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We are blessed with an unbelievable music program and one pretty unbelievable Director of Music – Dr. Joe Utterback. At FCC we consider music to be an integral part of worship and outreach to the greater community. Each of the several choirs present new music on a regular basis, while continuing regular performances of great traditional classics. And although our musical program centers around our outstanding Austin organ and new Yamaha grand piano, you’ll frequently find our sanctuary graced with a variety of musical tones from guitars and drums to flutes and violins.
Opportunities for YouthLaurie Delgado works alongside Dr. Joe in bringing the beautiful sounds of our youth to the congregation in the following choirs:
Cherub Choir: Children in the preschool through 2nd grade participate in the Cherub Choir which rehearses during Sunday School and performs at least five times a year.
Sunday School Choir: Our Sunday School Choir encompasses grades 3 through 8. They perform approximately once a month.
Individually talented children: Does your child have a gift of voice or with a musical instrument? Dr. Joe encourages and nurtures individuals with talent to share their gifts with the congregation. In the past few years we have seen the number of talented, young vocalists and musicians participating in our church service grow tremendously.
Opportunities for Adults
Senior Choir: We enjoy the talents of our Senior Choir each Sunday. The Senior Choir rehearses Thursday night from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the choir room. Our choir participates in the annual Palm Sunday Concert and presents a program of Christmas music during the Advent season. Dr. Joe welcomes all who have an in interest in music.
Meetinghouse Ringers: If singing isn’t your strongpoint, you can join the Meetinghouse Ringers! They play our relatively new set of choir chimes, frequently accompanied by Dr. Joe on the Zimbelstern (a set of mechanically operated rotating bells mounted in the organ loft among the organ pipes). Those interested in joining are invited to rehearsals, Mondays at 4:00 p.m.
Oratorio Choir: 70-80 singers rehearse for 12 weeks before Palm Sunday for this annual Palm Sunday Event. This special group includes members of the Senior Choir and any interested volunteers from churches in the surrounding communities from Fairfield to New Haven. Dr. Joe has composed special music for this concert every year since he began as Director of Music in 1996. This well-attended event presents a variety of music: classic choruses, hymn-tune arrangements, modern anthems and instrumental music. The Oratorio Choir rehearses Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.
The Rose Window Concert Series
Throughout the year, our Director of Music – Dr. Joe Utterback, presents a series of concerts featuring nationally and internationally reknown performers, local talent and our choir. The Fall 2006 series included performances by the Joe Carter Samba Rio Trio, David Allen Weir and Cynthia Raim and Dr. Andrew Shenton. The winter/spring 2007 series began with a performance by our own beloved tenor – Michael Jovovich accompanied by Dr. Joe and other guest artists. It will include our new Fat Sunday New Orleans Jazz service and our 65th annual Palm Sunday Concert. A specific schedule and listing of performers can be found on our Rose Window Concert Series link.
The 2006 – 2007 Rose Window Concert Series
Entering its 10th season, the Rose Window Concert Series offers a variety of music performances from nationally and internationally reknown musical performers. Each concert takes place in the sanctuary of First Congregational Church of Stratford unless noted otherwise. There is no charge for admission, but a free-will offering is taken to defray the cost of the performance.
- Sunday, September 24th – 3:00 p.m.:
Brazilian Jazz with the Joe Carter Samba Rio Trio - Sunday, October 29th – 3:00 p.m.:
Pianists Cynthia Raim and David Allen Wehr - Sunday, December 3rd – 3:00 p.m.:
Organist Dr. Andrew Shenton - Sunday, January 7th – 3:00 p.m.:
Tenor Michael Jovovich with Dr. Joe Utterback and Friends - Sunday, February 18th – 10:00 a.m.:
Fat Sunday Jazz Service – New Orleans Celebration to benefit Central Congregational
Church in New Orleans (vocalists, piano, bass, sax, drums) - Sunday, April 1st – 4:00 p.m.:
65th Annual Palm Sunday Concert – 70 voices plus musicians performing traditional,
spiritual and gospel