CHOIRS

SANCTUARY CHOIR

The cornerstone of the choral music program at First Presbyterian Church is the sanctuary choir. The choir has a long history of performances dating back into the 19^th century. A local newspaper, The London Enterprise, noted on June 26, 1872: “Go to the Presbyterian Church next Sunday if you wish to hear a good choir sing some fine music.”  The statement is no less true today.

Under the direction of Thomas Lloyd since 1983, the choir performs two anthems with pipe organ and an a cappella introit each Sunday from September through May (or Pentecost, whichever is later.) The choir is open to singers of high school age and older and rehearses Thursday evenings from 8:00 – 9:15 pm.  The choir’s repertoire includes Gregorian Chant, Renaissance motets, Baroque works including those of Bach and Handel, music of the Classical era including Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven, Romantic works such as those by Tchaikovsky and Sir John Stainer and works from the Welsh hymn singing tradition, a wide variety of 20^th century music including spirituals, American folk hymns, English Cathedral anthems and works by women composers. 21^st century composers include Richard Shepherd, Barbara Wallace, Robert Lau, Malcolm Archer, John Rutter and David Ashley White.

The sanctuary choir performs at the three special evening services held on Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, and Maundy Thursday.  A Men’s Ensemble drawn from the choir and members of the congregation performs throughout the year.

CALVIN CHOIR

Founded in the 1990s by Beth Chadwell to perform contemporary music, the Calvin Choir is now directed by Clint Morse who composes and arranges most of the pieces.  The choir, which is open to high school age and older singers, rehearses Thursday evenings 7:00 – 8:00 pm, and performs frequently at the 8:30 am service and occasionally at the 10:30 am service. The accompaniment features the church’s electronic piano with Joe Blaho on electric bass.

CHILDREN’S CHOIRS

The church has two choirs for children: the Cherub Choir is for children four years old through second grade and the Westminster Choir is third through eighth grade.  Both choirs are directed by John and Ruth Gorman.  The children sing the third Sunday of each month, September through Mother’s Day, at the 10:30 am worship service.  Innovative use of percussion instruments and enthusiastic singing are hallmarks of these choirs.  Many selections are composed by John Gorman.