Music at Central Presbyterian Church

Chancel Choir

Our Chancel Choir is made up of members of the congregation and a paid section leader for each section (soprano, alto, tenor, bass).  The choir sings at the 11:00am service each Sunday (except for the month of July), plus various special services.  We usually perform one or two large works during the year with orchestra, brass, and/or organ.

The choir rehearses on Wednesday nights from 7:30-9:00pm.  Anyone in the choir will tell you that we enjoy a special fellowship and closeness with one another, through our sharing of music and the chance to lead in worship.  Membership is open to anyone who reads music, by informal audition with the director.

Cindy Couch, CPC's Director of Music Ministries, conducts the Chancel Choir.

Service Music (11:00)

The music for the 11:00 Sunday morning worship service is traditional, with hymns taken primarily from The Presbyterian Hymnal (1990). Accompaniment for congregational singing is on organ or occasionally on piano, and sometimes is enhanced by additional instrumentalists.

Early Service Music

Each Sunday morning at 8:45am, an early worship service takes place in the CPC Library.  The service music is taken primarily from the Sing the Faith hymnal, and is led by volunteer musicians -- a songleader, and either a guitarist or pianist to provide accompaniment.  If you would like to help once a month in music leadership for this informal and intimate service, please contact the music coordinator, Susan Richter.

The children are encouraged to sing, have fun, and explore the world of music during our time together. Occasionally we also have some opportunities to play rhythm instruments while we sing. We try to teach each child to make the connection between what they hear and the sounds they make while singing. Vacation Bible School is a great time to make music with friends, old and new. It is also a great time for kids to "find their voice". Please encourage children to attend - it will be lots of fun!

Becky Clark is our Children's Choir Director.

Handbell Choir

A handbell ensemble plays occasionally for the 11:00 Sunday Service, as well as for special occasions. We do not have a regular bell rehearsal time. Instead, we select and prepare pieces as they are scheduled, based on ringer availability and experience. If you are interested in playing handbells with us, even as a learner, we can work out a way for you to help us enhance worship! You should be able to read music, and group music experience (such as band or choir) is helpful. Contact the handbell director, Susan Richter.

Instrumentalists and Soloists

We encourage instrumentalists and soloists to play or sing special music for Sunday services, special services, or with one of the choirs.   In the past, individuals have played flute, violin, clarinet, recorder, French horn, and piano as solos, or in accompanying one of the choirs.  Please contact Cindy Couch if you would like to participate.

Annual Talent Show

Each year at our last Wednesday night dinner (usually in mid-May), we have a talent show — and it's lots of fun. Everyone is encouraged to show off their talents — musical, dramatic or otherwise. A signup sheet will be in Smoot Hall a month before the show. Dinner is served, beginning at 5:45, followed by the talent show beginning at 6:45pm. Please be sure to make a reservation for the dinner by noon on Monday if you plan to attend and/or participate.

Recitals at CPC

Central Presbyterian Church welcomes the use of our facilities for recitals and other events by both member and non-members. If you wish to hold an event at Central Presbyterian Church, please see our information, policies, and forms.