An Open Invitation from Charity Wicks
I urge anyone who may be interested in participating in the adult music program at PCM to reach out for me via email.  Whether your musical soul wishes to participate in any of the vocal choirs (Cantate Omnes, Chancel Choir, Men’s Chorus), the bell choir (Chancel Ringers), the Recorder Consort, or as an instrumentalist during the services, I’d be happy to start a dialog, answer any questions you may have and talk about where your talents and gifts may best be utilized in the services! Everyone is welcome!
Join a Choir

Check the website calendar for start dates.
Download a Choir Flyer.

 

Music Programs for Adults

Under the direction of Charity Wicks. Please contact Charity if you are interested in any of these groups at 973-538-1776 or email.

Chancel Ringers

An adult choir for ringers that rehearses on Tuesdays from 6:30-7:15 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

Chancel Choir

An adult choir open to all, interpreting the choral art in many styles. Rehearsals run from 7:30-9:00 p.m. (Note change in time.) This choir usually sings at the 11:00 a.m. service.

Cantate Omnes (meaning, "Sing, Everyone")

 This intergenerational choir of adults and high school students sings at the 9:15 a.m. service on scheduled Sundays. The choir is open to all, regardless of prior musical background, and the music, most of which is written by contemporary composers, can be easily learned by anyone. Cantate Omnes rehearses at 8:15 a.m. in the choir room on the Sundays the choir is scheduled to sing. Feel free to attend on any Sunday.

Recorder Consort

 The soothing tones of four-part recorders (an ancient wind instrument easily playable at any age) emanate from the choir room on every other Sunday from 12:15-1:00 p.m. If you are interested in early music (such as Medieval and Renaissance), colonial music or folk music of the British Isles, this is an opportunity for you. Recorders are very inexpensive, easy to play and make a delightful sound.

Men's Chorus

 A vocal choir for male vocalists that is being offered every other Sunday from 12:15-1:00 p.m. in the choir room. This has become one of the most popular choirs in the church, and we are always looking for new members!

 
Music Programs for Children & Youth

Under the direction of Julie Ramseyer.  Please contact Julie if you are interested in any of these groups at 973-538-1776 or email.

Whether we are "singing a new song to the Lord" (Psalm 98), "praising him with clashing cymbals" (Psalm 150), or playing on melodic instruments (1 Chronicles 15), music is another way of expressing our faith. Choir members are not only exposed to a comprehensive vocal instruction but will also have a new way of experiencing Christianity (without even realizing it).

Pre-School Music Children ages 2-5 years enjoy a regular music program as part of their Sunday Church School class. They learn children’s songs and hymns to share at special worship services.  
Bel Melodia Singers and Ringers (Grades K-2)

This is our youngest formal choir, which rehearses as part of our Midweek program on Wednesday afternoons from 4:30-5:05 p.m. in the Parish House parlor. We experience music through the use of games, movement, voices and instruments. We work on pitch matching, rhythmic concepts, basic service music and simple hymns. But most of all, we have fun.

Bel Canto Singers and Ringers (Grades 3-5)

This choir continues the groundwork laid in Bel Melodia.  Here we learn the fundamentals of voice production, proper breathing and vocal techniques. The children begin to read music, both vocal and handbell. They continue to improve their rhythmic skills, coordination and teamwork. We begin the development of worship leadership, and of course, we have a lot of fun. This choir rehearses as part of our Midweek program on Wednesday afternoons from 5:05-6:00 p.m. in the Parish House parlor. 

Tower Ringers and Singers (Grades 6-8)

This middle school aged choir leads worship on festival and selected Sundays, and annually presents a Christmas musical to the Sunday Church School classes.  This group of musicians learns to navigate the changing voice when singing.  They are exposed to advanced bell techniques and work on fluidity and speed in their handbell playing.  By year-end, the choir members intereted in advancing to the high school handbell group, the Ringers-on-the-Green, will have achieved a musical fluency and sense of ensemble to prepare them for membership in the next step up. This choir rehearses, both singing and ringing, on Wednesday afternoons from 6:05-7:00 p.m. at the Parish House.

 Spirito This small vocal group of middle and high school girls is selected by the Director of Children's Music.  Spirito rehearses on Tuesdays from 6:15-7:00 p.m. at the Parish House.  
Ringers-on-the-Green This touring handbell choir is under the direction of Interim ROGS Director, Elise Figa.  About a dozen high school students are selected by the Director of Music based on prior experience in ringing. The ROGS rehearse on Wednesdays in the Sanctuary from 7:45-9:15 p.m.