Our Chancel Choir … and more

FCC Chancel Choir

Throughout our history, the Chancel Choir has been a treasure of the church. On almost every Sunday of the school year, the choir presents great religious anthems of many styles and leads the congregation in hymns. The Chancel Choir includes church members as well as paid section leaders.

For 38 years, the legendary Dr. Willis Patterson led the choir, enriching a tradition that goes back to Dr. Maynard Klein and other leaders. Now that tradition continues under music director Dr. James Nissen, a native of Ann Arbor, who received bachelor, masters, and doctorate degrees from the University of Michigan.

Jim studied composition and organ with Jean Langlais on a Fulbright fellowship. He has conducted choral and instrumental ensembles throughout Ann Arbor, including the Ann Arbor Concert Band, and he has composed extensively for choir, band, and organ.

The choir rehearses on Sunday mornings before the worship service. Twice a year the choir, along with the orchestra, prepares a major musical work, presented on a Sunday during Advent and on Palm Sunday. Recent presentations have included Mozart's Requiem, Bach's Magnificat and Handel's Messiah. The choir welcomes all singers.

FCC Orchestra

The First Congregational Church Orchestra combines some of the many talented musicians in the church family with other instrumentalists from the Ann Arbor area. The orchestra presents with the Chancel Choir on the large musical works during Advent and on Palm Sunday.

Handchime Choirs

The Adult Handchime Choir and Youth Handchime Choir, both led by church member Cindy Bylsma, delight the congregation whenever they play during our Sunday morning worship service. Rehearsals follow worship on Sunday mornings . The choir will play periodically.