First Congregational United Church of Christ Appleton, Wisconsin Music

Music Ministry at First Congregational UCC

"O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!"
(Psalm 95:1)

First Congregational UCC offers a broad variety of opportunities for musicians of different levels of experience. The program praises God through music, develops musical gifts, presents quality repertoire, enjoys Christian fellowship, and serves others through leading worship.

We welcome new singers and instrumentalists to the program. Childcare during rehearsals is available upon request.

To participate, please contact John Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries, or Jon Riehle, Organist, with questions or for more information.

Organ

The sanctuary organ was built by M. P. Moller of Hagerstown, Maryland, beginning in 1969 (a year after worship began in the present building) and concluding in 1972. Its construction was underwritten by the generosity of Cora and David Crock, and it has served the congregation and the community well in Sunday worship, in festival musical offerings, and in many recitals and concerts throughout the years.

In 1994, a complete renovation and substantial expansion of the Moller instrument was undertaken by Robert Sipe. At the same time, provisions were made for controlling humidity in the sanctuary in order to help the organ maintain its tuning and reduce the risk of mechanical failures.

The renovated organ is one of the three or four largest pipe organs in the city of Appleton, comprising three manuals, 46 stops, and 58 ranks. It is beautifully integrated into the sanctuary both visually and acoustically, and provides a powerful and cherished center for worship music, a venue for recitals and concerts, and an instrument for the teaching of organ. See the organ page on this site for more information on the instrument and its history. as well as photographs.

Sanctuary Choir

This ensemble continues to provide the musical centerpiece for Sunday morning worship from September through June. Presenting a broad spectrum of quality choral literature (oratorio choruses, traditional anthems, contemporary works, spirituals, gospel music, sacred jazz, newly commissioned music, women's chorus music, men's chorus music), the choir sings a cappella or accompanied by a variety of instruments. During the Advent and Easter seasons, the choir performs major works with full orchestral accompaniment. Under its previous director, Mary Kay Easty, the Sanctuary Choir has sung in cathedrals in England, Scotland and Wales, and has been selected to perform at state and regional conventions for the American Choral Directors Association. The choir recently provided housing and hosted a workshop with the Northern Illinois University Chamber Choir, and held our own Fall Choral workshops led by Dr. Karen Leigh-Post and Gospel music artist Ken Daniel. The choir recently premiered its commissioned anthem, "Pentecost", by British organist/composer Malcolm Archer. The choir welcomes new members, high school age through adults. No audition is required.

                                                           Rehearsals -- Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m.
                                                               First Rehearsal: September 8 -- 7:00 p.m.
                                           First singing Sunday: September 12 at the 9:30 a.m. worship service

First Congregational Lawrence Music Scholars

Our special partnership with the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music students has been established for more than fifty years. Through this program, gifted students share their vocal and instrumental talents with our congregation, greatly enriching our worship service. In return we provide stipends that help them to pay for their educational expenses. An equally important goal of the program is to encourage these students to share their musical gifts with Christ's church beyond their college years. Students may apply by audition.

Rehearsals -- Sunday evenings at 5:00 p.m.
First Rehearsal: September 12

Percussion Ensemble

This church owns an extensive number of percussion instruments, providing opportunities for percussion ensemble offerings.

Please contact John Albrecht (733-7393) or the director, Victoria Daniel (734-5838), to participate and for more information.

Children's Music

Last year marked the third season of our Children's Choir for grades 2-6, culminating in the spring intergenerational musical, Miracle Road. The choir "sings our faith" in worship, develops musical skills, and builds Christian fellowship. the children present anthems in worship and sing in a Christmas Eve service. This year the choir will again participate in an intergenerational musical. All are welcome...no audition is required...bring a friend!

Please contact John Albrecht (733-7393) to register.

                                        Rehearsals -- Wednesday afternoons from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Choir Room
                                                                        First Rehearsal: September 22

                                                                        Selected singing dates to note:
                                                    Friday, December 24 (Christmas Eve), 4:00 p.m. service
                                                         Saturday, March 19 -- Dress rehearsal, 9:00 a.m.
                                          Sunday, March 20 -- Intergenerational Musical, "Opening Acts", in worship

Music will also continue to be offered in conjunction with Sunday morning Church School.

Please contact John Albrecht (733-7393) and Tami Johnson (788-7471) for more information.

Middle School Orchestra

Seventh and eighth grade instrumentalists welcome the congregation on Christmas Pageant Sunday with carol arrangements played from our Chapel. Ensembles are directed by Beth Vercouteren and friends.

                          Rehearsals: Wednesdays, December 1, 8 and 15 -- 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
                           Dress rehearsal: Saturday, December 18 -- Time to be announced
                                        Presentation in Chapel -- Sunday, December 19

Youth Handbells (For Middle School and Senior High)

Our Youth Handbells have completed their third season, ringing in worship (including special services on Palm Sunday and Mother's Day), building musical skills, and using a wide variety of ringing techniques. This offering is open to both middle school and senior high school students. Advanced ringing techniques will be explored, and experienced ringers help mentor new ringers.

Please contact John Albrecht to register.

                                           Rehearsals -- Wednesday evenings from 5:45 to 6:25 p.m.
                                                                  First Rehearsal: September 22
                            (Note: Ringers conclude early on pizza supper nights to eat with their other friends!)

Middle School and Senior High Music

In addition to being invited to sing in the Sanctuary Choir and ring handbells, youth (grades 7-12) have opportunities for presenting solo/small ensemble instrumental and vocal music in worship, and providing music leadership on Youth Sunday.

Workshop Handbell Choirs

The church owns five (5) octaves of English Whitechapel Handbells and two (2) octaves of Suzuki Tonechimes, adding another dimension of music to the worship experience.

Workshop opportunities include a Family Thanksgiving Workshop, directed by Beth Vercouteren.

                           Rehearsals: Sundays, October 31, November 7 and 14 -- 9:45 to 10:30 a.m.
                              Dress Rehearsal: Saturday, November 20 -- Time to be announced
                                               Presentation in worship -- Sunday, November 21

Instrumentalists

Brass ensembles, harpsichord, string quartets, and chamber ensembles celebrate God's gift of instrumental music in worship. Instrumental ensemble opportunities are available throughout the year. Please contact John Albrecht for more information.

Organ Scholars

In an effort to support quality music in the church in future years, the Music Ministry Program sponsors three organ scholarships each year. Students must have a high level of piano skills to apply for these scholarships. Our organ scholars this year are Katie and Kelsey LaViolette.

Please contact John Albrecht for further information and to apply for these scholarships.