Worship Music at First Church
Music is an important part of our worship and our Sunday School program.
We feel that there are many ways of hearing the word of God: the spoken word, the words that we read, the message we hear through music, and the visuals.
The Chancel Choir and Guest Musicians
For singers age 13+. Along with the Chancel Choir, we often have lovely musical offerings from guest vocal and/or instrumental soloists. Violin, trumpet, guitar, organ, clarinet to name a few, are sometimes added to accompany our choir and enhance the beauty of our worship music.
The Chancel Choir, between 10-15 singers, prepares and offers music from a variety of different genres such as traditional, gospel, and contemporary Christian. Rehearsals are currently held on Sunday mornings after the service until approximately 12 pm. An occasional weeknight rehearsal may be added prior to special events or celebrations.. The choir may also sing at special services such as Maundy Thursday and Christmas Eve. 
Questions for the Choir Director
- How much time must I commit and what does singing with the choir look like?
The Chancel Choir has a short rehearsal every Sunday from 9:20-9:45 a.m. prior to the service. They sit together in the front two pews near the piano to sing the Hymns and service music in order to help with congregational singing. After the sermon, the choir stands to offer one special Choir Anthem each week (or at least most weeks unless a soloist or instrumentalist is offering music) When the service has finished, many gather for Coffee Hour. Choir members usually love to engage in conversation with other folk, sip on some coffee or juice, have a little treat, and then head upstairs to the Fireside Room (cozy and intimate) for a brief rehearsal from 11:10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The choir does not perform in the summer (mid-June through August).
2. Do I need to read music?
It is helpful, but not necessary. Many new choir members have caught on and learned to “follow” the music in very little time. Current members are more than willing to serve as mentors and help you along!
- Do I have to be at every Sunday service in order to participate?
Not at all! While we certainly would love to have you participate as much as possible, we understand that folks have family, vacation, and other commitments.
- Who should I contact if I’d like more information or to join?
You can contact our Music and Choir Director at musicandtheatricalcoaching@gmail.com
“For heights and depths no words can reach, God gave men music, the Soul’s own speech.”
Music and Choir Director
Our Music and Choir Director, Ms. Deborah (Deb) Salli, has been with First Church since August of 2020. Deb earned a Bachelors of Music Education/Voice Degree from UMASS, Amherst in 1981 and a Masters in Music/Interdisciplinary Studies from Cambridge College, Springfield, in 2007. In high school, she was accepted and studied music through the prestigious Boston University Tanglewood Institute as a member of the Young Vocalists program, where she performed under the direction of Leonard Bernstein and Seiji Ozawa.
Deb has trained in the McClosky Institute of Voice technique.
Deb retired in 2021 after 34 years teaching music and drama and directing theatrical and musical productions in the public school system. She is an accomplished vocalist, pianist and guitarist and has taught privately for over 35 years. Deb’s previous church work includes 2 years at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Holyoke and over 20 years at Old First Church in Downtown Springfield. Deb currently works as a Professor of Music at Western New England University and continues to work as a music director and accompanist for middle and high school drama clubs, and college and community theaters. She also works as a substitute teacher at the elementary level in East Longmeadow.
Aside from teaching, singing and directing, Deb loves spending time with her two fur-babies, Ava and Ace, both at home in Springfield and at her “happy place” in Rhode Island.