MUSIC

Opportunities to make music at First Parish Church are abundant and varied.  Nearly every service is enhanced by the contributions of at least one of our three choirs, described below.  Soloists and instrumentalists from the FPC community are also warmly encouraged to contribute their talents to worship services. 

From bagpipes to African drums to solo bass, we strive to make full use of the wealth of musical talent represented within the FPC congregation.  Playing in church is a unique and rewarding experience, and a generous gesture that is deeply appreciated by the congregation.

A number of less formal music-making opportunities are offered throughout the year, such as Christmas caroling, Family Music Night, winter jam sessions, and the campfire sing-a-long on the annual canoe trip.

Music Opportunities
at First Parish Church of Stow and Acton
all are welcome ~ no experience necessary!
For more information please contact:
music [at] fpc-stow-acton [dot] org; (978) 897-8149

Adult Choir
Thursdays, 7:15-9:15 PM, Sanctuary
Sundays, 10:00 AM warmup for 11:00 AM service
Michael Pfitzer, Director

Weekly rehearsals are designed to be fun, stimulating, and challenging. Our repertoire spans eight centuries and represents a variety of languages, cultures, and musical styles. The choir sings most weeks for the 11:00 AM Sunday service as well as for special services such as ordinations and community interfaith services.

FPC Singers
Occasional Sundays, 8:15 rehersal for 9:00 am service
Michael Pfitzer, Director

FPC Singers is a low pressure, small commitment opportunity to get the chance to sing in a group at various services throughout the year.  The group will operate on a "come when you can" policy, meaning that you don't need to commit to any kind of schedule to be a part of the group. The music will be easy to learn and fun to sing!

Youth Choir (grades 4-12, treble voices)                       
Thursdays, 4:00-5:00 PM, Hall
Michael Pfitzer, Director

FPC's Youth Choir is a spirited group of youth who love to sing.  Rehearsals are designed to be both fun and challenging, with a wide variety of music.  Youth Choir members develop skills in reading music, sight-singing, intonation, foreign languages, singing in parts, and basic vocal production.

The Youth Choir rehearses weekly and sings for services at least once a month.  Highlights of recent years include hosting the world-renown American Boychoir, singing for Vespers, and collaborating with other area youth choirs at the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. 
FPC's Youth Choir is open to the greater community.  Singers need not be members of FPC in order to join the Youth Choir, but must be committed to attending all rehearsals and appearances of the Youth Choir. 

Children's Choir (grades K-3)
Sundays, 10:15-10:45 AM, Vestry
Pat Sorn, Director

Rehearsals are fun and relaxed.  Through a variety of singing and rhythm games, we explore our voices and learn new songs. The Junior Choir sings for the 9:00 AM service once a month. 

Instrumentalists
Singers and instrumentalists are invited to perform for a Sunday morning service or at one of the monthly Vespers services. 

Parish Jazz Band
 2nd and 4th Mondays, 7:30 PM, Vestry
Roy Miller, Coordinator

Each year the Parish Jazz Band plays for several church services as well as events in the Stow and Acton community.  A core rhythm group of drums, piano, bass, and guitar is joined by other instrumentalists on an ad hoc basis.  All musicians are invited to attend rehearsals, which run like a structured open mike and use a song book of jazz standards.  Regular monthly rehearsals are supplemented by occasional additional rehearsals, scheduled via an email contact list. 

FPCDrums (all ages)                                                         
1st Monday, 7:30 PM, Vestry
3rd Friday, 7:30 PM, Vestry
Peter Fiske, Facilitator

FPCDrums is a community drum circle for people who like to have fun with rhythms.  We are open to folks from the greater community, as well as FPC.  Meetings include free improvisation as well as rhythmic practice and rehearsals for music to be played in church.  Bring your own instrument, or use one from FPC's growing collection.