Music Ministry

“Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 5:19-20 NRSV

The Music Ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Huntsville glorifies God through a tradition of musical excellence in worship, education, and outreach.

Open to all, our program has grown into a strong, classically oriented ministry that engages the mind, touches the heart, and opens worshipers to encounter God. We offer music from the 21st century alongside pieces that reflect our rich Christian heritage. In the classical tradition, we seek to provide the best of contemporary and timeless experiences.

Music education is woven into everything we do, offering people of all ages opportunities to serve God and the church through participation in worship.

Worship is the primary task of the Christian church, the central gathering of the community of faith for repentance, forgiveness, proclamation, offering, and celebration. As Presbyterians, we believe only our best should be offered to God. This tradition calls us to prepare worship with materials of the highest possible quality.

Music Ministry Staff

  • Dr. Patricia Ramírez Hacker – Director of Music

  • Dr. Lois K. Lee – Organist

  • Sherry Smith – Director of Children’s Choirs

  • Stacy Owens – Assistant Director, Handbells & Children’s Choirs

Interested in joining? Contact music@fpchsv.org

Chancel Choir

The Chancel Choir is the adult choir at First Presbyterian Church of Huntsville. Open to amateur and professional singers alike, we are a welcoming, joyful, and prayerful group that shares members’ joys and concerns. Join us as we prepare and present beautiful music to the honor and glory of God.

The Chancel Choir sings at the 11:00 a.m. service each Sunday and presents special programs with orchestra throughout the year. Small ensembles, soloists, and instrumental music are also featured in worship.

During the 8:30 a.m. service, special music is offered with small ensembles, soloists, and instrumental selections.

Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 7:15–8:30 p.m. Sundays, 10:30 a.m. Choir Room

Choral Scholars

The oakwood university seal featuring a torch, books, and a quill, with the text 'Oakwood University, Huntsville Alabama, 1896' surrounding it.

Collegiate vocalists from Oakwood University and other colleges apply and audition to join the FPC Choral Scholars Program. This outreach ministry helps students deepen their artistry, build leadership skills, and contribute meaningfully to worship through performance opportunities.

Westminster Ringers

A row of shiny brass bells on a black table, with sheet music and music stands in the background.

Our adult handbell choir is committed to offering their musical gifts in worship. They play once a month at both services.

Rehearsals: Sundays, 9:30–10:25 a.m. Handbell Room

A children's choir dressed in red robes singing in a church with stained glass windows and wooden pews.

Children’s Choir

The Children’s Choir is a joyful ensemble that meets during Wednesday Night Live (WNL) Worship Skills time. They prepare for worship and lead several times a year, including the Palm Sunday service and Christmas Pageant. Throughout the year, they present musicals and special events.

Musical training includes playing Orff instruments and hand chimes.

Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 5:00–6:00 p.m. Bell Room

Organ

Close-up of a church or chapel organ pipes and a wooden altar with a gold-colored cross.

The pipe organ is truly the king of instruments, both in nobility of sound and complexity of design. Our 1976 M.P. Möeller organ features 39 ranks and 2,089 pipes. It plays a vital role in our worship tradition and supports a dynamic music ministry that draws many closer to God.