Music
"Those who sing pray twice." (St. Augustine)
Music Ministry at CPC Mountainside​
The music ministry at Community Presbyterian Church is devoted to enhancing our worship experience as we offer psalms, songs, and instrumental anthems in praise of our Lord.
One of the goals of our music program is to educate the members of our ensembles on the many facets of music, from musical technique, to history, to performance practice, thereby giving individuals the tools to better understand the multi-dimensional gift of music and in so doing, garner a deeper appreciation for the historical and spiritual connection between sacred music and worship.
Children and adults alike are exposed to the great choral literature of the western musical tradition, including works by Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, and others. Their ever-expanding repertoire also includes works by composers and arrangers of American hymnody and Southern gospel music.
In the fall of 2008, a generous bequest was made in memory of the late Patrick Clynes by his wife, Kathy. The Patrick Clynes Memorial Collection added some additional 8,000 titles to our existing musical library, and we are most grateful for this priceless gift.
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Music Ensembles​
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Our music department consists of several ensembles: the Children's Choir, Adult Chancel Choir, and Handbell Choir. All ensembles are composed of volunteers from the church and community.
Throughout the year, the ensembles present special services and programs in addition to their participation in our Sunday worship services. If you are interesting in joining an ensemble or if you have questions about the music ministry, you can contact Sung-Hae Jung, the Music and Choir Director, at music@cpcmountainside.org.
Children's Choir
The children's choir is open to children ages 3 years and older, the Children's Choir rehearses on Sundays after service, and prepares songs to sing during worship, several times per year.
Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir is composed of volunteers from the church and the community. The choir is open to adults and high school students. Rehearsals are held each Thursday from 7:30 PM - 9 PM. In addition to providing choral anthems for Sunday morning worship services, the Chancel Choir presents additional seasonal concerts and services as programmed by the Pastor and Music Director.
Intergenerational Choir
(Tentative, estimated start is Jan. ‘24) The Intergenerational Choir is composed of the children’s choir and their extended families. Rehearsals will be held once a month. This choir will perform at 1-2 worship services per year and participate in outreach community programs.
Handbell Choir
The Handbell Choir is composed of volunteers from the congregation. The choir rehearses each Thursday evening from 6:30 - 7:30 PM. The handbell choir participates in special seasonal services, such as All Saints' Day, Christ the King Sunday, Christmas, Holy Week, and Easter, in addition to other services as programmed by the Music Director.
Instruments​
The church maintains several fine instruments, a testament to the long-standing tradition of musical excellence at CPC. The instruments are intended for the purposes of teaching, aiding in worship by supporting both choir and congregation in song, and ultimately, glorifying God.
Pipe Organ - The church houses a 1967, two manual, electro-pneumatic pipe organ built by the Aeolian-Skinner company. This organ is one of the last instruments built by the company before its closing in 1972. The organ is composed of 25 ranks and 1,527 pipes. The unexposed pipes are encased behind acoustical screening along the back wall of the chancel. The instrument has undergone several cleanings and refurbishments, including tonal additions by the Robert Turner and Petty-Madden organ companies.
Sanctuary Piano - The sanctuary piano is a 1924 model "M" Steinway & Sons Grand which was refurbished/refinished in 2004. It was bequeathed to the church by a private donor. The piano is primarily used to accompany soloists and choirs in worship service. There are often recitals and concerts using this Steinway Grand Piano among community members.
Handbells - The church's handbell carillon consists of a 4 1/2 octave set of Schulmerich handbells, along with 2 octaves set of Schulmerich chimes.
Roland 5000 - The Roland 5000 is a digital keyboard of 61 keys with a maximum polyphony of 128 voices.
It was a gift from the Britton family.