Welcome to the source of our Space for Grace Concerts here at First Christian, Wilson.
Composed of primarily two Noonday Series,
this collection of concerts is meant to provide a space for
departure, meditation and renewal.
All concerts are free and open to all.
Continue down to view our upcoming concerts, join our email list
and view those who have supported the series!
If you wish to give to this series, we welcome such donations!
Click the button below and in the 'memo' line, please designate "Music Series".
Composed of primarily two Noonday Series,
this collection of concerts is meant to provide a space for
departure, meditation and renewal.
All concerts are free and open to all.
Continue down to view our upcoming concerts, join our email list
and view those who have supported the series!
If you wish to give to this series, we welcome such donations!
Click the button below and in the 'memo' line, please designate "Music Series".
Upcoming Concerts
The 12th Annual Advent Series
Wednesday, December 1 | NOON | Dr. Filippa Duke, organist
Dr. Filippa Duke, a native of Henderson, North Carolina, earned her doctorate in Church Music (Dual emphasis in Organ and Choral Conducting) from the University of Kansas. Dr. Duke is the Director of Music and Worship Arts at Edenton Street United Methodist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she conducts the Chancel Choir, children’s choirs, and handbell choir. She lives with her husband, Michael, and their daughter in Raleigh.
She will perform a program of seasonal Advent and Christmas music for the organ spanning several time periods, including works by Buxtehude, Bach, Brahms, and Near.
She will perform a program of seasonal Advent and Christmas music for the organ spanning several time periods, including works by Buxtehude, Bach, Brahms, and Near.
Wednesday, December 8 | NOON | Ralph L. Fike Vocal Ensemble
The Vocal Ensemble is the most advanced choral group a student can join at Fike High School. It is composed mostly of upperclassmen and specializes in singing advanced repertoire. Fike’s Vocal Ensemble consistently earns superior ratings at North Carolina’s Music Performance Adjudications and at national competitions along the eastern seaboard. Along with the mixed chorus, the Vocal Ensemble will travel this spring to the Great Smoky Mountains and compete nationally in Pigeon Forge, TN.
The Vocal Ensemble is under the direction of Matt Joyner. Mr. Joyner, an alumnus of Fike, is in his third year of directorship of the choral program. He is highly sought after across Eastern North Carolina as a distinguished tenor and church musician. Mr. Joyner received his bachelor’s degree in music education from East Carolina University studying under Prof. John Kramar and Dr. Daniel Shirley (voice and opera); Dr. James Franklin (choir); and Dr. Andrea VanDeusen (music education). He is also an active member of NCMEA, NAfME, ACDA, and the Pi Kappa Lambda Honors Society.
The Vocal Ensemble is under the direction of Matt Joyner. Mr. Joyner, an alumnus of Fike, is in his third year of directorship of the choral program. He is highly sought after across Eastern North Carolina as a distinguished tenor and church musician. Mr. Joyner received his bachelor’s degree in music education from East Carolina University studying under Prof. John Kramar and Dr. Daniel Shirley (voice and opera); Dr. James Franklin (choir); and Dr. Andrea VanDeusen (music education). He is also an active member of NCMEA, NAfME, ACDA, and the Pi Kappa Lambda Honors Society.
The Vocal Ensemble is accompanied by Cindy Darden. Mrs. Darden is a veteran choral music educator, having conducted high school choral ensembles for 38 years. She holds a BA in Music Education/choral conducting from the University of NC at Greensboro and a MM in vocal performance from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Mrs. Darden currently enjoys accompanying for various groups in the area and conducting the Tar River Chorus in Rocky Mount, NC.
The Vocal Ensemble will be performing works by Eric Whitacre, Stacey Gibbs, Ola Gjeilo, G.F. Handel, and other familiar tunes that are sure to put you into the spirit of the season.
The Vocal Ensemble will be performing works by Eric Whitacre, Stacey Gibbs, Ola Gjeilo, G.F. Handel, and other familiar tunes that are sure to put you into the spirit of the season.
Wednesday, December 15 | NOON |
Casey Childers & Timothy Price, organ & piano
Casey Childers & Timothy Price, organ & piano
Mrs. Childers & Mr. Price will be sharing a program featuring selections for four hands on the piano as well as piano & organ duets.
Casey Childers has been serving First Christian since 2007 when she arrived as organist. She served this position while gaining the Masters of Music degree in Organ Performance and Sacred Music from East Carolina University as well as the Colleagues' Certification (CAGO) through the American Guild of Organists. Prior to this she received Bachelor of Music degrees from Appalachian State University in both Music (Clarinet) Performance and Music Education (K-12). She came onto the FCC Staff full time in 2009 where she continued her ministry as organist and also became director of the Chancel Choir and children's choirs. Since then she has revived The Chalice Ringers handbell choir, has established a group of leaders (Encounter) who assist in leading more contemporary music, has provided a meaningful Mobile Music Ministry which visits members in need of spiritual nourishment in their home, and has created a seasonal music series called, "A Space for Grace". Casey feels that authentic ministry and worship experiences are vital in a gospel that calls us to be community. She also believe that though the past can be comprised of long lasting memories, new memories can also be created with the right heart and spirit.
In time aside from First Christian, Casey serves as accompanist for the Beddingfield and Hunt High School Choirs. Her piano students in the Gloria Piano Studio participate in the North Carolina Federation of Music Club performance at ECU. She has served on the boards of the East Carolina Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and the East Carolina Musical Arts Education Foundation. Casey is a member of the American Guild of Organists, Wilson Church Musician's Guild, St. Cecilia Music Club, National Federation of Teachers of Music and Pi Kappa Lambda. She has performed as organist in England, France, Germany and Spain. She loves spending time with her husband, Andrew, sons, Jackson & Phillip, loves raking, sweeping, getting her hands in the flower beds and all things photography.
Casey Childers has been serving First Christian since 2007 when she arrived as organist. She served this position while gaining the Masters of Music degree in Organ Performance and Sacred Music from East Carolina University as well as the Colleagues' Certification (CAGO) through the American Guild of Organists. Prior to this she received Bachelor of Music degrees from Appalachian State University in both Music (Clarinet) Performance and Music Education (K-12). She came onto the FCC Staff full time in 2009 where she continued her ministry as organist and also became director of the Chancel Choir and children's choirs. Since then she has revived The Chalice Ringers handbell choir, has established a group of leaders (Encounter) who assist in leading more contemporary music, has provided a meaningful Mobile Music Ministry which visits members in need of spiritual nourishment in their home, and has created a seasonal music series called, "A Space for Grace". Casey feels that authentic ministry and worship experiences are vital in a gospel that calls us to be community. She also believe that though the past can be comprised of long lasting memories, new memories can also be created with the right heart and spirit.
In time aside from First Christian, Casey serves as accompanist for the Beddingfield and Hunt High School Choirs. Her piano students in the Gloria Piano Studio participate in the North Carolina Federation of Music Club performance at ECU. She has served on the boards of the East Carolina Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and the East Carolina Musical Arts Education Foundation. Casey is a member of the American Guild of Organists, Wilson Church Musician's Guild, St. Cecilia Music Club, National Federation of Teachers of Music and Pi Kappa Lambda. She has performed as organist in England, France, Germany and Spain. She loves spending time with her husband, Andrew, sons, Jackson & Phillip, loves raking, sweeping, getting her hands in the flower beds and all things photography.
Timothy D. Price, a native of Goldsboro, NC, began studying piano at an early age with Anita Poland, then organ with Marshalle Lewis. He is a graduate of East Carolina University with degrees in Sacred Music and Organ Performance. He studied organ with Janette Fishell, Colin Andrews, and Andrew Scanlon; piano with Henry Doskey and Keiko Sekino; harpsichord with John O'Brien; voice with Louise Toppin; and conducting with Daniel Bara and Al Sturgis. As a student, Timothy sang with the ECU Chamber Singers, an award-winning collegiate choir that recorded two CDs with the Gothic record label. Timothy has traveled throughout New England playing our country's finest instruments, in addition to the organs of many renowned cathedrals in Germany, France, Spain, and England. He has served as the musical director for several churches during his career, as well as for eight Broadway musical productions at Center Stage and StageStruck Theatre companies. Timothy is an experienced handbell ringer and has performed and recorded with The Raleigh Ringers. He earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from East Carolina University in 2017 and currently teaches fourth grade at Hodges Manor Elementary School in Portsmouth, VA.
Contributors
Our deepest gratitude is extended to all who have helped sustain these concerts through their generous donations. Donations listed below are for the year 2021.
ContributorOtto E. Baron
Melody Bell Gilda Cauley Dick Gurkin Jayne Hodges Melanie Mauzé Susan and Susanna Oates in memory of Allen & Irene Harrell in honor of Their many grand & greatgrandchildren Nan Owens in memory of Kirby Owens in honor of Bobby & Shirley Langston Rachael Parker in honor of Miss Vivian Whiteman Joan Satterly Roxie Schneider Becky Stott Jean Tyson in memory of John Beland Darcelle Vance |
SupporterAnonymous
Lisa Anderson Keith & Sherry Brenner Wayne DuBois in honor of America's War Veterans Patsy Ferrell in memory of Boots Philyaw & Peggy Almond Kelley Garris in honor of The First Baptist Sanctuary Choir Linda & Skip Hanson Vicki Hooper Phyllis Leary in honor of Casey Childers Vivian Whiteman in honor of Casey Childers and all musicians in this Series Sheila Wiggins |
Benefactor |
Donor |
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Helen Batts
in memory of David Batts in honor of Charles & Gilda Cauley Todd Brame Paul & Betsy Brewer John & Annette Glover Leslie Kendall in honor of Casey W. Childers Julia Keville in honor of Casey Childers Dan & Susan Shackleford |
Mary Louise Gray
in memory of Bobby Gray in honor of Beulah Koulouris Gary & Linda Walling Larry & Joyce Wolfe |