2007/2008 Annual Report

FOOTHILL MUSIC PROGRAM

2007-2008

There are currently four active ensembles at Foothill Presbyterian Church: Chancel Choir, Children’s Choir, Glory Ringers, and the Peralta Consort.

With the addition of new personnel, Chancel Choir membership is strong and active at 12 persons. Members have consistent attendance at Sunday morning services. Exhibiting tremendous and unwavering dedication, the group continues to provide music at least three times a month during worship services. Occasionally, the group provides music at special services and concerts. Participating in the 218th General Assembly, the Chancel Choir joined forces with the Evergreen Presbyterian Church Choir to sing in a massed choir of 435 voices at the June 22^nd GA worship service. Moreover, the Chancel Choir was invited by the Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church to sing at their Annual Choir Day, where local and statewide churches sing and share their talents in glorifying God. As a result of this event, it is my goal to further ecumenical work with churches around the area. Growing in its overall musicianship, the Chancel Choir appreciates the support received from the congregation and welcomes new members regardless of choral experience.

The Children’s Choir occasionally provides music for worship services. Together with the older youth and one adult, the group gave an impressive rendition of a Christmas play Clueless at Christmas where they generously shared their time, and talent in this 3-month project of rehearsals and performances. We thank the parents and friends who help build the sets, made props, and provided care to the kids. We also thank the congregation for the continued support of our young musicians/artists and their work.

With the addition of new personnel, Glory Ringers membership is strong and active at 10 persons (in addition to occasional substitutes), an increase from last year. Exhibiting unwavering commitment and dedication, the group continues to rehearse weekly as well as provide music at least once a month at the worship services. Occasionally, the group provides music at special services and concerts. Developing in its overall musicianship, the Glory Ringers appreciates the support received from the congregation and welcomes new members regardless of bell ringing experience.

Under the direction of Kraig Williams, the Early Music program has successfully grown to include three main components: concerts, the Peralta Consort, and education. Fulfilling the mission statement of the FPC Music Series, the concerts promote varied music to the community as well as increase awareness of Foothill throughout the South Bay, Peninsula, and East Bay areas. In the 2007/2008 season, the first structured, packaged series of early music concerts, comprised of four concerts, were well attended. Providing baroque music at special events, services, and at the worship service at least once a month, the Peralta Consort draws people who appreciate a specialized type of musical genre, as well as musicians into the church community. Increasing instrumentation by one cellist, the ensemble was invited to play at a concert in Menlo Park thereby increasing awareness of Foothill’s music program. Finally, the educational aspect of the Early Music portion of the music program serves to increase awareness of Foothill by having recorder lessons available to children, who will in turn contribute their musical talents to the church and the community. Two of these students will be playing at the worship service in August. Interest in the FPC early music is continuing to grow and prosper.

Providing varied music to the community, the Music Series continues to grow to showcase talents of semi-professional and professional performers. The concerts this year included the early music package of the Farallon Quartet, Trillium Harp Trio, Flauti Dolci & Amici, Clea Galhano, Judith Linsenberg, and Katherine Heater In Concert; Hewlett-Packard Symphony Orchestra, the National Composers Association USA (San Francisco), and the annual Alum Rock Music Festival featuring middle and high school students, as well as Jazz On the Grass, and Festival of Carols. We thank all those who have helped in the successful concert productions, and the congregation who continue to support the growth of the concert series.

In the interest of creating a more meaningful worship experience, the music program instituted a hymn sing preceding the worship services, which continues to draw positive feedback and support from the congregation. Furthermore, a small, “folk music” combo provides special music to the congregation once a month for worship services. Although recent, the endeavor has been well received.

This year marked the addition of a new organist/pianist. A graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Ilki Lee is not only a highly trained musician with a sensitive ear, but she also has a strong work ethic, and an amiable personality. We welcome her as a wonderful addition to the staff. Meanwhile, we would like to extend our gratitude to Bill Andersen, Pat Heisey, Joanne Reinecker, and all those who temporarily provided worship music while we were in the process of filling the organist/pianist post. Thank you very much for your generosity.

Members and non-members of the church continually share their time and talents evident in the special music provided during the summer months and occasionally throughout the year. We appreciate your generosity.

We thank you for your continued support.

Jay Jordana

Director of Music Ministries