Ministry of Music
First Parish Church has a vital and engaging music program for all ages that seeks to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord” through robust hymn singing, choral songs and anthems, and the delightful sounds of choir chimes and handbells. Throughout the church year, we are fortunate to enjoy the music ministry of a wide variety of vocal and instrumental solos, duets and ensembles. An eclectic music program enriches the worship life of our church.
The Organ
Our worship life is greatly enhanced by a three manual pipe/digital organ of 73 ranks including a brass festival trumpet stop. The organ is a centerpiece of our music ministry, capable of producing a rich variety of sounds, from gentle beauty to bold majesty. Also located in the sanctuary is our Yamaha concert grand piano, frequently used as the accompaniment for our choirs and as a solo instrument.
Our Music Groups and Opportunities:
The Senior Choir is a group of singers, open to all ages, from high schoolers through to adults of all ages. Choir rehearsals are on Sunday evenings from 7:00- 8:30 p.m., September through late May each year. The choir sings for nearly every Sunday morning worship service, from September through June. A warm-up rehearsal is held before each service. The choir sings a range of music from sacred, classical, to contemporary. The choir occasionally sings extended works, such as Vivaldi’s “Gloria”, as well as participating in choral concerts. New members are always welcome in this unique group who enjoy singing together, and have fun doing so. For further information, please contact Rick Gremlitz, Director of Music, at (603) 868-1196 or at rickgremlitz@yahoo.com
The First Parish Ringers is an intergenerational group of handbell ringers. This group is open to all Sr. High School students through adults. Rehearsals are Sunday evenings from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This group rings in church once a month and on special occasions. New members are welcome. It is helpful if you are able to read music. For more information, please contact Carol Seely at k9vet@rcn.com.
The Joyous Ringers is a youth handbell group open to all youth Grades Four through Eight. This group meets once a week on Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and rings in church every six weeks. New members are welcome. This is a wonderful opportunity for the youth to become more involved with the music program of First Parish Church. For more information, please contact Carol Seely at k9vet@rcn.com.
The Choir Chimes is a children’s youth choir that rings choir chimes and is open to Grades One through Three. This group meets once a week on Mondays from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. and rings in church every six weeks. New members are welcome. This is a wonderful opportunity for our youngest members to become more involved with the music program of First Parish Church. For more information, please contact Carol Seely at k9vet@rcn.com.
The Youth Choir is a group of children from kindergarten through grade five who rehearse Sunday mornings from 11:00-11:30 am on the weeks that Sunday School is in session. New singers are always welcome. The choir sings in morning worship every six weeks and also for special services at Christmas and Easter. For more information, please contact the director of the Youth Choir, Carol Seely, at k9vet@rcn.com.
Belknap Concert Series is a music ministry outreach to the church and the wider community. A variety of concerts are sponsored, from 2-4 per year. Recent events include organist wunderkind, Cameron Carpenter, and internationally known keyboard artist Hector Olivera.
The First Parish Ringers is an intergenerational group of handbell ringers. This group is open to all Sr. High School students through adults. Rehearsals are Sunday evenings from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This group rings in church once a month and on special occasions. New members are welcome. It is helpful if you are able to read music. For more information, please contact Carol Seely at k9vet@rcn.com.
The Joyous Ringers is a youth handbell group open to all youth Grades Four through Eight. This group meets once a week on Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and rings in church every six weeks. New members are welcome. This is a wonderful opportunity for the youth to become more involved with the music program of First Parish Church. For more information, please contact Carol Seely at k9vet@rcn.com.
The Choir Chimes is a children’s youth choir that rings choir chimes and is open to Grades One through Three. This group meets once a week on Mondays from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. and rings in church every six weeks. New members are welcome. This is a wonderful opportunity for our youngest members to become more involved with the music program of First Parish Church. For more information, please contact Carol Seely at k9vet@rcn.com.
The Youth Choir is a group of children from kindergarten through grade five who rehearse Sunday mornings from 11:00-11:30 am on the weeks that Sunday School is in session. New singers are always welcome. The choir sings in morning worship every six weeks and also for special services at Christmas and Easter. For more information, please contact the director of the Youth Choir, Carol Seely, at k9vet@rcn.com.
Belknap Concert Series is a music ministry outreach to the church and the wider community. A variety of concerts are sponsored, from 2-4 per year. Recent events include organist wunderkind, Cameron Carpenter, and internationally known keyboard artist Hector Olivera.
