Voices of all ages, soaring sounds of the pipe organ, boom of timpani, rich tones of strings, brilliant sounds of brass, crisp ring of handbells and colorful timbres of woodwinds join in worship at First Presbyterian Church. All unite to support the primary music of the church, the song of the people. In the course of the year, our music expresses the full range of human emotion as the Gospel story is unfolded in Bible reading, preaching and music.

Music in our worship is not an end unto itself, but is called to the service of proclamation. The talents of many musicians are offered to the giver of all talents. We pray that this offering may be pleasing to God and helpful to the members of the congregation as we grow in faith.

In addition to the regular services of worship on Sundays at 10:55a.m., regular seasonal services include the Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving Day, Maundy Thursday communion, Good Friday and other special services are scheduled from time to time.

Musical offerings are supported by a fine pipe organ in the main worship space, a grand piano, five octaves of handbells and three octaves of melody chimes. A variety of other instruments are also a part of the instrumental equipment of the church.

In the course of the church year, numerous opportunities occur for members to offer their musical gifts in worship, as singers and as instrumentalists. Events also include musicians and other members serving up entertainment from time to time.

The music program at First Presbyterian is under the direction of Robert A. Smith, who has served the church as Director of Music since 1998. A graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne College and the Yale School of Music, he is a Caldwell County native who has served as music director in diverse denominational settings. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory.

Music for Children and Youth
Children participate in music activities on as part of the Wednesday night programming.  There are groups for pre-k, grades one-five and junior high students.  Interested high school students are invited to participate in Chancel Choir.  Junior high and senior high instrumentalists may also participate in the church orchaband, an ensemble which participates in worship accompanying hymns.  Individual instrumentalists also play from time to time as soloists or small ensembles.

Chancel Choir
Chancel Choir is the principal ensemble for adult singers. This choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7:15 until 8:30p.m., and sings in the 10:55a.m. service each Sunday, as well as other services during the year. Auditions are not required; prospective members are invited to speak with the music director concerning membership in the group.

Chancel Ringers
Chancel Ringers is the principal handbell group for adult ringers. This group meets on Wednesday from 5:00p.m. until 6:00p.m. and plays in worship approximately once a month, September through May. In addition, the Chancel Ringers participate in the Morganton Area Handbell Festival in May each year. Prospective members are invited to speak with the director of music concerning open ringing positions. This group is most appropriate for those with music reading skills already in place.