First Congregational United Church of Christ Appleton, Wisconsin Music

Music Ministry at First Congregational UCC

"It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the hart, to the melody of the lyre. For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for you." (Psalm 92:1-4)

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

We welcome new singers and instrumentalists to the program. Childcare is provided upon request.

To participate, please contact John Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries, 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 will continue 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, newly commissioned music, women's chorus music, men's chorus music), the Choir sings a cappella or accompanied by a variety of instruments. During Advent and Lent, 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 welcomes new members, high school age through adults. No audition is required.

Rehearsals -- Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m.

First Congregational Lawrence Music Scholars

Our special partnership with Lawrence University conservatory 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.

Auditions and rehearsals -- To be announced

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.

Concert Series

          In addition to the rich history of organ recitals at First Congregational
          UCC, the music and clergy staffs will be examining what NEW music
          series focus might enrich the musical life of our church and
          community. Your ideas are welcome and appreciated. Please contact
          John Albrecht.

Handbell Choirs

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

Workshop opportunities and/or regular ringing opportunities will be announced early in the fall.

Youth Music

Middle School Orchestra and Handbells

Opportunities will be provided for these young instrumentalists to share their gifts in worship. A NEW middle school handbell ensemble may be offered -- details to be announced.

Percussion Ensemble

This church is most fortunate in owning a variety 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

The pastoral, Christian education, and music staffs will be in conversation this fall as we build our successful Church School program to offer a NEW mid-week choral experience for our children, culminating in a spring musical presentation. Look for more information about a special Christmas music presentation, as well as NEW winter/spring opportunities. 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..