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Music

First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta has one of the most outstanding sacred music programs in this country. Our choirs and instrumental groups are an integral part of all our worship services.

In addition, they have performed numerous times in Europe. Charles W. Whittaker is director of music and organist. Diane Whittaker is associate director and organist. For information about the music program, contact the music office at 404-228-7732 or email adrake@firstpresatl.org

Choirs

We offer a fully graded vocal choir program for four-year-olds through adults. Our choirs are open to anyone wishing to particiapte and you are assured a warm welcome when you decide to join one of our choirs.

Instrumental Groups

In addition to the vocal choirs, the Carillon Choir, a handbell choir comprised of 13 adults, regularly provides music for worship. The St. Cecilia Consort, a chamber orchestra specializing in the music of the 17th and 18th century and the Seraphim Brass Ensemble, a professional brass ensemble also perform frequently during worship services.

Carillon Choir  (Adult Handbells) - Matthew Edwards, Director

St. Cecilia Consort - Charles Whittaker, Director

Seraphim Brass Ensemble - Charles Whittaker, Director

Choir Rehearsals
Sundays

Cherub Choir 9:30 - 10:00 a.m.
(age 4 by Sept. 1 - kindergarten)
Room 235 - Diane Whittaker, Director
Contact Music Office before first rehearsal to register.

Excelsis Choir 9:30 - 10:05 a.m.
(Grades 6 - 12)
Room 234 - Will Breytspraak, Director

Excelsis Handbells 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
(Grades 6 - 12)
Room 224 - Will Breytspraak, Director

Wednesdays

Archangel Choir 5:45 - 6:30 p.m.
(Grades 1 - 5)
Room 234 - Will Breytspraak, Director

Adult Handbell Choir 5:30 - 6:25 p.m.
Room 224 - Matthew Edwards, Director
Contact Music Office for more information

St. Cecilia Consort 6:30 - 7:25 p.m.
Room 238 - Charles Whittaker, Director
Contact Music Office for more information

Chancel Choir (Adults) 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Room 242 - Charles Whittaker, Director
Contact Music Office for more information

The Church Organs
The sanctuary houses two pipe organs, and each worship service opens and closes with a major organ work. The sanctuary organ was rebuilt and enlarged by W. Zimmer and Sons in 1992 and is in constant use for services, rehearsals, and instruction. The 105-rank instrument has more than 6,200 pipes and is played from a four-manual console located in the front choir loft. The gallery divisions of the sanctuary organ may also be played from a second two-manual console located in the balcony.

Winship Chapel

The chamber organ located at the front of Winship Chapel was built and installed by Henk Klop, Garderen, Netherlands, in 2005. It was a gift of Jack Rooker, in honor of his wife, Cindy.

The organ is built in the tradition of the Compenius organ, built by Esias Compenius in 1610, and located in Fredericksborg Castle, Denmark. Michael Praetorius was the “advisor” when this famous organ was constructed. This organ has remained unchanged and well preserved since 1610, allowing the Klop firm to carefully examine many of its characteristics. Most notable is that all of the pipes in the organ are built of wood.

The Winship Chapel organ has fifteen speaking stops, controlled by two manuals (keyboards) and pedal. All pipe work is of wood construction.  The divisions of the organ are fully encased in the seventeenth century style.

Following historic principles, the organ has tracker (mechanical) key action and mechanical stop action. The organ also contains a Zimbelstern which is a collection of rotating bells within the organ case. A carved star of Bethlehem external to the organ case visibly rotates when the Zimbelstern is engaged by the organist.

Devereaux McClatchey Carillon

The church's bell tower houses a 47-bell carillon weighing more than 12 tons. The bells were cast by the Petit Fritsen Company, in Holland. The carillon is rung on Sunday mornings after worship, each weekday at 12:15 p.m., and on special occasions. The carillon is best heard in the courtyards or in front of the church.

Musica Sacra Concert Series

Since 1989, the Music Ministry of First Presbyterian Church, directed by Charles Whittaker, has produced the widely acclaimed Musica Sacra concert series. The series features Atlanta's finest musicians, and others of national and international renown. All performances are in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church and are open to the public, free of charge.

Musica Sacra Schedule

The Presbyterian School of Performing Arts of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta

The Presbyterian School of Performing Arts is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church which seeks to encourage spiritual, musical and artistic development within the congregation and the surrounding community. We hope that the opportunites available at the school will inspire an appreciation of the arts; an appreciation that will last a lifetime. With lessons and classes for all ages, we pray that this ministry will serve not only First Presbyterian Church but people throughout the city of Atlanta.

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