Participation is central to the music program at First Pres. Whether you sing from the pews every Sunday or participate in one of the many groups, music allows us to express our faith in a way that is deep and abiding. Our mission is to inspire and enhance all worship services through the offering of excellent sacred music. Over 75 members of all ages are involved in our various music ensembles – from first graders to mature adults. We’d love you to join us!

For more information on any of our music programs, please contact Peggy Massello, Director of Music Ministries.

Midweek Meetup

Midweek Meetup is back starting Wednesday, September 21, 2022, from 4:45-5:45 pm with an optional family dinner following.

Midweek Meetup meets on Wednesday evenings and is a time of crafts, games, music, and fun with friends for children ages 3 years through 6th grade, followed by a family dinner in the Wallace Moore Fellowship Center (lower level).  Parents are invited to drop children off, stay and help with the activity, or gather in the Green Room for parent fellowship during the children’s program.

There are opportunities throughout the program year for worship leadership such as the Christmas Pageant, the winter musical, and other Sundays.

Contact Peggy Massello, Director of Music Ministries, or Lindley Traynor, Director of Children and Family Ministry for more information.

Chancel Bells

Chancel Bells is our high school/adult handbell choir that is flexible, fun and offers good fellowship. We rehearse for approximately 6 weeks per session, meeting once a week, then we play in worship. We ring in worship in mid-October, Advent Lessons & Carols in early December, Christmas Eve, mid-February, mid-April and early June. Ring for one session or ring for all! The church owns 5 octaves of Schulmerich handbells and 3 octaves of Schulmerich MelodyChimes.

Chancel Bells begins Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 7:45 pm in the Music Room. We’ll ring at 10 am worship on Sunday, October 23. More opportunities/sessions will follow during the program year!

Guitars @ Gillson

From Father’s Day to Labor Day week-end we hold a casual 8:00 a.m. communion worship service in Gillson Park in Wilmette, looking out on beautiful Lake Michigan. Join Guitars@Gillson to provide music and accompaniment for hymns and worship songs! If you play a little or a lot, consider being a part of this group for one Sunday or all. Rehearsals are mutually agreed upon by the members and are flexible.

Instrumentalists

Whether in a solo capacity or as part of a small ensemble, instrumentalists add variety and inspiration to our worship music. Those who are interested in participating from time to time are encouraged to contact Peggy Massello, Director of Music and Worship.

Chancel Choir

The Chancel Choir is a high school/adult ensemble that sings weekly at our 10:00 a.m. worship service and at special services throughout the program year (mid-September through early June). Supporting hymn singing, sung responses, and anthems during worship is our focus. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings, 7:30-8:30 pm.

A variety of musical styles are represented in the repertoire of the Chancel Choir, from early music to gospel. We are fortunate to have 4 professional singers that enhance our core of volunteers.

Chancel Choir begins Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at 7:30 pm in the Music Room and will rehearse every Wednesday thereafter.

For those interested in joining us for special services, those include Advent Lessons & Carols (early December), Christmas Eve, Holy Week (Easter) services and Choir Sunday. Past Choir Sundays have included works such as Requiem (John Rutter), Mass in G (Franz Schubert), Misa Criola (Ariel Ramirez), Gospel Mass (Robert Ray), Feel the Spirit (John Rutter), Requiem (Gabriel Faure), Te Deum Laudamus and Jubilate Deo (Henry Purcell), Godspell (Stephen Schwartz). Professional instrumentalists have accompanied these inspirational works as the Chancel Choir provides the solo and choral parts.