Music

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!

Jeff Cachero

Interim Director of Music

Kory Heitzig

Organist/Pianist

Music is an integral part of the worship life at First Congregational Church. The purpose of Worship Arts Ministry is to help create life affirming, spiritually uplifting worship and fellowship through rich artistic expression. Music in worship gives glory and honor to God, and enhances the worship experience through inspiring and artistic expressions of praise.

If you would like more information about this dynamic and engaging ministry, 

Contact  Interim Director of Music Jeff Cachero at

Contact Jeff Cachero

Chancel Choir

The Chancel Choir sings weekly for the 10:00 a.m. worship service, and rehearses on Thursday evening from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. September – May. The Chancel Choir sings a wide variety of music representing diverse styles and traditions, from motets and masterworks to spirituals and contemporary anthems. The only requirements for membership in the Chancel Choir are enthusiasm, energy, and effort; no audition is required. There is a place in the Chancel Choir for adults and teens who wish to learn, grow, serve, and praise God in song. We work together to develop a unity – musically and spiritually – that enables us to share God’s love through music. 

Academy Ringers Handbell Choir

Handbells are an integral part of the First Congregational Worship Arts Ministry. The Academy Ringers Handbell Choir proudly ring a five-octave set of Malmark Handbells and a five octave set of Malmark Choirchimes. The handbell choir proclaims the joy and artistry of English handbell ringing in worship monthly September – May and rehearses Wednesday evenings, 6:00 – 7:15 p.m. The Handbell Choir is open to adults and teens with music reading experience.

W. o. W. (Worship our Way) 

The purpose of the Children’s Arts Ministry for children and youth  is to teach those in Kindergarten through 12th Grade how to worship God as participants and leaders by involving them in Sunday Worship experiences using the Visual and Performing Arts. (instrumental, vocal, speech/drama, movement).  Built on the teaching philosophies of Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman, the Children’s Arts Ministry combines Music (instrumental and vocal), Movement, Speech/Drama and Visual Art into a whole arts approach to building skills for the worship of God and worship leadership. Under the leadership of Kimberly Licavoli, the children come together each week working to develop a sense of community – musically and spiritually – enabling the ensemble to share the love of God through the arts.

Open to children and youth grades K – 12th, the Children’s Arts Ministry meets each Sunday morning from 9:00-9:45 a.m. during the Faith Formation Hour. Parents are strongly encouraged to be involved in the week-to-week activities in order to make this a truly intergenerational ministry.

Teacher/Director: Kimberly Licavoli

 

Interested in Joining A Worship Ministry?

Choral Section Leaders are an integral part of the Chancel Choir and its ministry. Dating back to the early 1960’s Section Leaders provide musical leadership within their voice section and offer solo and small ensemble repertoire in worship. Section Leaders helping every member of the Chancel Choir offer the best of themselves as they serve the church.

Our staff of Section Leaders include: 

  • Soprano, Corlyn Longer-Schreck 
  • Mezzo, Tami Snyder-Knutson  
  • Tenor,  Isaac James  
  • Baritone,  Joe Schreck
Section Leader Bios and Pictures

Choral Scholars….

Learn About our Instruments

Gilmore Festival time in 2016, we approached the supplier of pianos to The Gilmore about a grand piano for his church. We chose one from the Artist Pool, an incredible STEINWAY B manufactured in 2010.

Learn more about the pipe organs we have at First Congregational.

Our Wicks Opus 6419 Sanctuary Organ
Our Austin Opus 2354 Chapel Organ