Music Ministry

2024 Announcements!

Fairmount Presbyterian Church is looking to hire a tenor section leader to join the Fairmount Choir.  Weekly rehearsals are on Thursdays from 7:00 p.m.-8:30 pm.  Sunday morning call time is 10:10 am for the 11 am service.  There are a few additional services throughout the year such as Christmas Eve and Holy Week services.  Weekly pay is $195 based on attendance.  Fairmount Presbyterian Church (www.fpccle.org) is a More Light and Matthew 25 church.  Interested parties should send a resume to Director of Music Ministries, Jim Riggs at musicdirector@fpccle.org.

Join us for our upcoming Music Ministries musical performances at Fairmount. Details on our upcoming concerts below.

A message from your Director of Music Ministries, Jim Riggs!

Since the age of thirteen, I have been a church organist serving churches in PA and OH across several denominations, recently as Minister of Music and the Arts at Plymouth Church, UCC, Shaker Heights for 25 years.  I was raised in Central PA where I obtained an Associate Degree in Business Management.  After working for a company, I decided to pursue my life calling to be that of a church musician.

A BA in Sacred Music was granted from Seton Hill University and a MA in Organ Performance from Indiana University of PA (IUP).  I am active in the American Guild of Organists (AGO) having served as Dean and Sub-Dean of both the Seton Hill and Cleveland chapters.  Currently, I serve as a member of the Executive Committee for the Cleveland Chapter.  In the past I have sung with the Baldwin Wallace Men’s Chorus and I still serve as organist for their holiday concerts.
 
I am excited about the future at Fairmount and where God is calling us in our music making.   Designing worship services with music and the spoken word woven together is a passion of mine.  Having studied with noted American composer, Alice Parker, bringing people together through song and talents is a hallmark of my ministry.  I believe in communities of all ages and stages.  I hope together we can imagine new ways of using the Fairmount campus for worship, the arts, and the community.  And, of course, playing the amazing instruments at Fairmount is a real joy!
 
In my spare time I enjoy being outdoors, gardening, and baking.  My partner Scott and I reside in University Heights with our two beloved dachshunds, Gus and Giesela.

Music Ministry Opportunities at Fairmount!

For more information and/or to express interest in our Music Ministry, see Jim Riggs after worship or email him at musicdirector@fpccle.org 

Congregational Choir

Congregational Choir is the largest choir at Fairmount.  It is the congregation singing hymns and service music with energy and enthusiasm as we express our faith through song. 

Fairmount Choir

Fairmount Choir provides musical leadership at Sunday worship and other liturgical services with a weekly rehearsal on Thursday’s 7-8:30 pm beginning September 7.  We will be exploring ways of rehearsing and singing to meet the demands of today while fostering community.  Stay tuned for shorter term projects. 

Fairmount Bell Choir

Fairmount Bell Choir rings 5 octaves of handbells and 4 octaves of hand chimes using an array of techniques.  The group meets most Sunday mornings at 9:30 am and rings for worship throughout the year.  Space is limited and a time commitment is involved.  For more information, speak to director, Amy Carlson (akcarlson1965@gmail.com)

Instrumentalists

Instrumentalists of all ages participate in worship, playing solo music, accompanying a choir anthem, and/or adding to our congregational singing.  Younger players can share their talents in a future Kids Koncert.  

Pop-Up Choir

Pop-Up Choir is an intergenerational choir that “pops up” that day for a brief rehearsal at 10:15 am and then sings for worship.  This choir gathers on the first Sunday of the month (Breaking Bread Sunday) beginning in October.

Oremus

Oremus (Latin for “Let us Pray”) Okay, you have a reason why one of the above groups won’t work for you.  You can pray for the Music Ministry of Fairmount as we learn to live and be in new ways.  A monthly email will be sent with specific prayer requests. 

What’s an Intergenerational Pop-up Choir?
Music is an important part of our worship experience. On Breaking Bread Sundays, an Intergenerational Pop-up Choir will sing the anthem, and anyone can be part of the choir on those Sundays. If you’d like to participate in the Pop-up Choir, just show up in the sanctuary at 10:10 a.m. on any Breaking Bread Sunday.

Jim Riggs, our Director of Music Ministries will lead the group in rehearsing a simple song for the anthem that day. No matter what your age or musical ability, YOU are invited to sing in our Intergenerational Pop-up Choir!

We welcome all to our upcoming musical events at Fairmount Presbyterian Church.