Music Ministry
The goal of the Music Ministry is to unite the congregation in worship and in song, singing our theology, sharing our experiences, and celebrating our future.
Everyone is welcome as we recognize the importance of broad participation by all ages within our congregation, from preschool children to adults. Choirs, ensembles, and handbells are available for all experience levels.
Sanctuary Choir
The Sanctuary Choir is the heart of the Music Ministry at Westminster. Singing each Sunday at the 11:15a worship service during the program year, this 40-voice choir provides music that enriches the worship of the congregation. Prior choral experience and/or music reading proficiency is recommended for participation in the Sanctuary Choir. To join, contact Marlon Hurst, Director of Music.
Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir provides an opportunity to sing choral music in worship, with a lower commitment level than the Sanctuary Choir. The group meets approximately twice each month on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-7:45p, September – April, and sings in the 9a worship service the following Sunday. Check the online church calendar for the latest schedule. No prior choral experience is necessary.
WPC Choral Scholars
Westminster and Furman University have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship for many years, joining together to provide practical church music education for Furman Students. Currently Westminster invites students to participate in the Choral Scholar program, singing with the Sanctuary Choir and participating in the worship life of the congregation.
Jackson Collins
Class of 2027
Jackson Collins, tenor, is a vocal performance major at Furman University. He recently graduated from Morristown West High School in Tennessee where he was a member of multiple select ensembles, including the 2022 and 2023 All State Choir. He led and composed for his high school acapella group for 4 years. Jackson us now a member of Furman Singers and the newest Choral Scholar at Westminster Presbyterian.
Alexander Hamilton
Class of 2027
Alexander Hamilton, bass, is a politics and international affairs major at Furman University. He recently graduated from Martin Luther King Jr. High School in Nashville, Tennessee, where he was a member of multiple select ensembles, including the 2021, 2022, and 2023 All State Choir. He was previously involved in the theatre program in his high school, as well as being a vocalist for his church back home. Alexander is now a member of the newest class of Choral Scholars at Westminster Presbyterian.
Wyatt Pittman
Class of 2027
Wyatt Pittman, bass, is a vocal performance major at Furman University studying under Craig Price. He recently graduated from River Bluff High School in Lexington, South Carolina, where he was a member of multiple select ensembles, including the 2023 All State Choir. Throughout his four years at River Bluff High School, he participated in several ensembles, including the vocal jazz ensemble for all four years and the Chamber Choir for three years. During his senior year he served as the Choir President for River Bluff High School, sang for the Cayce United Methodist Church Choir, and would occasionally sing for Mount Hebron United Methodist Church. Wyatt is now a member of Furman Singers and Chamber Choir at Furman University and joins Westminster Presbyterian as a choral scholar.
Former Choral Scholars
Salleigh Harvey ’22
Paige McMillin Goodwin ’21
Zack Jones ’21
Robert Cushing ’20
Anna Scott Myers ’20
Shalick Smith ’20
Hunter Ditsch, ’19
Jackson McCarthy ’18
TJ Turner ’18
Gracie Honohan ’18
Paul Haarala ’17
Jessie Barnett ’16
Sam Kleine ‘15
Alex Jenks ‘15
Bryce McLendon ‘15
Grace Gilday ‘13
Jessica Bitter ‘13
Drew Brooks ‘12
Jordan Weeg ‘12
Derek Pitman ‘10
Scott Taylor ‘04
Katie Knauer ‘04
Get Involved
If you wish you join a group, or volunteer as a leader for our cherub, children, or youth choirs, please contact Marlon Hurst at 232-2424 ext. 1604.
Email Marlon
Youth Choir
Middlers grades 6-8, High School grades 9-12
The Youth Choir leads in worship throughout the year and participates in service projects and special trips, such as a recent trip to Atlanta for fun and service. Rehearsals are held on Sunday evenings as a part of the regular Youth Ministry schedule.
“Standard” Schedule:
5:00p Middler Youth Group
5:15p Sr. High Choir
6:00p Combined Dinner (Fellowship Hall)
6:30p Middler Choir
6:30p Sr. High Youth Group
To keep up-to-date with the Youth Choir opt in to @wpcychoir by texting 81010. Standard messaging rates apply.
Children’s Choirs
Junior Choristers grades 1-2, Senior Choristers grades 3-5
The Junior and Senior Choristers offer an opportunity for children grades 1-5 to begin their musical experience within the church. These choirs develop basic music skills by singing, listening, and playing instruments as they learn psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Both choirs have opportunities to lead in worship during the choir year. Junior and Senior Choristers meet on Wednesdays from 4:30 – 5:15p following It’s Elementary.
Cherub Choir
Grades K4-K5
The Cherub Choir exposes young voices to new sounds and experiences through music. Children sing in special Christmas and end-of-year programs. Cherubs meet on Wednesdays in Room 210 from 3:30-4:00p during the program year.
First Steps in Music
Music is an important way to communicate with young children, even before they are able to sing along. First Steps in Music provides important time for parents or grandparents to enjoy music with their child. Led by Westminster member Diana Dailey, the First Steps classes teach simple songs, games, and prayers for 2-3 year-olds and adults to experience together. Classes are offered on Sunday afternoons during the program year. Watch the Harbinger and e-newsletter for the schedule and to register.
Handbells
There are currently no formal handbell choirs at WPC. However, there are occasional opportunities for musicians with prior handbell experience. If you would like to be added to the list of available ringers, contact Marlon Hurst.