Music Ministry
Traditional Music
The traditional music scene has always held much importance here at First Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls, SD. Much of the congregation has a great respect for the classics of choral music, hymnody, and organ repertoire. In the past two years the choir has provided the congregation with two large scale choral works, which have included Mozart’s Vespers and The Seven Last Words of Christ by Theodore Dubois. The interest and participation in these events have been made possible by a rich history and appreciation for the great music of the church, which is supported in so many ways at First Presbyterian Church. There are a variety of avenues that an individual can become involved in music at First Presbyterian Church.
Sanctuary Choir
The Sanctuary Choir meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm during the school year and participates weekly in the traditional worship. This group covers sacred choral music from the Renaissance to modern compositions. Sanctuary usually sings SATB music that includes some divisions within the parts. It is a group of dedicated singers of all levels.
Children’s Choir
The Children’s Choir meets on Wednesday evenings during the school year at 5:45 pm and participates in worship services on a monthly basis. This group consists of grades 3-5 and sings music of all kinds, while striving to improve their voices and pitch.
Bell Chorale
Bell Chorale is the adult bell choir that meets weekly during the school on Tuesday mornings at 9:45 am. This group performs bell music of three to five octaves and performs at a very high level. Bell Chorale usually participates in worship on a monthly basis.
Crossroads Ringers
The Crossroads Ringers are the high school bell choir at First Presbyterian Church. They meet during the school on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm. This group performs bell literature in the two to three octave range.
Celebration Ringers
The Celebration Ringers are the middle school bell choir at First Presbyterian Church. This group meets during the school year on Wednesday evenings at 5:45 pm and participates in worship a couple times throughout the semester.
Contemporary Music
While traditional music has always had a place in the congregation's heart, our contemporary program is blooming! Whether it's familiar praise songs or contemporary Christian radio hits, our contemporary worship service offers something for everyone, from young to old. First Presbyterian offers a full contemporary service at 11:00 am, as well as providing special services with contemporary music. Our contemporary musicians have performed for Maundy Thursday, a service for Volunteers of America at the Bowden Youth Center, and continue to provide our two Worship at the Park services during the summer. 2010 marks the first year in which the contemporary service has continued through the summer, and our worship has started to incorporate more spiritually led formats, including a Harp-and-Bowl style service on occasion. We continue to add to our contemporary music program by offering opportunities for all musicians at all age levels.
Praise Band
Praise band serves as our contemporary music leadership group. They lead our second service in praise and worship. We use traditional hymns, familiar praise songs, and even contemporary Christian radio hits. We also work in conjunction with the Sanctuary Choir from Traditional Music on special occasions. SpiritSong meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 and on Sunday mornings at 9:30, prior to the service.
Not Alone Youth Praise Band
Not Alone is First Presbyterian of Sioux Falls' youth-driven contemporary praise band. Its members range in age level from third grade to middle school, and the group practices weekly during the school year. The first performance of this young group was held in June 2010, where they led part of the contemporary worship service. Under the guidance of Cathy Newcomb and the leadership of the members themselves, Not Alone offers a fun and relaxed opportunity for our youth to perform some of their favorite contemporary songs.