special occasions. We have a 3-octave set of Mallmark handbells which were a gift to the church from longtime member Jane Bascom. Handbell choirs often include children, youth, and adults.

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