Music Ministry
Music Offerings
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 in worship during the program year, this 40 voice choir provides music that enriches the worship of the congregation. Auditions are suggested before joining the Sanctuary Choir. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir is an opportunity to sing choral music in the church, with less commitment than the Sanctuary Choir. The group meets twice each month on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-7:45, and sings in 9:00 am worship the following Sunday. Check the online church calendar for the latest schedule. No audition or 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.
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 Mark Kemp at 232-2424 ext. 1607.
Email Mark
Youth Choir
Middlers grades 6-8, High School grades 9-12
The Youth Choir leads in worship throughout the year and participates in special trips, including Festival by the Sea and the annual Caroling trip to Atlanta. Rehearsals are on Sunday evenings as a part of the regular Youth Ministry schedule.
“Standard” Schedule:
5:00 Middler Youth Group
5:15 Sr. High Choir
6:00 Combined Dinner (Fellowship Hall)
6:30 Middler Choir
6:30 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 through the use of singing, listening, and playing instruments. They encourage the enjoyment of music while promoting the expressions of our faith through music. Both choirs have opportunities to lead in worship during the choir year. Junior and Senior Choristers meet on Wednesdays from 4:30 – 5:15 p.m. following “It’s Elementary!” and Tweens.
For more information, please contact Katie Knauer.
Cherub Choir
Grades K4-K5
The Cherub Choir is designed to expose young voices to new sounds and experiences through music. Children sing in special Christmas and end-of-year programs. Cherubs meet in Room 207 from 3:30 – 4:00 p.m. beginning in October.
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. Two weekly classes are offered for either 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoons, beginning September 29 and ending November 24. Additional childcare may be arranged for the 5:00 p.m. class through the church office.