There is no doubt about it – we are blessed with one unbelievable music program, directed by Dr. Joe Utterback. At First Congregational Church of Stratford, we consider music to be an integral part of worship and outreach to the greater community. Although our music program centers around our outstanding Austin organ and Yamaha grand piano, you’ll frequently find our sanctuary graced with a variety of musical tones, from guitars to flutes to violins.
There are opportunities for children and adults alike in our music programs. We nurture both a Sunday School and adult choir for those who like to sing; a bell choir; and individual participation for those who really want to shine. In addition, our Rose Window Concert series features internationally renowned performers and local artists, as well as our choir.
Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord .... All Ye Lands.
Sunday School Choir
As part of our Sunday School worship experience, our children make a joyful noise each week rehearsing or performing in our sanctuary.
Senior Choir
We enjoy the talents of our senior choir or individual soloists each Sunday, as well as during our special Advent music program and our Palm Sunday Concert. Dr. Joe welcomes all who have an interest in music to join the Senior Choir rehearsals on Thursday nights from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Meetinghouse Ringers
If singing isn’t your strongpoint, perhaps you’d like to ring our bells. We have two sets of choir chimes which are frequently accompanied by Dr. Joe on the Zimbelstern (a set of mechanically operated rotating bells mounted in the organ loft among the organ pipes). Meetinghouse Ringers rehearse Mondays at 4:00 p.m.
Palm Sunday Oratorio Choir
60-70 singers rehearse for 12 weeks prior to this Palm Sunday event. This special group includes members of the Senior Choir and interested vocalists from churches in the surrounding communities from Fairfield to New Haven. Dr. Joe has composed special music for this concert every year since he began as Music Director in 1996.
Talented Individuals
Dr. Joe encourages and nurtures children and adults alike to share their gifts with the congregation.
The Rose Window Concert Series
Throughout the year, our Director of Music, Dr. Joe Utterback, presents a series of concerts featuring nationally and internationally renown performers, local artists and our choir.
Past concerts have included such acclaimed performers as the Joe Carter Samba Rio Trio, David Allen Wehr, Cynthia Raim and Dr. Andrew Shenton. For the past several years, our beloved tenor Michael Jovovich has drawn a huge crowd with his popular "Michael and Friends" concert.
The Rose Window Concert Series also includes our Fat Sunday New Orleans Jazz service and our annual Palm Sunday Concert.
Upcoming 2012 Concerts
April 1 at 4 PM: 70th Annual Palm Sunday Concert featuring Vivaldi's Gloria and Vaughan Williams's Five Mystical Songs. Performers will include Allison Fay, soprano; Dr. Joe Utterback, piano and conductor; Jeffrey Wood, organ; Carol Woodman, alto; Tom Woodman, baritone; and the Palm Sunday Concert Choir
Past Concerts
January 8 at 3 PM: Michael and Friends starring Michael Jovovich, tenor, and Dr. Joe Utterback, piano
October 9 at 3 PM: Oktoberfest with Allison Fay, soprano; Michael Jovovich, tenor; Mardee Reed-Ulmer, flute; Dr. Joe Utterback, piano; and the Vintage Brass Ensemble
April 17 at 4 PM: 69th Annual Palm Sunday Concert with Josiah Armes, organ; Allison Fay, soprano; Michael Jovovich, tenor; Beth Palmer, piano; Bill Pond, trumpet; Dr. Joe Utterback, conductor; and the Palm Sunday Concert Choir
March 27 at 3 PM: Joe Carter and Ali Ryerson featuring Joe Carter, guitar, and Ali Ryerson, flute
March 6 at 10 AM: Fat Sunday New Orleans Jazz Service with Brian Coralian, drums; Michael Jovovich, tenor; Tony LaVorgna, saxophone; Nick Macri, bass; Jackie Ray, contralto; and Dr. Joe Utterback, piano
January 16 at 3 PM: Michael and Friends featuring Michael Jovovich, tenor, and Dr. Joe Utterback, piano
December 5 at 3 PM: Messiah Sing/Holiday Concert with Josiah Armes, organ; Dr. Carole Ann Maxwell, conductor; Allison Fay, soprano; Carol Woodman, alto; Michael Jovovich, tenor; and Thomas Woodman, bass baritone. The concert included an audience sing of Part I of Handel's Messiah; holiday songs; and the premiere of Dr. Joe Utterback's Four Carols for Christmas by Josiah Armes.
October 10 at 3 PM: Oktoberfest with Will Duchon, piano; Allison Fay, soprano; Michael Jovovich, tenor; Beth Palmer, piano; and Dr. Joe Utterback, piano