The Chancel Choir (High School-Adult) leads in worship each Sunday and for seasonal worship services, sings in the various offerings of the Music at First Church Series, and participates annually in the Knoxville Opera Company’s Rossini Festival. Considered to be one of the most outstanding choirs in the region, the choir is comprised of both volunteers and professional musicians. Past invitations of distinction include singing for the Piccolo Spoleto Festival and conferences and conventions of both the American Guild of Organists and the American Choral Directors Association.
Musica Sacra is a choral ensemble which sings predominantly a cappella works from early chant to the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The ensemble sings frequently for worship and our Music at First Church Series, and has been a featured choral ensemble at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. Following the festival a recording of the concert was aired on NPR in both South Carolina and North Carolina.
The Women’s Ensemble (High School and College) contributes to worship throughout the school year and provides music for many of our seasonal services. They contribute to our candlelight Christmas Eve service, Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday services, and the Services of Healing and Wholeness. They have also sung the National Anthem at various sports events and have participated in several ecumenical gatherings, Community Easter Sunrise service, sung regional concerts, and for the Loaves and Fishes Presbyterian Conference at Maryville College. Each year they take an annual summer trip to share their gifts with others.
The Covenant Choirs (K-grade 5) are divided according to age/gender and participate in Sunday morning worship with introits, choral responses, hymns and anthems at 8:45 and 11:00 several times during the year. The choirs’ primary purpose is to equip and nurture children as both worshipers and worship leaders. Hymns and musical/liturgical responses for Sunday’s worship are a part of each rehearsal. Younger children learn music from various traditions and languages and experience “hands-on learning” using Kindermusik, Orff, and Kodaly music concepts . Formation occurs in the older choirs through an “atrium” of experiences, emphasizing various elements of worship, music, and the arts. Our older children receive a high level of training through the RSCM Voice for Life program, a multi-faceted curriculum emphasizing: how to use the voice (technique); developing musical skills and understanding (theory); learning/singing hymns, musical/liturgical responses, and anthems (worship); and and emphasis on belonging and participating in the faith community (service). Recognition is awarded at the completion of a level by a ribbon and medallion.
The Family Choir (Middle School-Adult) is the service choir for the annual Traditional Christmas Pageant. It is open to all persons who love to sing. Rehearsals are minimal and will be announced.
The Handbell Ensemble (Adult) rings monthly as a part of worship, rings for seasonal worship and community events, and participates annually in the Knox Area Handbell Festival. Over the past couple of years our busy civic schedule has found us ringing for the Christmas in the City Celebration of Lights at Krutch Park, Knoxville’s First Night Celebration at Market Square and Gay Street on December 31, the 4th of July National Bellringing Ceremony at the World’s Fair Park, and the popular, local television program, Live at Five!
The First Singers and First Ringers (Grade 6-Grade 8 ) lead in service music and special selections for worship throughout the year.
The Covenant Handbell Choir (Grades 4-5) rehearse periodically as a part of the Worshipful Wednesdays program.
The First Strings play for our Family Christmas Eve Service and at various times during the year.
The First Pipes is a recorder consort (ensemble) which plays periodically in worship.
The Music at First Church Series seeks to nurture and promote worship, music, and the arts as a vital ministry of our church and an enrichment to the community. The musical offerings have included major choral works, organ and voice recitals, seasonal services such as Lessons & Carols, Evensongs, hymn festivals, the KOC Rossini festival, and other events.
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