The Music Program
Music is an important part of our worship at Banner Elk Presbyterian. With an outstanding choir, men’s chorus, grand piano, pipe organ and handbells, we are blessed with inspirational and joyful music each week. In addition, there are available opportunities for children and youth. Contact Diane Rydell through the church office.
Adult Choir
The adult choir, under the direction of Diane Rydell, has frequently been praised for their outstanding quality. Many visitors are amazed at the ability of a small church to maintain such a fine music program. This is due much to the skills of its music director, Diane, who was trained in New York and has brought her expertise to Banner Elk. In addition to beautifully rendered music in worship, the choir also presents several special music presentations each year, particularly during the Christmas and Easter seasons. On occasion, the choir invites an accomplished soloist who may be classically trained or perhaps a fine musician in the area of spiritual music. Instrumentalists are also invited from time to time to enhance the worship experience. Banner Elk Presbyterian has also enjoyed special groups, such as the singers from Lees-McRae College and other institutions. It is always a joy to see and hear just what the group will do from Sunday to Sunday. Practices are at 7:30 on Wednesday Nights and at 10:30 on Sunday mornings.
Handbells
The Handbells are an integral part to our music program. Under the direction of Diane Rydell, the bells are used for many special occasions such as Christmas and Easter, and sometimes they simply enhance the worship experience. The handbell choir meets at 5:00 on Wednesdays. Call Diane Rydell at the church office for more information.
Organ and Piano
Our attractive pipe organ is a joy, supplementing the sounds of the choir and the congregation. This masterfully built instrument has just recently been expanded with more ranks and chimes. In addition, the music in the church is enhanced with a lovely grand piano. Both pieces have been created with an oak finish which looks beautiful inside our church where the walls are predominantly made from the old, now extinct, wormy chestnut wood.
The Presbyterian Men’s Choir
The Presbyterian Men’s Chorus, directed by our music director, Diane Rydell, is comprised of from six to twelve men. They sing during our summer early services, at occasional family night suppers, and anywhere else a “gig” arises. The men concentrate on Southern Gospel, but also sing a variety of traditional hymns, barbershop, spirituals, and even the occasional popular tune.
The PMC sing in four part harmony. To participate, it is not essential that you read music, but it helps. We meet each Monday night at 7:00 PM. If you have an interest in this part of our ministry, please contact Diane or Dick Larson. We’d love to have you included.