2005 - 2006 Annual Reports

MUSIC BOARD

Musical excellence continues at First Parish Church.  Whether it’s from the expanded Hand Chime Choir to the musical, “Dry Gulch”, our church is the “gold standard” in the area of Music Ministry.

The success of this past year was due to all the hard work of the various choir directors under the professional guidance of our Music Director, Susan Handy.

The Brass Choir, under the direction of John Doane, performed several times with challenging pieces. On a few occasions, they accompanied the Senior Choir. 

Cherub Choir Director, Sarah Keller, brought out the best in our younger performers.  The Cherubs offered a musical experience unique to these developing voices.

Sue Handy had her Youth/Junior Choirs performing during strategic dates.  She challenged them with multiple part harmonies.

One of our relatively newer choirs, Director Diane Breeden’s Sacred Dance ensemble, participated during various Sunday services.  These usually were done in conjunction with a Senior Choir anthem.  Their flowing beauty along with their interpretive style added extra meaning to the worship experience.

Another success story was the Hand Chime Choir.  Not only did Director Ken Williams challenge the members with his choices of music, but he was instrumental in securing much-needed special tables to assist the musicians.  A fund raising program supported by our parishioners accomplished this goal.  In addition, a previous objective of refurbishing the hand chimes was accomplished.

Finally, the Senior Choir continued to present a varied style of vocal pieces week in and week out.  Music Director Sue Handy’s selections of service related music supported almost every Sunday.  In addition to the regular worship services, the Senior Choir performed extra music during Easter and Christmas Eve.  A blend of “old favorites” with new anthems met with congregation approval and enjoyment.

With almost all of the above, none of it would have happened without organ/piano accompaniment.  To that end, our church continues to be blessed with Caryl Carle.  She continues to give her “all” when it comes to various choir rehearsals along with each and every Sunday service.

As previously mentioned, our church took on the challenge of presenting a musical production last October.  Sue Handy presented the concept in March, and production of “Showdown at Dry Gulch” began in May.  A great number of committed performers and support staff rehearsed throughout the summer and autumn months before presenting it to the congregation on Sunday October 31st.  It was an overwhelming success.

An event to celebrate the hard work that all of the various choir members enjoyed was a BBQ held in early June.  A luncheon was prepared for the Senior Choir earlier in the year.

There is one issue that continues to plague the First Parish music program.  We are still looking for a permanent organist.  It is the wish of our congregation for us to seek out a candidate for this position.  Your Music Board will once again continue the search process. 

Several new year objectives are on our plate at this time.

1. Hire a new organist.
2. An “all choir” BBQ celebration
3. ?

Finally, the Music Board lost a very dedicated and committed servant this past year.  Ken Williams, who served as Chairman and earlier as Secretary, had his term expire.  A heartfelt thanks to Ken for his many years of service.  We also welcomed Lynne Mann to the Board.  We look forward to her years of creative participation.

Your Music Board:

Ray Crowell, Chairperson; Cindee Cadieux; Lynne Mann; Janice Burke; Suzanne Hunt, Secretary