Music Ministries
Wherever you are on your musical journey, you are welcome here! We have eight ensembles from which to choose, beginning with Kindergarten and extending through our fine Chancel Choir. Feel free to take a look below for the group that will help you share the joy of the Lord through music!
Meet the FCCH Music Team
The Music Ministries at First Congregational Church are led by a dynamic team of talented and caring musicians. While these three staff members work collaboratively on all aspects of music in the church, their areas of primary oversight are listed below should you desire to contact the best person about any specific needs or interests.
Dr. Jon C. Peterson
Director of Music
Ministries
Chancel Choir
Sanctuary Bells
Youth Choir
Men's Ensemble
Memorial Choir
Wedding/Memorial Music
10am Music Coordinator
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Charlotte Beers Plank
Associate Director of Music & Organist
Church Organist
Women's Ensemble
Camp Wednesday Music
8:30am Music Coordinator
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Ensembles @ FCCH
Chancel Choir
Our most prominent choir in the music ministry, this talented group sings a wide variety of repertoire, ranging from early polyphony to contemporary choral music. The Chancel Choir requires a reasonably serious time commitment to weekly rehearsal and regular service singing. However, short-term and seasonal participation is also an option for many choristers. Please contact the director for more information.
Director: Dr. Jon C. Peterson
Rehearsals: Wednesdays | 7:00pm - 8:30pm | Choir Room & Sanctuary
Sanctuary Bells
With five full octaves of handbells and two octaves of hand chimes, this group is expanding every year. This intergenerational ensemble welcome ringers of all skill levels -- from advanced ringers to beginners that are eager to learn. Due to the nature of handbell ensembles, space is limited. Participants are invited to engage in an ongoing or rotational capacity -- see the schedule below. Please contact the director for more information.
Director: Dr. Jon C. Peterson
Rehearsals: Wednesdays | 6:00pm - 6:55pm | Choir Room
Spring 2022 Worship Dates (8:30 & 10am services):
Women's Ensemble
Our Women's Chorus is a low-commitment, high-enjoyment musical & fellowship opportunity. The ensemble rehearses on a rotational basis. It's not only a place to come together to sing beautiful harmony, but also a safe and supportive community. If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your creative side, meet new people, or try something new, please join us!
Director: Charlotte Beers Plank
Rehearsals: Select Wednesdays | 8:30pm - 9:30pm | Choir Room
Spring 2022 Rotation:
Men's Ensemble
This group made history recently when they joined the Men of Independence to sing the National Anthem at the Indians, Browns and Cavs games in one year. We have a really great time together and sing very well! If you are a man who loves the rich sound of men's voices, you will love this group.
Director: Dr. Jon C. Peterson
Rehearsals: Select Wednesdays | 8:30pm - 9:30pm | Choir Room
Spring 2022 Rotations:
Memorial Choir
This ensemble provides musical support for our memorial services. As the services are normally in the late morning, singers would need to be available at that time.
Director: Dr. Jon C. Peterson
Rehearsals: TBD
11:25 Band
The popular eleven twenty-five service features a professional rhythm section. The service is uplifting, concise and very fresh. If traditional music/worship is not your thing, try eleven twenty-five.
Director/Music Coordinator: Chelsea Selvaggio
Spring Choral/Orchestral Concert
Every year, we invite members of the community to join us in a performance of a major choral-orchestral work. Details are usually released in January every year, with the performance in early March.
Director: Dr. Jon C. Peterson
Rehearsals: Due to the ongoing challenges in public health, we will note be presenting a spring major work in 2022.
Youth Choir (Middle School & High School)
Students in 6th through 12th grades are encouraged to join our Youth Choir! 45-mintue rehearsals are fun and uplifting, as the Youth Choir prepares to lead worship at 10am every 5th Sunday. Singers of all levels of experience (even with no choral background at school) are invited to participate.
Director: Dr. Jon C. Peterson & Chelsea Selvaggio
Rehearsals: Wednesdays | 4:30pm - 5:15pm | Sanctuary & Choir Room
Spring 2022 Worship Dates:
Children's Choirs
Children's Choir are an integral part of FCCH's Camp Wednesday programming. For more information about Camp Wednesday, please visit our Children's Ministries page.
Director: Charlotte Beers Plank
Rehearsals: Wednesdays | 5:00pm - 6:30pm | Sanctuary & Chapel
Music Calendar
Music @ FCCH newsletter archive
Wilhelm Organ
The Sanctuary Organ at First Congregational Church was installed in November 1991. It was designed and constructed by the firm of Karl Wilhelm, Inc. of Mt. St.-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada. It is his Opus 124. View the organ stoplist here.
This organ displays characteristics of the classic organs developed in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. The pipe work sits inside a thin-walled wooden case which blends and projects the sounds of the pipes. The organ has four divisions, corresponding to the three manual keyboards and the pedal keyboard. They are called the Great, Swell, Positiv, and Pedal divisions. Each of the four divisions is a separate and complete instrument with its own area in the case. The manual divisions are vertically stacked in the case, while the pedal division is split into two towers on either side. The largest principal pipes of each division (except the Positiv) are placed in the facade of the organ. Carved pipeshades above the facade pipes help blend the sounds of high and low pitches.
The ornamental carvings in front of the Positiv division were done by the mastercarver, Jean Dutin. They represent the four beasts from this quote in Revelations 4:6-11, reminding us that our joy and duty in worship is to praise God (which we do with the help of this instrument). For more information about our organ, please contact Organist Charlotte Beers Plank
