At the Heart of Central.
Music is at the heart of worship at Central. Whether it’s through traditional hymns, modern praise songs, or instrumental offerings, our music ministry exists to glorify God and invite all people into meaningful worship. Central has a strong tradition of musical excellence, and music has long been at the core of our church’s identity and expression of faith. With opportunities for all ages and skill levels, there’s a place for everyone to make a joyful noise.
The Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir is the premiere choral ensemble of Central, with a storied history as the church’s inaugural music group. Open to all singers above 3rd grade, the choir leads our 11:00 A.M. Traditional Worship through hymns and sacred choral music. Rehearsals are held in the Choir Room on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM, and all are welcome to join in this rich legacy of musical excellence.
The Central Ringers
Central Ringers is our handbell choir, offering a unique and beautiful way to lead worship through ringing music. Open to all youth and adults who read music or are willing to learn, the group practices weekly on Thursday evenings at 6:00 PM in the sanctuary and offers music during special services and events throughout the year.
The Summer Choir
The Summer Choir leads music during our combined worship services in the summer months, bringing together voices from The Chancel Choir, 801Praise!, Youth Choir, and other music groups. This intergenerational ensemble celebrates the unity of our church through joyful blended worship. It’s a great opportunity for anyone who loves to sing or enjoys music and is interested in joining the music ministry. The atmosphere is laid back and relaxed with no robes. Just a welcoming space to lift your voice in praise.
Celebration Singers
Celebration Singers is Central’s children’s choir, open to kids from Kindergarten through 5th grade. Through fun, faith-filled rehearsals, children learn the joy of singing while growing in their understanding of worship and music. The choir rehearses on Wednesdays at 6:00 PM in the Choir Room and offers music in worship once a month during the school year, helping kids build confidence, community, and a lifelong love for praising God.
Central Community Chorus
The Central Community Chorus is a longstanding choir made up of singers from Monroe and across Union County, united by a shared love of music and tradition. With a storied history of excellence, the chorus has performed major works including Handel’s Messiah, Vivaldi’s Gloria, and Saint-Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio. Rehearsals begin each year after Labor Day in preparation for a much-anticipated annual Christmas concert, welcoming both new and experienced singers to be part of this inspiring musical tradition.
The Casavant Organ
The Central Casavant organ was built in 1983 by the Casavant Frère Organ Company of Quebec, Canada, and is a three-manual, 38-rank instrument with 28 stops and 2,086 pipes. The récit division is enclosed in an expression chamber (identified by the opening and closing shutters). The organ also features color-inverted keys. The manual natural keys are made of ebony and the sharps are made of rosewood with ivory caps. Pedal sharps are made of rosewood.
The organ was modified in 2011 after nearly 30 years of service to the people of Central. This modification included the addition of digital voices, an all-new memory system, an increased number of pistons, and other necessary technological upgrades. The new stop tabs were crafted by the Casavant Organ Co. The memory boards were built by Peterson Electronics Co. of Alsip, IL. The digital pipe cabinets and electronics were built and voiced by the Walker Digital Co. of Zionsville, PA. Also, in 2022 multiple pipes from the Trompette 8' found in the récit division were restored.
The organ was given by Gladys and Harold Shirley in memory of their beloved daughter Sally Shirley Bivens.
Dr. Martha Secrest Asti, chair of the Organ Selection Committee and Organist, played the dedication recital on February 26th, 1984.
The organ was modified in 2011 after nearly 30 years of service to the people of Central. This modification included the addition of digital voices, an all-new memory system, an increased number of pistons, and other necessary technological upgrades. The new stop tabs were crafted by the Casavant Organ Co. The memory boards were built by Peterson Electronics Co. of Alsip, IL. The digital pipe cabinets and electronics were built and voiced by the Walker Digital Co. of Zionsville, PA. Also, in 2022 multiple pipes from the Trompette 8' found in the récit division were restored.
The organ was given by Gladys and Harold Shirley in memory of their beloved daughter Sally Shirley Bivens.
Dr. Martha Secrest Asti, chair of the Organ Selection Committee and Organist, played the dedication recital on February 26th, 1984.
Want more information?
Nathan Clements
Interim Representative for Music Ministries
Learn More
clemnathanc@gmail.com
clemnathanc@gmail.com
