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The Music Ministry helps lead and deepen the congregation’s worship experience.  Our primary goal is to illuminate the word of God as it is read and preached.  Music is chosen for its ability to reinforce and enhance the themes of the worship service as well as for its artistic merit.

The Music Ministry is also a family, part of each others' lives in the sharing of joys and concerns, and uplifting each other in prayer.  We strive to minister to the congregation and to each other by caring for and supporting one another.

From the Chancel Choir open to adults and teens, to beginning and advanced handbell  choirs, to groups for children and youth, there's something for everyone in the music ministry at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church!

Explore and Join Our Vocal and Handbell Choirs

Chancel Choir

Chancel Choir

Drawing from the rich and diverse musical heritage of the church, the Chancel Choir breathes new life into rich musical treasures from across the ages. The Chancel Choir is WPC's longest serving musical organization.

We rehearse on Wednesday Evenings from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., and we sing for most of the 9:30 and 11:00 services.

The Chancel Choir is open to all adults and teens who love to sing. While it is great if you  know how to read music, we have section leaders and many volunteers with musical backgrounds who can help beginners as well as those who need to refresh their skills.

The Chancel Choir is a family, and we strive to create a warm, welcoming, and caring community that shares in life together.

Children's choirs

Carol Choir: Kindergarten through 2nd Grade
Junior Choir: 3rd through 5th Grades
Directors:
Carol Choir -  Rebecca Elton
Junior Choir -  Chris Bechtler
Both choirs rehearse Thursday Afternoons 4:30–5:15pm at the church

Our children's choirs offer fun and welcoming environments for students to explore and nurture their creative and spiritual gifts, to grow in faith, and to experience the meaningful contributions they can make by sharing music in worship and praise.

The Carol Choir welcomes our youngest musicians in Kindergarten through second grade, and the Junior Choir is for our older elementary students from third through fifth grade. Both choirs work on vocal and handbell music, which, in addition to being fun, gives our participants a more well-rounded background in music.

We know that your child’s education is important. A child that participates in our choirs from Kindergarten through high school will become musically literate, allowing them to enjoy and participate in the musical life of any church or community they become a part of as adults. Participating in a choir can also be an important part of a child’s spiritual development, providing many opportunities for meaningful discipleship. And it's a great place to meet new friends!

Handbell Choirs

Bell choir rehearsal

Williamsburg Presbyterian Church has a vibrant handbell program for all ages and abilities. Bells and chimes are a wonderful way to contribute to the worship experience. Being a part of one or more of our groups is fun and a great opportunity for fellowship. If you’ve wondered what it would be like to be a part of a bell choir please contact one of our directors.

For more information about any of our handbell groups, click on the buttons below.

Westminster Ringers College Bell Choir

Rehearses Thursday evenings, 7:30 to 9:00pm
Director: Norman Elton
Open to college-age ringers

The Westminster Ringers is an intermediate to advanced level bell choir for college-age musicians.  Some ringing experience and music literacy is preferred. The Westminster Ringers explore the creative frontiers of this emerging genre, using a wide range of repertoire.  The choir participates in worship several times a year.

Sanctuary Ringers

Rehearses Tuesday afternoons, 2:30 to 3:30pm
Director: Chris Bechtler
Open to experienced adult ringers

The Sanctuary Ringers is an intermediate to advanced level bell choir. Some ringing experience and music literacy is preferred.  The choir participates in worship services several times a year.

Genesis Ringers

Rehearses Wednesday evenings, 6:00 to 7:00pm
Director: Chris Bechtler
Open to All Adults

The Genesis Ringers is a beginning bell choir.  This is a safe and fun environment in which to refresh your musical knowledge.  If you’ve always wanted to be in a choir, but don’t enjoy singing, come join us and experience the joy and fellowship that comes from working together making music. The choir participates in worship a few times a year.

The Sanctuary Pipe Organ

Music is central to the worship life of Williamsburg Presbyterian Church. At the crossroads of America’s colonial history, steps away from one of our oldest universities, Williamsburg Presbyterian Church is a vibrant, forward-looking worshipping community in a region which appreciates the arts and music. At the center of our music ministry, one finds a crown jewel of modern American organ building in our Buzard Organ, Opus 32.

The sanctuary pipe organ is a three manual and pedal electric action organ built by John-Paul Buzard Organ Builders LLC in 2006 and completed in 2019. This beautiful instrument was designed specifically for the worship space of our new sanctuary and features 40 stops and 51 ranks. We invite you to learn more about the organ and its design at the John-Paul Buzard website.

Come and hear organist Norman Elton play this magnificent instrument and listen to our sanctuary sing for joy!

Contacts