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 under the direction of Valerie Shondel, Director of Music. Each week the Chancel Choir inspires the congregation at the Traditional 10AM Service; and the Contemporary Band under the Direction of Erika Hallenbeck, inspires us at the 5PM Contemporary Service. The music ministry also hosts the FPC Handbell Choir, Teen Contemporary Voices and Caldwell Broadway Arts.
The Music programs are of the highest caliber embracing both members of the church community and professionals from the metropolitan area.
FPC Chancel Choir
FPC’s Chancel Choir provides music weekly for the Sunday 10 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 Interfaith 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 Mackenzie Conaway 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.
FPC Contemporary Band
The FPC Contemporary Band under the Direction of Erika Hallenbeck inspires worship during our Sunday 5PM Contemporary Service. The band consists of vocals, keyboard, guitar, bass and drums. Drawing from popular Christian music, guitars, vocals, keyboard and percussion inspire and move the congregation in worship. Congregation members who are interested in singing with the band are encouraged to speak with Erika to rehearse and select a service to sing along with the band. Additionally, members of the Teen Contemporary Voices also frequently join the band. In addition to regular Sunday services the band also performs at the Annual Caldwell Street Fair.
For more information contact the Director of Music, Valerie Shondel. valerie@firstprescaldwell.org
Teen Contemporary Voices
Performers in grades 6-12 are invited to rehearse with our Contemporary Band Director and perform during our Sunday Night 5PM Contemporary Service. Rehearsals are held on the first Sunday of the month for 45 minutes after the Contemporary Service. All are welcome!
For more information contact the Director of Music, Valerie Shondel. valerie@firstprescaldwell.org
The Christmas Musical
Each December, the FPC Music Ministry and CBA invite performers between the ages of 4 and 13 to participate in “The Christmas Musical”. This year’s musical will be on December 14 at the 10AM service. Rehearsals begin on November 9th. To get more information please click here or visit the Caldwell Broadway Arts Website at www.caldwellbraodwayarts.org or contact Valerie Shondel, Director of Music valerie@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. CBA presents programs throughout the year to educate and inspire our emerging musical theater performers. They include but are not limited to:
CBA Summer Musical Theater Intensive: ages 10-17
The Christmas Musical: ages 4-13
CBA Workshops: age 8-17
CBA has hosted its Summer Musical Theater Intensive since 2023. The MTI is a one-week summer camp for performers between the ages of 10 and 17. This unique experience invites young performers to improve their singing, acting and dancing musical theater skills with Broadway performers. A final CBA Showcase culminates the week with the student’s performing selections featured in the camp week
For more information and to see highlights from past programs visit the CBA website at: www.caldwellbroadwayarts.org .
Concerts at FPC
The First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell presents a variety of concerts throughout the year. From NYC professionals, our CBA Music Staff to our partnerships with Montclair State University’s Cali School of Music. Our goal is to bring concerts to our sanctuary which are 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.
Upcoming Events
November 8, 2025 “The Christmas Musical” rehearsals begin
December 14, 2025 “The Christmas Musical” 10:00AM
August 3-7, 2025 Caldwell Broadway Arts Musical Theater Intensive Camp
August 7, 2025 CBA Camp Showcase 7:00PM