Music
Music is an important part of the worship experience at First United Church. The congregation has a strong singing tradition, and the organ, choir and congregation join together musically not only to worship God but also to communicate the presence of God.
Special music to enhance worship is provided by several ensembles composed of church members and friends, such as the Woodwind Quintet, the Brass Ensemble, and the String Ensemble; and guest musicians are also invited to lead worship in a variety of styles, including jazz and steel drumming.
Music is one of the bridges between First United and the greater community. When community members attend a Music at First performance in our sanctuary, they are able to peruse information about the church. We have brochures available that describe our church school classes, our mission partners and even our upcoming classes and ministry opportunities.
First United Church is one of the area’s best performing spaces, with clear acoustics, excellent sightlines, a magnificent 1983 Casavant pipe organ, and a nine-foot Steinway grand piano.
The Sanctuary Choir
The Sanctuary Choir, led by Bill Chin, is a group of volunteers who sing regularly during the Sunday morning service. They are a significant and much appreciated part of worship. The choir also presents major musical works with orchestral accompaniment throughout the year. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Music At First
Music At First is First United Church’s performing arts series, with a wide variety of events planned each year. These musical delights have become a tradition in Oak Park and the near western suburbs. Concerts, sing-alongs, recitals, operettas – Music At First presents them all and is proud to be an important and established part of our community’s vital cultural life.
We invite you to subscribe to the Music At First e-mail newsletter to receive news of upcoming events. Please contact Bill Chin at 708-386-5215, Extension 39 or musicatfirst@firstunitedoakpark.com for details.
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For more information about Music At First’s upcoming calendar of events, please click here.
Children’s Choir
Children in grades three through eight are invited to sing in the Children’s Choir, which participates in worship three to four times a year. Practices are for half an hour immediately following Sunday worship.
God’s Children Sing
God’s Children Sing is a unique opportunity for our youngest children and their adults to sing and play together during the church school hour. Each week infants and toddlers (up to three years of age) and adults share music and movement as a way to experience God. If you peek in the window of the upstairs gym on a Sunday morning, you may see floating bubbles, whirling scarves or a billowing parachute. You may hear a tambourine or joyful singing. Or you may hear the sounds of prayerful silence or laughter. One thing for certain: you will always see smiles.