Music
Music is one of the vital areas of worship at Tates Creek Presbyterian church. Martin Luther said, “Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through music.” Through the Holy Spirit, God uses music to draw His people into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. It is a powerful medium that often heightens the Christian’s understanding of God’s word. Music is also an effective tool for evangelistic outreach. When properly used, the gift of music helps to build the kingdom of Christ.
The musical styles used come from a variety of periods, with emphasis on traditional hymns and works. TCPC emphasizes timeless music and worship forms to reflect the transcendent nature of true worship. All music in our services is live, demonstrating our commitment to offer God the very best in all areas of worship. We strive to honor God with dignified, worshipful music and services that will inspire the congregation to praise and adore our heavenly Father.
We have an adult choir, a youth choir, children's choir and a handbell choir. Children learn the basics of singing and how to worship in Sunday School assemblies. The children are divided by school grades into four groups.
On Sunday mornings, worship is led by a 32-rank Moeller pipe organ. Usually, it is played by our senior organist, Ted Gentry, and our assistant organist, Harriett Jenkins.
Congregational participation is strongly encouraged. In addition to choir, many congregants sing or play solos or are involved in ensembles. For Sunday evening Bible studies, we invite instrumentalists to help lead our singing.
ADULT CHOIR: The adult choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 6:25 to 7:55 PM. Rehearsals are held in the choir loft from late August through June. Anyone with an interest in singing is welcome. There is no audition and music reading ability is not required. The choir leads worship in both services on Sunday mornings. Some choir members sing both services, but most sing in the service that fits family schedules best. The warm up rehearsal for the first service is at 8:00 AM; for the second at 10:30 AM. Both warm ups are in the Music Room. Return
Repertoire is diverse, ranging from gospel song arrangements to well-known choral classics like the Faure Requiem, Thompson’s Alleluia, and Vivaldi’s Gloria. Return
In addition to Sunday worship, the choir participates in occasional special programs. A Service of Lessons and Carols is presented on a Sunday evening during Advent with choir and orchestra. During Holy Week, the choir leads worship on Palm Sunday morning and Maundy Thursday evening. The choir provides much additional music for worship on Easter morning with guest instrumentalists. In recent years, the choir has participated in a Ligonnier Conference and an American Guild of Organists (AGO) sponsored Organ Spectacular.
Child care is provided for Wednesday rehearsals in the nursery facilities.
YOUTH CHOIR: The youth choir, SHOUT, rehearses on Sunday evenings in the Music Room. Chelsea Steyn directs singers who are in grades 7 – 12. The choir works on a wide variety of music styles, some easy and some challenging. SHOUT sings occasionally in worship services and participates in the annual Lessons and Carols service. No audition is required. Just show up at rehearsal if you like to sing! Return
HANDBELL CHOIR: The church owns a four-octave set of Schulmerich bells. The choir rehearses twice a month from September through May and plays in morning worship about six times throughout the year. The choir also plays for occasional special events, such as the annual Lessons and Carols service. Conducting duties are shared by Ted Gentry, Patty Saunders, and Ron Whitley. If you are interested, please contact Ted Gentry at 859.272.4399. Return
SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES: All children from age 4 through the sixth grade participate in our Sunday School Assembly program. The assemblies meet at the beginning of the Sunday School hour from 9:40 to 9:55 AM. Children learn the rudiments of music and singing and also are prepared to be active participants in worship. The smallest children are led by Paula and Allison May. Bonnie Griffioen and Patty Saunders lead Kindergarten through grade 2. Mary Beth Moore leads grades 3 and 4. Megan McCauley leads the 5th and 6th grades. Occasionally, one or more of these groups will sing a prepared song or anthem during morning worship or an evening Bible study. Return
PIPE ORGAN:
In 2005, the church installed 32-rank Moeller pipe organ in the new sanctuary. The organ was originally built for First Baptist Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan. When that church decided to replace its organ with a new instrument, TCPC purchased the Moeller and sent a team of volunteer workers to Michigan to remove it from its original home. The organ was beautifully restored by P. J. Swartz Pipe Organ Services of Eatonton, Georgia. It is a classic American instrument in the symphonic tradition that characterized many organs of that era. Because the specifications were designed for a wide variety of literature, it has been used for an array of eclectic styles. The organ is enclosed in three chambers, all under expression, unusual for most organs. All three chambers are positioned for maximum acoustical effect along the back of the 65-seat choir loft. The organ is ideally suited for an evangelical church that has many kinds of functions, ranging from formal worship services to conferences and community concerts. Return
The organ was dedicated by Dr. Joyce Jones on October 30, 2005 (Reformation Sunday). A standing room only crowd filled the sanctuary. The program may be viewed here. Return