Music Ministry
FPC’s music programs are of the highest caliber embracing both members of the church community and professionals from the metropolitan area.
To Sing Is To Pray Twice
Music is an integral part of worship at The First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell. Each week our ensembles provide music to enhance our faith through the sung word. The Music Ministry is comprised of the Chancel, Joyful Noise and Handbell Choirs, the Contemporary Worship Musicians, the Caldwell Broadway Arts Programs and outreach into the community though FPC hosted concerts.
The Music programs are of the highest caliber embracing both members of the church community and professionals from the metropolitan area.
Chancel Choir
FPC’s Chancel Choir provides music weekly for the Sunday 9:30 a.m. service from September through June; as well as special services including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Maundy Thursday, and Easter. Each Sunday the Choir leads the congregational hymns and service music; and also provides a special musical selection to enhance our worship. They participate in the Community Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service, Festivities at the Lighting of the Caldwell Community Christmas Tree and sharing their talents at local Senior Living Residences.
The Chancel Choir sings a variety of musical repertoire from classical choral works to gospel and jazz pieces. The choir membership is comprised of volunteers and professional section leaders. The choir rehearses on Thursday nights from 7:45 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
During the summer months special music is featured each week showcasing our ministry as well as selections from Special Guests of FPC Music.
All are welcome to join by contacting the Director of Music, Valerie Shondel, valerie@firstprescaldwell.org.
Genesis
Joyful Noise
Joyful Noise is our children’s choir that is open to all singers between the ages 6-11. The ensemble is Directed by Julia Pennello and rehearses on Sundays from 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. All are welcome to join. For information contact Valerie Shondel, Director of Music, valerie@firstprescaldwell.org.
FPC Handbell Choir
The FPC Chancel Handbell Choir is an amazing ensemble that enhances our services of worship each month from September to June; as well as special services such as Palm Sunday, Easter and Christmas Eve. They prepare arrangements for 5-Octave Bell Choir as well as hymn accompaniments to enhance congregational singing. The Ensembles consists of 12 regular members and a roster of substitutes. All are volunteers from our church community and beyond. Rehearsals are held weekly on Thursday nights from 6:30-7:45 p.m..
The Chancel Bell Choir performs with other bell choirs from the tri-state area at the Hudson Valley Handbell Festival each spring, participates in the Thanksgiving Ecumenical Service and brings their music to the Senior Residences in our community. All are welcome…beginners and experienced ringers!
For more information contact Valerie Shondel, Director of Music, valerie@firstprescaldwell.org.
Contemporary Music Ministry
The FPC Contemporary Music Ministry leads worship during our weekly Contemporary Service. Drawing from popular Christian music, guitars, vocals, keyboard and percussion inspire and move the congregation in worship. Those interested in playing or singing during this service should contact Valerie Shondel, Director of Music, valerie@firstprescaldwell.org.
A Christmas Musical
Each December, the FPC Music Ministry and CBA produce a Christmas musical directed by Sarah Solie. This wonderful performance opportunity is open to all performers between the ages of 4 and 17. Rehearsals begin mid-November concluding with the performance at our Traditional Service the weekend before Christmas. All are welcome! For more information visit www.caldwellbroadwayarts.org or contact Valerie Shondel, Director of Music valeri@firstprescaldwell.org.
Caldwell Broadway Arts
Caldwell Broadway Arts (CBA) is an initiative of the FPC Music Ministry that provides programs and education for young performers, as well as outreach into the communities of North Jersey and beyond. Our programs are designed to educate and inspire young artists, as well as to bring Musical Theater Programs of the highest caliber to our area including educational programs for young aspiring artists, cabaret nights, and Broadway concerts.
For more information visit the CBA website at www.caldwellbroadwayarts.org to learn more.
Concerts at FPC
The First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell has partnered with Montclair State University’s Cali School of Music to bring concerts to our sanctuary open to the whole community. The concerts span a broad spectrum of styles and ensembles: from classical to jazz……ensembles to solo recitals…… instrumental and vocal. Upcoming concert dates are added to our upcoming events page.