Music
at First Church in Windsor
The Music Ministry of First Church in Windsor is committed to music that enhances worship, celebrates creation, fosters peace-making, and cries out for justice. Although we are many, our goal is one: to raise a voice of witness to the Realm of God in our midst.
Music Director/Organist, Mark D. Watkins, and Associate Music Director, Victor M. Evans, bring a combined total of over eighty years’ experience to the members and friends of First Church. Their efforts, along with those of Cherub Choir Director Jennifer Osowiecki, allow First Church to provide opportunities for musical involvement to all ages, from age three onwards, through our Graded Choir program. (See the Choir page for more information.)
Our church Meetinghouse (built in 1794, our fourth!) is blessed with a magnificent 22-rank Casavant pipe organ and a superbly voiced Yamaha grand piano, in a very fine acoustical setting. These gifts are too good to keep all to ourselves; so in addition to worship music, First Church is home to a variety of concert performances for Windsor and its neighbors.
In the past, the concert series has featured our own Mark D. Watkins and Victor M. Evans in concerts, as well as accomplished area musicians and groups including Paul Bisaccia, Pianist; Howard Sprout, baritone; The Alfred E. White Chorale; The Yale Russian Chorus; and Dr. Peter Harvey in concert. This fall marks the beginning of the second season of “Noontime Nourishment for Soul and Body” concerts, held on the first Wednesday of the month. The “Sunday Four O’ Clocks” series also continues, with an October program. All performances take place in the Meetinghouse. (See the Concert Series page for more information.)
The Music Committee also administers the Lucille Hempel Parker Musical Scholarship Program which provides cash awards each year to help and encourage the musical education and development of church members who apply for the scholarship. All those interested in furthering their music related goals are welcome to contact the office for further information at 688-7229 or email first.church.windsor@snet.net.
With all these opportunities to participate, and with musical experiences available to all ages, First Church invites everyone who likes music to come join us. We are always looking for new people wishing to join any of our musical groups, or to share their musical talents through concerts or participation in our worship services. Comments and questions are welcomed: feel free to email Mark D. Watkins at markwatkinsorganist@yahoo.com, or to call the Church Office: (860) 688-7229. Music ministry is alive and well at the First Church in Windsor!