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The Music Ministry
Throughout the history
of the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings, music has held an
important place in worship, in the culture of the community, and
in the lives of many members of the congregation. Steeped in a
rich tradition of excellence, the music ministry continues to
utilize the God-given talents of many of the church's members in
praising our creator.
Under the auspices of
the Worship, Arts, and Music Committee, the music ministry
provides varied opportunities for singing, playing, and ringing
to people of all ages and abilities. If you are interested in
participating in the music program, contact any of the music
staff, the church office, or the Coordinator of Music. |
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Choral music opportunities include: |
Dr. Robin Koozer, Director
Vernon Groves,
Organist |
The Chancel Choir - Comprised of college students and
adults, the Chancel Choir is under the direction of Dr. Robin
Koozer, Coordinator of Music. The Chancel Choir rehearses on
Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. from September through May and on
Sunday mornings prior to the service. In addition to presenting
special anthems and service music, the Chancel Choir provides
special Advent and Lenten cantatas and oratorios. Music is
selected from a wide spectrum of choral literature and is based
upon the lectionary readings or the topic of the sermon. |
Bryce Wiebe,
Director |
The Westminster Choir - Youth in grades 9-12 comprise the
membership of the Westminster Choir. Under the direction of
Bryce Wiebe the Westminster Choir rehearses on Sunday
evening at 5:10 p.m. (prior to the weekly youth fellowship
dinner). The Westminster sings twice each month at either the
8:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. service. The Westminster Choir often
combines with the Calvin Choir and Chancel Choir for special
seasonal music. |
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The Calvin Choir - Designed for students in grades 7 and 8,
the Calvin Choir is directed by Bryce Wiebe. Calvin Choir
rehearses each Sunday night at 6:30 p.m. in conjunction with
fellowship activities. The Calvin Choir sings each month at
either the 8:30 a.m. or the 11 a.m. service. The Calvin Choir
often combines with the Westminster Choir and/or Chancel Choir
for special seasonal music. |
Joy White,
Director |
The Praise Choir - Under the direction of Joy White, the
Praise Choir (comprised of 5th and 6th grade students) meets
weekly at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. In addition to preparing
music for worship, the choir enjoys learning about the
importance of music in our Presbyterian heritage through a
variety of activities and musical styles. In addition to
singing, Praise Choir members learn the techniques necessary for
performing on Orff instruments. The Praise Choir is called upon
to provide music for church services on an average of once a
month and may combine with the Alleluia Choir for special
anthems. Members of the Praise and Alleluia Choirs serve as the
cor group for the annual children's Christmas program. |
Mary Plock,
Accompanist |
The Alleluia Choir -
Children in 3rd and 4th grade may participate in the Alleluia
Choir. The choir, under the direction of Joy White, rehearses
every Wednesday at 5 p.m. Children are introduced to the use of
Orff instruments and simple percussion parts. The Alleluia Choir
is called upon to provide music for church services on an
average of once a month and may combine with the Praise Choir
for special anthems. Members of the Praise and Alleluia Choirs
serve as the core group for the annual children's Christmas
program. |
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Bell Choir opportunities
include: |
Dr. Byron Jensen, Director |
The Bell Choir - The Bell
Choir under the direction of Dr. Byron Jensen rehearses each
Wednesday at 6 p.m. The
Bell Choir provides anthems once a month and for special
services throughout the year. |
Janey Nottage-Tacey, Director |
The Youth Bells - Under the direction of Janey
Nottage-Tacey the members of the Youth bells build upon the
techniques and skills they have developed in the Alleluia and
Praise Bells. Students in Grades 7-12 are encouraged to
participate. Choir rehearses on Sundays at 4:30 p.m. |
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Alleluia Ringers (grades 3
and 4) and Praise Ringers (grades 5 and 6) - Established in
2004 under the direction of Janey Nottage-Tacey, participants in
the Alleluia and Praise Ringers learn the various techniques
of ringing and chimes. Utilizing a variety of activities and
methods, members develop playing and music reading skills based
upon their ability levels. Praise Ringers rehearse at 5 p.m. and
Alleluia Ringers rehearse at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. These
ensembles usually play once or twice each semester for church. |
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Opportunities for playing
include: |
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From time to time,
instrumentalists are called upon for special accompaniments and
presentations. If you possess skills on an instrument (guitar,
piano, band or orchestral instrument), please contact the
Coordinator of Music or the Church Office. |
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The Music Staff |
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With a combined total of over 120
years of service, the music staff strives to build upon the rich
traditions of music and worship that have become one of the
hallmarks of the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings. |
Robin R. Koozer -
Coordinator of Music, Director, Chancel Choir (1972)
Vernon Groves - Organist (1965)
Bryce Wiebe - Director of the Calvin and Westminster Choirs (2006)
Joy White - Director of the Alleluia and Praise Choirs (1981)
Bryon Jensen - Director of the Bell Choir (2003)
Janey Nottage-Tacey - Director of Youth Bells (2004)
Mary Plock - Alleluia and Praise Choir Accompanist (1985)
Martha Boyd |
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The Luella
Langenberg Endowment for Music |
Established in 2001 through the
generosity of the late Luella Langenberg, the Langenberg
Endowment for Music at the First Presbyterian Church provides
for a variety of special programs in the Music Ministry. Since
its establishment, the endowment has provided funds for
equipment, the enhancement of the sanctuary organ, scholarships
for college students, guest concerts and recitals, music staff
development, and the Langenberg Legacy Lesson Program.
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Langenberg Organ Recital Series
2007-2008
The Langenberg Organ Recital Series is
presented in part through the Langenberg Music Endowment
established in 2001 following the death of Luella
Langenberg. The endowment was established to "provide for
any special needs of the Church's Music Program..." All of
the organ concerts are at First Presbyterian Church,
Sunday evenings, 5:00 p.m. followed by a light supper in
Fellowship Hall.
September 9
October 28
February 17
April 13 |
James Hejduk
Joel Bacon
Lorenz Maycher
Masako Bacon |
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The Langenberg Legacy Lesson
Program will fund music lessons for children who participate
in the Music Ministry of First Presbyterian Church and whose
parents are members of the church. Each semester, scholarships
(up to an amount of $150/semester) will be available to students
age 5-17 who are taking piano, organ, instrumental (brass,
woodwind, string or percussion), voice, or guitar lessons with a
private teacher. (Families may qualify for multiple
scholarships, however a student who studies a number of
disciplines will be allowed only one scholarship. |
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The Austin Organ |
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Dedicated in 1958 and designed by
famed organ architect Dr. William H. Barnes, the three-manual
Austin organ originally consisted of forty ranks with bells and
2,528 speaking pipes. Begun in 2003, a five-phase/year organ
enhance project will increase the total number of speaking pipes
to 2,821. The enhancement will include re-voicing, added
trompette pipes, extension of the 32' pedal range, and
additional choir stops. The enhancement was designed by
Mid-States Organ Company of Kansas City. The Austin Organ is
considered one of the finest in this part of the United States. |
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