“Music opens the depths of the heart and touches the subconscious when the passage is too narrow for words.”
Jared Fischer, Director of Music Ministries
Music Ministries builds community through music, from which a deeper connection to ourselves, each other, and the divine can flow. We strive to offer a variety of musical styles that connect with a wide range of preferences and talents. Our staff and volunteer musicians complement and enhance the worship experience by leading the congregation in singing, reflection, meditation, and spiritual expression.
There are many ways to connect, from traditional vocal ensembles and bell choir to contemporary bands and ad-hoc groups; from instrumentalists and vocalists within the congregation to engagements with regional and nationally acclaimed guest artists.
TRADITIONAL ENSEMBLES
Chancel Choir
Chancel Choir sings in most Sunday services throughout the program year (September to June). The choir’s primary role is to support each service by leading the congregation in song and spiritual expression. Our repertoire spans classical, gospel, jazz, contemporary, spirituals, world music, Taizé, choral/orchestral masterworks, and more!
During the program year, Chancel Choir rehearses most Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30pm in the Wheeler Room and sings in most Sunday morning services, with a 9:00am rehearsal beforehand. We love to welcome new singers! No audition is required, nor is the ability to read music, although it is helpful. The requirements are simple: possess the ability to match pitch, attend rehearsals regularly, and be a team player.
The Chancel Choir is directed by Jared Fischer. If you’re interested in joining, please contact him using the Contact Form below.
All-Comers Choir
This offers a great opportunity for singers who can’t commit to a weekly choir rehearsal but are interested in singing occasionally in worship. When easier anthems align with service themes, an All-Comers Choir is announced in the FCC All-Church Email, on the website, and in Chancel Choir emails. On those Sundays, All-Comers Choir meets at 9:00am in the Sanctuary to learn a simple piece that will be sung during the 10:00am worship service that same day.
All-Comers Choir is directed by Jared Fischer. If you’re interested in joining, please contact him using the Contact Form below.
Festival Choir
Festival Choir combines Chancel Choir with singers interested in singing for special occasions. Past projects have included collaborations with a chamber orchestra to perform Vivaldi’s Gloria, Schubert’s Mass in G, and Faure’s Requiem. Festival Choir also presents the yearly Service of Lessons and Carols during Advent and features special works for services during Holy Week and on Easter. Rehearsals typically run 6 weeks before each event, requiring attendance on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30pm and Sundays from 11:15am – 12:30pm.
Festival Choir is directed by Jared Fischer. If you’re interested in joining, please contact him using the Contact Form below.
Bell Choir
Our Bell Choir is resuming regular Tuesday 4:15-5:15 p.m. rehearsals on September 8, and eagerly look forward to presenting anthems in worship every month of the program year. Even though the bell tables are now full, we are welcoming ringers who would like to join our ranks, filling in as needed when a regular ringer is absent.
Please contact director Barbara Baird barbarab@fcceugene.org if you are interested or want more information.
CONTEMPORARY ENSEMBLES
Chancel Band
Chancel Band is a rolling ad-hoc band that takes many forms and involves a variety of instruments, such as strings, winds, brass, guitars, drums, keyboards, and solo vocalists, small vocal groups, and choir. The group’s makeup is determined each time by the service and songs at hand, and the music spans various genres such as folk, pop, country, bluegrass, and Gospel.
Chancel Band is directed by Jared Fischer. If you’re interested in joining a project, please contact him using the Contact Form below.
FCC House Band
FCC House Band is a group of singers and instrumentalists who play mostly by ear, and gather occasionally under the direction of Vicki Brabham and Jared Fischer.
If you’re interested in participating, please contact Jared Fischer using the Contact Form below.
MUSIC MINISTRIES STAFF
FCC is led by a team of gifted professional musicians who are active in the community, the nation, and the world.
Jared Fischer, Director of Music Ministries
Barbara Baird, Organist and Bell Choir Director
Vicki Brabham, Keyboardist
