Music at First Parish Brewster

Music at First Parish Brewster is vibrant, varied, and an integral part of our worship experience.  Choral and instrumental musicians include many in our congregation and may also hail from Cape Cod’s music community-at-large.  On any given Sunday, parishioners may enjoy Classical, Folk, Gospel, Jazz or Rock genres.  In addition, the prized 1861 Edwin L. Holbrook organ provides beautiful service repertoire and a rich accompaniment to hymn singing.

Information about the music program is provided here, at this website, in the Weekly Angle (found in the Sunday service bulletins) and in the monthly Angle (newsletter – mailed at request or online). You may also contact Allison Beavan, Director of Music Ministry at allison.fpb@verizon.net or 508-896-5577.

Click for information about the following:

• Choirs
• Solo Opportunities
• Instruments
• Music Committee
• Director
• Information Requests

Choirs at First Parish Brewster

THE FIRST PARISH CHOIR

The First Parish Choir (SATB) sings every other Sunday from September-mid June. The choir rehearses Wednesday evenings in the Parish Room from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.  Repertoire includes acapella as well as choral literature with varied instrumentation. All singers (regardless of skill-level!) are invited to sing.

FIRST PARISH ORATORIO CHOIR

A major choral work with chamber orchestra is typically presented twice a year.  Occasionally, the First Parish Choir is joined by another church choir and/or a local high school choir. Singers unable to participate in The First Parish Choir are encouraged to participate in these oratorio choirs.  Oratorio rehearsals are held within the Wednesday evening rehearsals.  (7:00-7:45pm typically)

CHILDREN’S CHOIR

Children have an opportunity to sing as a choir occasionally during the Sunday morning hour.  The children sing four times a year during Sunday service.  Currently the choir is facilitated by Laura Gill and Pam Alexander with Rich Elliott-Grunes offering accompaniment.

VOCAL INSTRUCTION

Free summer drop-in voice classes are available once a week for interested adults.  These classes focus on vocal technique and music reading skills. You do not need to be a choir member to attend.

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Soloists and Instrumentalists

Vocal and instrumental soloists are encouraged to contact Allison Beavan if they wish to provide music for services or special events. 

Email:                           Allison.fpb@verizon.net

Phone:                          508-896-5577

In addition, search is underway to determine if there are enough instrumentalists to create an instrumental ensemble.

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Instruments

1861 HOLBROOK ORGAN 

The First Parish organ was built in 1861 by Edwin Holbrook.  Captain Freeman purchased the organ apparently to please his wife who became the organist immediately after it was installed.  Through out the history of First Parish, many of Captain Freeman’s descendants have filled the role of organist.  The organ is a tracker mechanism organ with two manuals and an original pedal board of 13 pedals.  The swell, or upper manual contains a lovely oboe solo stop and the great, or lower manual, contains a beautiful flute stop.

Other than electrifying the bellows, thereby eliminating the need for manual operation, the organ remained unchanged until 2002. At that time the pedal board was expanded to 24 pedals during an extensive restoration process.

Through out its history, this organ has impressed many experts in the field.  It has a rich sweet sound and has provided service music for First Parish congregants for almost 150 years!

BALDWIN BABY GRAND PIANO

The Baldwin piano located in the sanctuary has enabled many fabulous concerts to take place at First Parish.  Piano greats Ken Manzer, Dave McKenna, and Jacqeline Schwab have performed here as well as others involved with the Meetinghouse Chamber Music Festival, the Lighthouse Chamber Players and the Chatham Chorale.

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Music Committee

The Music Committee functions as a support system for the Music Program and as a liason between the congregation and Director of Music Ministry.  Feel free to speak with any member regarding questions or concerns you may have.  Members of the committee serve three-year terms.  Current members:

David Akin, President
Linda DeLorey, Past President

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Director of Music Ministry

A Masters graduate of Central Connecticut State University’s Summer Music Institute, Allison has presented her research on choral repertoire at state music educators' conventions as well as at the national convention of the American Choral Directors Association. 

She has performed locally as soprano soloist with the Chatham Chorale, Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra and Cape Cod Opera.  She was a member of the Robert Shaw Festival Singers and Soprano Assistant for the Carnegie Hall Conductor Workshops under the direction of Robert Shaw, James Conlon and Andre Previn.

She is thrilled to be back at First Parish and hopes you will join in the music making!

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Information Requests

Email:                           Allison.fpb@verizon.net

Phone:                          508-896-5577

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