The music program at Lakewood Presbyterian Church has a rich heritage of musical excellence, rooted in Classical sacred music while incorporating selections from gospel, folk, world, and contemporary styles. Every Sunday morning, you will hear a variety of music played on the sanctuary’s Holtkamp organ and Steinway piano, plus a special anthem featuring an ensemble or soloist. Whether you love Bach or jazz, there is music that will speak to you in this place.
Meshing music-making and spiritual engagement with LPC’s commitment to inclusion, the music program offers opportunities for involvement for musicians of all ages and abilities. You need not be an LPC member to participate, and you need not commit to a whole year of rehearsals to join an ensemble. There is a place for your musical gifts here!
Adult Choirs
The Chancel Choir of Lakewood Presbyterian Church sings in the 10:00 a.m. Worship Service each Sunday morning, September through May. This ensemble serves as the pillar for fine choral singing in our congregation and leads the congregation in joyful hymn-singing and responses. Rehearsals are held Thursdays from September to May from 7:30 – 8:45 p.m. and Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. prior to worship. Singers are welcome to join for the whole season or for shorter periods.
Once a season the Weeks Music Service offers the opportunity of singing longer choral works with chamber orchestra. Recent services have presented Kim André Arnesens’ Magnificat, Fauré’s Requiem, and excerpts from Haydn’s Creation.
Celebration Singers is a “pick-up” choir that learns an easy, one-rehearsal anthem before the service. This is a great opportunity for those with less choral experience or those who want to sing without coming to evening rehearsals. Celebration Singers perform several Sundays per year, including once a month during the summer.
Music for Children and Youth
The Chapel Choir at Lakewood Presbyterian sings several times a year during worship, incorporating kids from grades K-12 in varied configurations. Some pieces include all ages, featuring simple melodies and percussion or Orff instruments. Other pieces are geared toward older grades and give youth the opportunity to sing in parts, often in collaboration with the adult choir. Rehearsals are held during Sunday school for 2-3 weeks before singing in worship.
Opportunities are also available for youth who play instruments or have an interest in singing solos or duets.
Bell Choirs
LPC Bells rings a few times a year at the 10:00 a.m. Worship Service. Rehearsals are held on Thursdays from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. for 4-5 weeks before each worship performance. The anthems and hymns are tailored to support varied skill levels, creatively using the church’s five octaves of bells and four octaves of chimes. Music readers of any bell ringing experience level are welcome to join this group.
“Pick-up” Bell Choir plays pieces learned on Sunday morning and is an opportunity for non-music readers to participate. LPC Bells members play the fancy notes and guest ringers follow an easy system of number cues to create chords. This group plays twice a year, usually in January and June.
Instrumental Music
Instrumental music plays an important role in services at Lakewood Presbyterian Church, with both volunteers and professionals regularly playing during worship. The church has an extensive library of instrumental music and owns alto and bass flutes, a festival trumpet, and various percussion instruments that are played by musicians from the congregation.
New Song Ensemble accompanies guitar-based hymns on select Sundays using acoustic guitars, electric bass, and various wind and string instruments. This ensemble rehearses before the service only on the Sundays they play and is open to any players experienced enough to learn a part on their own.