Goal

Music has an important place in our Worship and is considered an important element in our witness to the community.  It our desire to present a large variety of music for the diverse musical tastes, to continue the traditions of the church, deepen spiritual growth and use the best of contemporary music.

Opportunities

First Presbyterian Church has enjoyed a wonderful music program of very high quality.  Outstanding musicians, talented directors, and great support from the congregation have made this possible.  There are splendid opportunities for you to consider.  Among them are:

The Choir

How fortunate the church is to have such a fine group of musical members and friends.  We love to grow --- join us if you love to sing.  The choir rehearses on Wedneday evenings at 7:00 p.m.  During the summer, the choir rehearses on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m.  In addition to regular serves, the choir assists with special and seasonal presentations.  The choir is fortunate to have a core group tha has enjoyed serving in this capacity for years.  Most recently the choir has returned from a successful performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

The Handbell Choir

The handbell choir performs on special occasions and it is hoped that the group will develop into a regularly scheduled ensemble.  We currently have enough ringers to use two octaves of bells.  We would love to use all four octaves - if you ring, join the fun.  This group rehearses at 8:15 p.m. on Wednesdays.  It is possible that there will be a second rehearsal for those ringers with Wednesday conflicts.  Free instruction can be arranged if you can read music and are interested in making a contribution to this group.  In just a few sessions you will be able to do a fine job of ringing and be able to enjoy participating in the group.

Early Service Musicians

We are excited about recruiting early service musicians from among our talented congregation.  Two groups currently alternate music leadership at 8:30 a.m. worship.  If you know of someone who wishes to share their talent in this manner, please contact Dr. Wayne Kidwell, Director of Music Ministries or the church office.

Leaders

Dr. Wayne Kidwell is the Director of Music Ministries.  He is well known in Turlock's musical circles having served six years as president of the Turlock Community Concert Association, organist and minister of music at Turlock Covenant church for over 33 years, and is an officer in the local chapter of the American Guild of Organists.  Dr. Kidwell's concurrent career was in public school administration in Stanislaus County including 14 years as superintendent at Denair Unified.
Brenda Newell  is the keyboardist at the 11:00 service.  How fortunate the congregation is to have her outstanding services.  She is on the CSUS faculty and is a noted private instructor. 

Our Instruments

The Pipe Organ - First Presbyterian is fortunate to have a splendid two manual Reuter Pipe Organ.  It is a wonderful and versatile instrument consisting of 14 ranks of pipes.  The organ was a gift of Dr. Elisha David.  Dr. Gene Wisler headed up the installation committee.  The organ was first heard during a Christmas Eve service in 1976.  The Dedicatory Recital was performed by Professor Wilbur Russell.

The Piano - Complementing the organ, the church enjoyes a Steinway piano which is used regularly.  The instument was given by Jean Nelson, a prominent Turlocker.

The Handbells - Four octaves of handbells are available but we have not been able to use all of them.  They are a wonderful resource and great teaching tool for students.  The first two octaves were purchased with memorial fund from Hazel Baker's estate in 1981.  A third octave was purchased in memory of Dr. Lyle Baker and the fourth octave from Fern Scheir's memorial funds.   We have recently added two octaves of chimes.