Music is an integral part of every Sunday service at First Parish, which incorporates hymns, contemporary music, singing as a community, as well as offerings from the adult and children’s choirs and guest performances by our incredibly talented musical guests.
Adult Choir
We are lucky to have a robust and talented adult choir. They sing in service several times a month, in addition to special Ingathering, Christmas Pageant and Flower Communion Services. The choir sings many different styles of music, ranging from beautiful acappella choral works to contemporary Gospel and pop tunes. All interested singers over 18 are welcome to audition – reading music is a plus, but not a requirement! The adult choir rehearses at the church every Thursday night from 7 to 8:45 pm, with additional rehearsal time at 9 am on Sunday mornings.
Children’s Choir
Our children’s choir aims to sing at least once a month in service, either as a stand-alone group or with the adult choir. Arne Gronningsater, one of the adult choir members, leads the group, with assistance from our Music Director. All interested children ages 7-17 are welcome to sing with us! The children’s choir meets after Sunday service at 11:15 am, in the Youth Room on the 2nd floor of the Parish Hall.
Our Instruments
We are blessed to have two wonderful instruments in our worship space: a 1993 Austin organ and a Yamaha C5 grand piano.
Fun Fact: Hermann Kotzschmar, the great organist for whom the massive Kotzschmar Organ in nearby Merrill Auditorium was named, was the organist at First Parish from 1851-1898. He is the only person buried at the church: his ashes reside in an alcove to the right of the organ.
If you are interested in sharing your musical talents, please call the church office or email the music director at musicdirector@firstparishportland.org.
