First Christian Church has a distinguished music program reaching back to the founding of the building in the 1890's.  The excellent acoustics of the sanctuary, the light-filled stained glass and our beautiful tracker organ create an inspiring space to worship our Creator each Sunday and throughout the week.

It is the philosophy of the music program that all folks wishing to join the music ministry are welcome. Following the example of Christ, we take volunteers of all abilities and seek to improve those abilities over time.

The volunteers that make up the music department are an exceptional group of believers who enjoy fellowship as much as music. They are very dedicated to attendance and participation. You will be well-fed with this group, both spiritually as well as at fellowship times!

MUSIC DIRECTOR

Ray Killian ray@firstchristianCOS.org (BS Music Ed., Westminster Choir College ‘84; MM Conducting, University of IL’89; EdD Education, University of IL <ABD>)is new to First Christian, from AZ, where he taught for three years and was AZ Teacher of the year nominee in 2008. Previously in the DC area, his choral and orchestral concerts and groups have been recognized by the Washington Post for their “choral felicity,” honored by the Smithsonian Institute, as well as being nominated for various local awards. He studied conducting with Joseph Flummerfelt, Don V Moses, Ann Howard Jones; church music with Eric Routley, Irene Wilson, Sue Ellen Page and Hal Hopson.

ORGANIST

Carol Wilson organist@firstchristiancos.org  (BMus, organ & piano performance., Colorado State University ‘73; MMus, organ & piano performance, University of Kansas, ’89; has served First Christian Church as organist, accompanist and manager of the concert series since 1989. Prior to coming to Colorado Springs, Carol taught organ and piano and was university organist at Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas.  She has held positions as church organist and given organ and piano concerts in Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas and Missouri.  She studied organ with Robert Cavarra and James Higdon and piano with Wendell Diebel and James Winerock, and has played in masterclasses for many notable artists.  Carol is also an adjunct piano instructor at Colorado College, accompanies in the community, and is an active performer on organ, piano and harpsichord.

Rehearsal: Thursdays, 7:00pm-9:00pm

Joy Ringers•Handbells

The hand bell ensemble is 5-6 octaves strong. Once a month, we play special music as well as music that enhances our hymn singing in worship services.

Rehearsal: Thursdays, 6:00pm-7:00pm                                             Participation: 14 ringers (subs welcomed), music reading very helpful.

The youth choir provides music for worship services once a month. We sing music of all styles, but mostly contemporary songs. Youth from grades five through high school are welcome.

The children’s choir, our newest ensemble, includes children from K-4^th grade. We will sing at services and special occasions.

Rehearsal: Sundays at 9:30, then off to Sunday school.