Music & Choirs
Music is a vital aspect of the worship and life of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Our intergenerational program welcomes individuals from all walks of life. The focus of our ministry is to encourage and nurture musicians of all ages, helping them grow in confidence, leadership, and excellence in a supportive and enjoyable environment. We invite you to learn more about the variety of opportunities we have to offer for singing, handbells, brass, and beyond. If you are interested in learning more about and participating in the music ministry, please contact Music Director & Organist, Edie Johnson, Edie@wpcknox.org.
Dr. Edie Johnson, Music Director/Organist
Our Programs
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Chancel Choir
- Rehearses Wednesday nights 7:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. and Sunday mornings 10:00 a.m.
- Chancel Choir sings for the 11:00 service weekly as well as periodic Evensongs, Christmas Eve, and a spring Choral Masterworks Concert with orchestra
- The first rehearsal of the season is August 12
The Westminster Handbell Choir
- Rehearsals are Thursday 6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
- Play for worship services twice each semester
- If you can read music, we would love to have you try handbells
*Child care is available upon request for Chancel and Handbell Choirs.
Brass Choir
- For brass instrumentalists who enjoy fellowship and making music together
- Brass Choir plays a couple of times each semester and usually rehearses on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons
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Treble Choir
- Grades 3 and up
- Rehearses Sunday 3:45 -5:00 pm in the Choir Room
- This group learns vocal technique, music theory, and anthems that they sing alone and with the Chancel Choir
- Opportunities to sing for special events and with a full orchestra in a spring concert
Primary Choir
- First and Second Grades
- Meets Sundays 3:00-4:00 pm in the Choir Room
- Learn hymns, anthems, and music theory through games and experience
- Sing for worship once a semester with the Treble Choir
The Westminster Organs and the Musica Organi Recital Series
An organ recital series, Musica Organi is now in its tenth season, bringing organists from around the world to Knoxville and East Tennessee. The congregation and the community are cordially invited and admission is without charge.
Richards, Fowkes & Company’s Opus 7 organ was installed in the main sanctuary and voiced beginning in September 1998. It was dedicated the following May with a recital given by Robert Clark, who served as the consultant. The organ is 33 ranks, with 25 stops on two manuals and pedal. It is strongly influenced by the work of Arp Schnitger and the North German/Dutch tradition and yet reflects an eclecticism that successfully supports the wide range of musical demands placed on it by the many periods of church music included in worship and concerts at Westminster.
Westminster also has a lovely organ in the back gallery of the Chapel/Fellowship Hall (the original sanctuary of the church). Marty and Frank Marsh gave it to Westminster in 1969 in loving memory of their daughter, Cathy Marsh, who was killed in an automobile accident in 1968. The organ was dedicated on Easter Sunday of 1969. Alfred E.Lunsford of the Schantz Organ Company built the instrument, modeled after North German and Dutch organs of the Baroque period, combining a Schantz console and German pipework. Its 14 ranks of pipes appear as 12 stops on two manuals and pedal.
More information about Musica Organi can be found at www.musicaorgani.org.