Music
It has been said that the main purpose of a good church choir is to lead people in the worship of Almighty God. Success in doing this is not always the result of well-trained ears, balanced voices, or even an energetic stage presence. True worship leading must be an extension of a love relationship with the Lord, accompanied by plenty of practice and prayer. The Chancel Choir at Rockledge Presbyterian Church can be said to fit this definition. The choir is there on Sundays
because they love God, and they love to sing. Their musical skills, their discipline, and their service to the Lord are nurtured each week as they handle some of the world’s greatest music from across the centuries—from classical music, to traditional hymns, to moving spirituals. On Sunday, as the choir’s singing resounds throughout the Sanctuary, the congregation fully understands why RPC’s music ministry is said to be the best in the area.
New members are welcome to join at any time during the year. Contact the church office if you want to develop your musical skills, make new friends, and be part of a team that works and plays together. The choir meets in Knox Hall each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. to practice for the 11:00 a.m. service, and then following worship, they meet in the Sanctuary from noon until 1:00 p.m. to practice for the next Sunday service. Although reading music is an asset, it is not a requirement for joining.
Music Leaders
Jim Bishop, Choir Director
A graduate of Rockledge High School, Jim holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Wisconsin and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Northwestern University. After serving as Director of Bands at Rockledge High School, he was appointed to the faculty of Northwestern University as Assistant Professor of Music. Concurrent with his duties at Northwestern University, he served as Visiting Instructor at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. In 1987, Jim was appointed Associate Professor of Music at Eastern Florida State College. He was Director of Music at the First United Methodist Church of Cocoa from 1990-2014. Since 2014, Jim has served as Choir Director at Rockledge Presbyterian Church.
Robert McBride, Organist and Accompanist
Robert McBride has been an organist/choir director and orchestral bassoonist for over 30 years. He has directed choirs in Louisiana and Florida, and his choirs have toured Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy. He has been bassoonist for the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestral, the Louisiana Sinfonietta, the Brevard Symphony, and the Atlantic Classical Orchestra. He obtained his bachelor’s and his master’s degree from Louisiana State University.
Pipe Organ
RPC rededicated its new Narthex, Chapel, and Sanctuary in June 2012. One of the renovations in the Sanctuary was that of our twenty-eight-year-old pipe organ in desperate need of updating to extend its life. A generous bequest from the estate of a member made this possible. Working with the Peragallo Organ Company, we decided on a multi-phase plan to restore and update the existing pipe organ containing 14 ranks of 860 pipes. A new drawknob keydesk featuring maple and rosewood keys was installed along with a new switching system that would renew the life of the instrument. The pipes were refurbished and voiced to bring a full, rich mixture of sounds to fill the Sanctuary. The sounds of the organ far surpassed those of the original instrument. Then and now, the congregation has expressed its great appreciation for the new organ and what it adds to their worship experience. Inspired by the music that resounds throughout the Sanctuary, the congregation is now more inclined to raise their voices to God in song than ever before.
Although the first phase just described has been completed, the church would like to install additional hardware that will produce a range of sounds intended to add variety and spiritual power to music vital in worship, ceremonial events, and recitals. Because the church will need additional monies to purchase and install this hardware, it has an ongoing campaign to bring in funds to accomplish this project. For those who have enjoyed and been inspired by the beautiful organ music in our Sanctuary, you will find information about donations in the brochure found in the “Resources” section of our website.
