Music and Arts
Ministries
First Presbyterian Church has a long history of devotion to music and the arts. We have plenty of opportunities for you to share your musical and artistic gifts and help provide a deeper richer worship experience for everyone. Please contact James Brown, Director of Worship and Arts, for further information on any of the groups shown here.
First Church Chorale
The First Church Chorale supports worship at the 11:15 AM service each Sunday (with a break in the summer). The choir also performs major choral works with orchestral accompaniment once or twice a year, often as part of the St. Cecilia Music Series, and takes part in various other musical activities in conjunction with other local church choirs. The Chorale's performance at the annual Baroque Festival has earned an Austin Critics' Table Award. The Chorale has recorded several albums, including Handel's Messiah and Rutter's Requiem. The choir numbers approximately 40 people and is open to any interested singer. Weekly practice is held at 7:00 PM on Wednesdays in the Sanctuary from mid-August to the end of May. To hear Chorale performances of Bach, Handel, Mozart, Rutter, and Vivaldi, see concert photographs, or view our anthem schedule, go to the Chorale web site.
Contemporary Ensemble
Our Contemporary Ensemble leads worship during each week's contemporary service. The group comprises singers and instrumentalists on guitar, drums, bass, piano, and other instruments, and specializes in contemporary praise music. It features well-known Austin jazz musicians Rich Harney (piano) and Eli Haslinger (saxophone). The band recently recorded an album, Morning Offering. We hope to help provide a way in which every member of the service can join in with us. So, even if you don't play an instrument or want to sing up front with the song leaders, please join us any Sunday morning in the congregation to praise God with your voice.
Hand bell Choir
Our Hand bell Choir plays during the traditional worship service at various times throughout the year. Novices, experienced ringers, and all those in between are welcome to play! Rehearsals are on Monday evenings September through May.
Children's Choir
Our Joyful Praise Children's Choir sings during both services at various times during the year. Rehearsals take place on Sunday mornings, during the second half of the late morning worship service.
St. Cecilia Music Series
The St. Cecilia Music Series is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church. We have a long history of supporting music and the arts in Austin. The Series brings the best in local talent as well as internationally recognized groups to a small venue. Artists who have performed in the Series in recent years include Chanticleer, the Vienna Boys Choir, the American Boys Choir, the Empire Brass, and Emma Kirkby and Fretwork.
