Music Ministries
The Music Ministry is dedicated to fulfilling our mission to lead the congregation in joyful worship. We utilize the God-given musical talents of all ages and abilities to glorify our Lord.
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Sanctuary Choir
This is the principal choral ensemble that supports the weekly morning worship on Sunday. This choir sings for the 11 AM service on Sundays and is joined by guests for special services and concerts including the annual Christmas Concert, Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion, and the Good Friday Tenebrae Service. The choir sings a wide range of choral repertoire from historical composers to modern works from across the globe. There is no audition required but the ability to match pitch is essential.
Rehearsals: Wednesdays at 7:15 PM
Other Choral Opportunities at RCPC
If the weekly commitment of Sanctuary Choir is not something you’re looking for but would still love to singing with us in an ensemble at RCPC, there are new chamber choir opportunities (8-16 singers) and special event choir opportunities that allow singers to jump in for a few rehearsals prior to the performance or offertory of the given ensemble.
Chamber Choirs dates:
September 17 and October 8 at 9:00 AM service
November 19 at 7:00 PM (Thanksgiving Evening Service)
Special Event Choirs: Christmas Concert Choir (performance December 17)
Rehearsals: Wednesdays from 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM beginning October 18
*Saturday, November 11 from 9:00 AM -12:00 PM
*Saturday, December 16 (with orchestra; time TBA)
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Raleigh Court Ringers
This is the principal handbell ensemble that plays for the 11:00 AM service on Sundays about once a month and for special services and concerts including an extended prelude for the Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion. This ensemble also plays in smaller chamber groups at the 9:00 AM Chapel service. There is no audition required but the ability to read music (or a willingness to learn) is essential.
Rehearsals: Tuesdays at 7:15 PM
Youth Music at Raleigh Court
Youth Music at Raleigh Court is a new way of incorporating our Youth Handbell and Youth Choir ensembles into our programming at RCPC. This program looks to integrate the interests and talents of the youth in grades 6-12 into the worship and music life of our church. Students will have the opportunity to engage with and learn about church by singing together, percussion ensembles, handbell ringing, and more music! Students who play instruments are especially encouraged to connect with Dillon about using their gifts and talents in our music program.
Rehearsals: Sundays at 5:15 PM
God Alive Children's Choir
The God Alive Children’s Choir program is composed of children grades Kindergarten-5th grade. This groups sings many times throughout the year together, but will also be featured based on age groups assigned by the God Alive program by grade creating a K-1 class, 2-3 class, and a 4-5 class. Each choir will have the opportunity to sing in worship at the 11 AM service individually about twice a year and then together as a larger ensemble many times. The goal of this choral program is to foster a love for God and music in the singers’ lives as they journey through their time in God Alive and at RCPC.
Rehearsals: Wednesdays during God Alive programming.
Organ
When our present sanctuary was built in 1958, a large organ was envisioned, and a correspondingly large organ chamber was included. However, upon completion of the building, only a relatively small 16 rank Moller organ, having limited capabilities, was affordable; the intention was to expand it later. Well, later turned out to be about a half century, during which countless expansion proposals were explored, but none was realized. That is, until in late 2004, RCPC was approached by Second Presbyterian Church in Roanoke with an offer to donate their 29 rank Moller organ, highly compatible with our organ, the two having been built within the same time-frame. The only condition was that it be removed within a month to make room for the immanent installation of their new Goulding & Wood organ.