Music at Community Presbyterian Church
Ensembles
Children's Choir - Ranging from ages 3-8 (Pre-K through 2nd grade),
the children's choir rehearses each Thursday from 5:15- 5:45 PM. The
choir prepares songs to sing during morning worship services, and
participates in worship music several times each semester.
Youth Choir - The Youth Choir is comprised of children ages 9-13.
The choir rehearses Thursday evenings from 6-6:30. Like the
Children's Choir, the Youth Choir prepares songs and anthems for
Sunday services and participates several times each semester.
Instruments
The church maintains several fine instruments, a testament to the long-standing tradition of musical excellence at CPC. The instruments are intended for the purposes of teaching, aiding in worship by supporting both choir and congregation in song, and ultimately, glorifying God.
Pipe Organ - The church houses a 1967, two manual, electro-pneumatic pipe organ built by the Aeolian-Skinner company, one of the last instruments built by the company before its closing in 1972. The organ is comprised of 25 ranks and 1,527 pipes. The unexposed pipes are encased behind accoustical screening along the back wall of the chancel. The instrument has undergone several cleanings and refurbishments, including tonal additions by the Robert Turner and Petty-Madden organ companies. The instrument is maintained by Emery Bros., Inc. of Quakertown, PA. The organ's stop list is below:
GREAT8' Principle4' Octave2' OctaveIV Mixture8' Trumpette8' Rohr Flöte4' Koppel FlöteSWELL8' Viole de Gambe8' Voix Céleste8' Trumpet4' Principal8' Krumm Horn4' Rohr SchalmeiIV Scharf1 1/3 Quint Flöte8' Bourdon4' Rohr FlötePEDAL4' Rohr Schalmei (Swell)4' Octav8' Principal8' Gedackt8' Fagott (Bassoon)16' Fagott (Bassoon)16' Viole16' Sub BassSanctuary Piano - The sanctuary piano is a
model "M" Steinway & Sons baby grand and
was bequeathed to the church by a private
donor. The piano, originally painted white,
was refurbished in 2004, when its beautiful
red mahogany encasing was exposed and
refinished. The piano is primarily used to
accompany soloists and choirs, although it is
sometimes used as a solo instrument.
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The music ministry at Community Presbyterian Church is devoted to enhancing our worship experience as we offer psalms, songs, and instrumental anthems in praise of our Lord. Our music department consists of several ensembles: the Children's Choir, Youth Choir, Adult Chancel Choir, and Handbell Choir. All ensembles are comprised of volunteers from the church and community. Throughout the year, the ensembles present special services and programs in addition to their participation in our Sunday worship services. One of the goals of our music program is to educate the members of our ensembles on the many facets of music, from musical technique, to history, to performance practice, thereby giving individuals the tools to better understand the multi-dimensional gift of music and in so doing, garner a deeper appreciation for the historical and spiritual connection between sacred music and worship. Children and adults alike are exposed to the great choral literature of the western musical tradition, including works by Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, and others. Their ever-expanding repertoire also includes works by composers and arrangers of American hymnody and Southern gospel music. In the fall of 2008, a generous bequest was made in memory of the late Patrick Clynes by his wife, Kathy. The Patrick Clynes Memorial Collection added some additional 8,000 titles to our existing musical library, and we are most grateful for this priceless gift.
Click here to listen to "And the Glory of the Lord" from Messiah by G. F. Handel.
Click here to listen to "Lacrymosa" from Requiem by W. A. Mozart
Click here to listen to "The Lord's Prayer" by René Clausen.
Click here to listen to "There Is A Flower" by John Rutter, Lisa Barré-Quick, soprano soloist.
Click here to listen to "Laudate Dominum" by W. A. Mozart, Julie Fristensky, soprano soloist.
Click here to listen to "No Small Wonder" by Paul Edwards.
Click here to listen to "Peace" by Mark Kilstofte.
Click here to listen to our Bell Choir play "Manger Lullaby" arranged by Hart Morris, Louise Fristensky, flute.
Click here to listen to our Children's Choir sing "Praise Him, All Ye Little Children"
Click here to listen to our Chancel Choir on Youtube!
Harpsichord - The harpsichord was built from a Zuckermann kit by Robert LeFrank in memory of his son. The instrument has one manual and is used for accompanying soloists and choirs for anthems particularly written by Baroque composers such as Purcell and Handel. The harpichord, along with guest orchestra and our Chancel Choir, can be heard in the above sound byte from our 2007 presentation of Handel's Messiah.
Handbells - The church's handbell carillon is comprised of a 4 1/2 octave set of Schulmerich handbells, along with 2 octaves of Schulmerich chimes.
Handbell Choir - The Handbell Choir is comprised of volunteers from the congregation. The choir rehearses each Thursday evening from 7 - 8. The handbell choir participates in special seasonal services, such as All Saints' Day, Christ the King Sunday, Christmas, Holy Week, and Easter, in addition to other services as programmed by the Music Director.
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Welcome to Community Presbyterian Church of
Mountainside, New Jersey
1459 Deer Path
Mountainside, NJ 07092908.232.9490
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Chancel Choir - The Chancel Choir is comprised of volunteers from the church and the community. The choir is open to adults and high school students. Rehearsals are held each Thursday from 8:15 - 10 PM. In addition to providing choral anthems for Sunday morning worship services, the Chancel Choir presents additional seasonal concerts and services as programmed by the Pastor and Music Director.
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Upcoming Musical Events:
November 27th, 5:30 PM: "An Advent Evensong with Vox Fidelis"--Come experience a beautiful worship service for evening tide from the Anglican liturgy, led by professional early music vocal ensemble Vox Fidelis. Structured after the Evensong service in the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, this beautiful service is sure to be a meaningful way to usher in the Advent Season. Vox will present this contemplative service, mostly sung, with Advent-themed Renaissance motets, Anglican chant, hymns for choir and congregation, and a homily from Dr. Belden. Evensong lasts approximately 45 minutes. The service will be followed by a 15 minute concert of Advent Renaissance choral music. The ensemble, founded in 2005 by its director Timothy Smith, specializes in sacred Renaissance polyphony (a style of Renaissance vocal music), its cultivation and promotion, and its place in traditional sacred liturgy. Vox prepares concerts and leads various church services throughout the tri-state area, including Vespers, Lessons & Carols, Lenten meditation, and music for Benediction. Vox also leads a regular Compline series at Christ Church, Bordentown, New Jersey. Vox Fidelis is a member of the Guild for Early Music. For more information on the ensemble, including a complete list of appearances, please visit http://www.voxfidelis.org/. Lovers of music are sure to enjoy this service. Bring your friends and family for a moving and uplifting musical experience!
December 11, 5:30 PM: The choirs of the Community Presbyterian Church, along with readers, Dr. Belden and harpist Joanne Hansen and flautist Giuseppe Fusco will present the "Seventh Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols." Join us as we celebrate this beloved annual service of readings, congregational hymns and choral anthems featuring our Bell Choir, Children's Choir and Chancel Choir. The service will be conducted and accompanied by Joseph Hill. An offering will be taken to support CPC's "Special Music Programs Fund." A reception will follow the service in the downstairs Assembly Room. Be sure to bring your friends and family for this elegant and memorable service!
December 15th, 7:30 PM: The Community Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir joins with the choir of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Berkeley Heights and other area church choirs to present a collaborative Christmas concert. The concert will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Berkeley Heights. Stay tuned for more information!
