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Music

The First Parish in Brookline Choir

Music is central to the ministry at First Parish, with multiple musical selections integrated into every service. The music is led by composer and pianist Keith Kirchoff, and he draws upon music from cultures and genres around the world. Music has included gospel, jazz, classical, and pop, while also featuring music from the folk traditions of South Africa, France, Nigeria, Japan, Haiti, Argentina, the US, and many other countries.

During the COVIC-19 Pandemic, our virtual worship services include unique music and multimedia presentations produced by our Music Director, Section Leaders, and Choir. Leading hymns, anthems, and songs drawn from various genres, our music each Sunday aims to take advantage of the digital medium to lead worship through moving, meaningful music. 

The Choirs

First Parish features two choirs who are both very active in weekly worship: a Chancel Choir and a Chamber Choir. The Chamber Choir is a small audition-based ensemble that sings approximately once a month. The Chancel Choir is open to all who want to raise their voice in the spirit of love and community and auditions are not necessary. While we have several paid section leaders, the great majority of singers in the Chancel Choir are church community members and friends, with a wide range of musical backgrounds and experience. Prior to the pandemic, the Chancel Choir was extremely active singing multiple selections in nearly every service. While both choirs have continued to contribute music remotely to our virtual worship services, we look forward to resuming frequent singing activities once it is safe to again do so.

Sharing Your Music in Worship

We are always looking for musical contributions from our parishioners, whether singing in the choir, playing in an ensemble, or sharing a solo. If you play an instrument and are interested in participating musically in an upcoming worship service, please email the Music Director.

If you’re interested in joining the Chancel Choir, please email the Music Director. The ability to read music is a great asset, although a quick ear can sometimes substitute for this skill. Singers are expected to be able to match pitch most of the time. Not sure of your abilities or what part to sing? The Director can help with all of this and promises to keep it painless and fun. Auditions are not necessary.

Enjoy Our music!

Ocho Kandelikas

Keith Kirchoff (pianos, melodica, percussion), Aaron Newell (voice), Landon Rose (guitars), Nathan Freitas (bass)

Lift Every Voice and Sing (arr. Keith Kirchoff)

Keith Kirchoff (piano)

Be Thankful (Nathalie Cole)

Adrian Jones (voices), Landon Rose (guitar), Nathan Freitas (bass)

We Will Make No Peace (The Porter’s Gate; arr. Emily Wheeler)

Emily Wheeler (voices, guitar, mandolin)