Welcome to FPC Music Ministry!
First Presbyterian Church is happy to provide a variety of music ministry opportunities for all ages, from our youngest members to our most experienced worshippers. From choirs to classes, to concerts, anyone interested in joining any of our groups or activities of praise is welcome!
Our Director of Music Ministries is passionate about worship music and leading the church in worship and praise each week! One of his other passions is the church’s Rieger Organ. To learn more about this historic and beautiful instrument that fills our sanctuary with a magnificent sound, click here.
MUSIC MINISTRIES FOR 2021-2022
Large Vocal Ensemble — meets September–May on Wednesdays 7:30–9:00 pm open to Middle School, High School and Adults.
Musical Beginnings — meets on Wednesdays from 4:00-4:45 in room 297, September through May, for ages 0-3 with a parent/guardian present
Covenant Kids — is for ages 4-6 and meets September -May on Wednesdays 4:00-4:45 pm.
King’s Singers — children 7-14 years old with Vince Treadway, Wednesdays from 5 – 6 pm in the Choir Room beginning September 1.
Youth Ensemble — middle and high school students, Sundays immediately following small groups; two rehearsals and performance – rehearsal and performance dates will be announced in the Sunday worship bulletin.
Handbell Choir — is open to Middle School, High School, and Adults meeting on Mondays 2:00-3:00 pm September -May
Small Vocal Ensemble — auditioned singers who are interested in more challenging repertoire; schedule TBD. Please contact Vince Treadway at vince@fpclw.org to audition for this ensemble.
Soloists, Duets, Trios, Quartets – those who sing and play instruments and would like to provide worship music as soloists or in an ensemble, please contact Vince Treadway.
If interested in joining any of the above musical groups or for more information about the music ministries of FPC, please contact Vince Treadway at vince@fpclw.org.
Music to Calm Your Spirit
By Vince Treadway
The following article is published in the May 2020 issue of The Diligent and is posted here to activate the many links recommended to you in the article for your listening pleasure.
“And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.” -1 Samuel 16:23
I have found music to provide great solace, peace, comfort, and healing, especially in times of anxiety, trouble, or distress. Now is certainly a time of concern and upheaval for many with what is required to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic changing the patterns of most people’s lives. Just as King Saul was made “refreshed and well,” so can we be soothed and uplifted by music.
I realize that everyone has their favorite styles of music and artists, but I thought I would share a few of my favorites with you to give a try. I should clarify the purpose of this list because not all music that I listen to is for achieving peace, solace, and comfort. Sometimes I want to listen to music to be energized, perhaps for exercising or doing a job. Also, I may listen to learn a piece for one of the choirs or myself, so I will listen over and over to help get it in my ear. The list I have prepared here has one primary purpose-to provide music to meditate, pray, relax, and rest; maybe even fall asleep! I have provided titles as well as links (URL codes) to this music in case you want to look up the music on a device, computer, or music account of your choice.
While you are listening to this music, I would also encourage you to read and meditate on Scripture, particularly those texts that speak to the peace of God, such as:
- “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3
- “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
- “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints.” 1 Corinthians 14:33
- “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8
Following is the list of my recommendations for calming music. I could go on for hours, so this list is not intended to be conclusive, but rather a starting point. My prayer is that you find “rest for your soul” as you listen and meditate on God’s Word.
Chopin Nocturnes – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtIW2r1EalM&list=PLrc5kcEPpozKNdeJatoxHDLQrEOPf9gRl
Chant – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNllFdDN5P8
Voces8 (a choral ensemble) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VoQsXkOrZA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icjcVr6j8gc
Spiegel im Spiegel for Cello and Piano by Arvo Part – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZe3mXlnfNc
Hauser—Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc8gYoXkLZ4
Pie Jesu by Durufle, sung by Sarah Connolly – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ytt25RRcWGg
Be Still My Soul by Libera – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwkPsKe-39Y
Is He Worthy? Andrew Peterson – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIahc83Kvp4
If you have any questions about our music ministries, please contact Vince Treadway at 863.676.0711 x109 or by email at vince@fpclw.org.