Chancel Choir

The Chancel Choir is an ensemble of approximately 25 adults that sings most Sundays at the Traditional Worship Service. Music spans the range from Baroque to Contemporary, a capella to instrumental accompaniment, and solemn to joyous.

Anyone, regardless of religious affiliation, is free to join us. Contact Sarai St. Clair.

Rehearsals are Thursdays at 4:00 pm.

Celebration Ringers

The Celebration Ringers bell choir plays intermediate to advanced works on our 4.5 octave handbell set and 3 octaves of chimes. The ensembles usually plays for the Traditional Worship Service on the third Sunday of the month. Auditions are not necessary, but some experience in handbell ringing is preferred.

Rehearsals Thursday 3:00 pm.

Sarai St. Clair, Minister of Music

Sarai (pronounced "Sarah") moved to this area from Bloomington, Indiana in January 2012. She left Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin, Indiana where she had served as Music Director for 25 years. During those years, Sarai taught private piano and organ lessons in addition to teaching Kindermusik. It was only the lure of family that convinced her to leave Indiana and head north in the middle of winter!  Living within walking distance of two sisters and a few miles from her parents continues to be a source of great joy, and acting as “nanny-auntie” has kept her busy the past year and a half.

Music has been an important part of Sarai’s life since she started piano lessons at 9 years old. The opportunity to take lessons on a pipe organ came during high school, and she never looked back. She studied organ performance at Andrews University and Indiana University, remaining active in church music while completing a degree in chemistry. Other interests include reading, cooking, and exercise. (Some would call her a “health nut”).

Since moving to Michigan, Sarai had the opportunity to be a substitute organist at various churches in Niles and St. Joseph, and was Music Directory at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Dowagiac for a year.  She enjoys teaching piano lessons and accompanying students at Solo and Ensemble. Singing soprano with the South Bend Chamber Singers, an ensemble-in-residence at Saint Mary's College, allows Sarai to perform challenging music with like-minded musicians in the area.

Sarai looks forward to meeting and getting to know the members of First Presbyterian Church. She is very excited and enthusiastic about making music with you!