Make a Joyful Noise with Us!

Music at First Parish takes many forms and often meets at the intersection of art and social justice. We sing for beauty and also, most meaningfully, for change. Our Sunday worship services are music-forward, featuring various ensembles and soloists, diverse musical traditions, and plentiful congregational singing. We believe that each and every voice in the choir and in the congregation matters for singing towards a better tomorrow.

Each week, the congregation has the opportunity to sing. This can span familiar hymn tunes, call-and-response spirituals and calls to action, folk or meditative music, or an opportunity to learn new music to share during worship.

Do you sing or play an instrument? If you would like to learn more about the music ministry at First Parish, please contact our Director of Music Kenneth Griffith (kgriffith@firstparishcambridge.org or a member of our Music Ministry Team, Mara (mvoorhees@msn.com) or Irene (irron1@gmail.com).

The First Parish Choir

Twice monthly, our First Parish Choir leads music for worship. They perform a wide range of music from genres such as folk and pop to spirituals and more traditional choral works. The choir rehearses weekly on Tuesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. There is no audition necessary to participate in the First Parish Choir, but the ability to read music and handle a fast-paced learning environment is a plus. The choir is a wonderful community and vital part of congregational life. Come join us!

Jazz Sundays

Monthly Jazz Sundays are led by keyboardist Joe Reid and feature a professional jazz combo and vocal soloists. These services celebrate the power and freedom of improvisation, and pull from jazz, pop, and folk music traditions. 

The First Parish Gospel Choir

The First Parish Gospel Choir, under the leadership of Linda Brown-San Martin, leads our monthly Gospel Sundays with inspiration and power. This ensemble rehearses once per month after church from 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. on the Sunday before they lead worship. If you learn best by ear and enjoy singing music from the gospel tradition, please consider joining Linda and the Gospel Choir for rehearsal and worship services!