Choirs at Westminster
Mission: As recipients of God’s grace and stewards of an historic urban sanctuary and “prophetic pulpit,” Westminster feels called to respond to God’s gift of life with praise and adoration. We strive to offer our best to God in worship and music. Through scripture, prayer, silence, the spoken word and music we celebrate the life we have been given and seek to discern where God calls us into the world to serve.
The Westminster Choir
The Westminster Choir is one of upstate New York’s finest church choirs. In addition to leading the weekly worship experience through choral offerings from the best traditional and contemporary sacred repertoire, the choir also offers various concerts of larger works with instrumental and orchestral accompaniment throughout the year and participates musically in community service. Recent tours by the group have included performances in the Pacific Northwest and Toronto, Ontario. A CD of Christmas music featuring the Westminster Choir and orchestra is available through the church office.
Musicians and civil rights activists Roland Hayes and Marian Anderson, beneath the backdrop of the Lincoln Memorial, watch over the Westminster Choir as part of the Praise Window (facing Delaware Ave).
The group is made up of professional singers and skilled volunteers. Membership is open to all who have a desire to serve God through vocal music. Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. and Sundays from 10:00 - 10:40 a.m. The choir is led by Richard Herr, Director of Music Ministries and Elie Sieb, Associate Director of Music Ministies.
The Westminster Choir is led by Richard Herr, the Director of Music Ministries. Richard came from First Presbyterian Church in Tyler, TX, where he served for 31years as Director of Music/Organist. A native of Illinois, he holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Bradley University and a Master of Sacred Music degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Richard brings a rich variety of the best in the choral and orchestral tradition to Westminster. During his tenure in Texas, Richard also served as conductor of the Tyler Civic Chorale from 1973 - 2002, conductor of the University of Texas at Tyler Chamber Orchestra for 8 years and as adjunct facuty at UT in organ. He is much sought after as a music leader for church retreats and conferences.
Westminster Children's Choir
Our Children's Choir provides an opportunity for young people to learn about their faith through singing the stories of the Bible as well as acquire an excellent, formative and fun choral experience. The Children's Choir sings regularly in Sunday worship throughout the year. Rehearsals are on Sunday mornings from 9:45 - 10:45. Currently under the direction of Dr. Val Cooley.
The Handbell Choir - Let the Bells Resound!
Westminster's long and illustrious history of English handbell ringing dates back to the 1950's. Today, the Westminster Handbell Choir, under the leadership of Dr. Walter S. Mayo, utilizes a new 5 octaves set of Schulmerich bells, handchimes, and 14 talented ringers who rehearse on Thursday evenings from 6:00 - 7:15 and participate monthly in worship. In addition, the choir performs an annual concert at the church and at various other Western New York venues. The group is always open to new members with a desire to learn this rewarding skill.