Music at FBCDC
The music ministry at the First Baptist DC glorifies God through music. Rooted in the rich Baptist tradition and expressed ecumenically in a variety of sacred genres, music at FBC is integral to our worship of God, both individually and as a community. Our thanks, wonder, and prayers are offered to God through hymns, psalms, canticles, anthems, and many other forms of sacred music. Whether through a choral anthem, a congregational hymn, or an organ offertory, we discover the possibility to transform lives, heal wounds, inspire zeal, and bring us closer to Christ through music.
Chancel Choir
Rehearsals Weekly at 9:30 am
The First Baptist Church Chancel Choir serves as the service choir at First Baptist each Sunday. Its primary goal is to lead others in worship through offering the best of their time, talents, and preparations for the good of the church and the glory of God. This choir sings a variety of literature and presents multiple musical services annually accompanied by professional instrumentalists. In addition, they seek to be a loving and encouraging community of faith. While the Chancel Choir includes eight professional musicians who serve as section leaders, it is not an auditioned choir. All are welcome to participate.
Section Leaders
Professional musicians are a cornerstone of support for the Chancel Choir at FBCDC. A total of eight section leaders support our volunteer choral singers, shepherd congregational and choral singing, and enhance services with solo offerings. The ensemble numbers between fifteen and twenty singers each week. Music is an essential part of the worshiping life at FBCDC and section leaders are vital in providing and inspiring musical excellence for our offerings throughout the year.
The Austin Organ
The Austin Organ at The First Baptist Church of the City of Washington, D.C., was constructed in 2012 and installed and dedicated in 2013. With five manuals and 118 ranks of more than 6,000 pipes, the First Baptist organ is among the largest in Washington, D.C.
When the instrument was constructed and installed, the console was only the second five-manual console in D.C., and the third five-manual drawknob console Austin Organs had built in 120 years. The Chancel Organ boasts 83 ranks, and the Gallery Organ in the balcony has 35 ranks. Mounted horizontally on the gallery rail, low in the sanctuary, is a set of trumpets that have become an architectural symbol for First Baptist.
Since its inception, Opus 2795 was designed with a primary purpose: to lead this congregation in public Christian worship. This instrument has also proven to be a magnificent concert organ hosting a range of distinguished artists for the benefit of the church and the community. First Baptist remains grateful to the individuals who made this organ possible including Michael Fazio, President and CEO of Austin Organs, and Dr. Lawrence P. Schreiber who oversaw this project from dream to reality.
The Steinway Piano
In 2007, through the generosity of several individuals and families who call First Baptist their church home, our church purchased a hand-crafted Steinway Model D concert grand piano (signed by the late Henry Ziegler Steinway, the great-grandson of the founder of Steinway & Sons). It is our prayer that this instrument will point to our creative God, and magnify the praises of God's people.
PSALM 150
Praise the Lord!
Praise God in the sanctuary!
Praise God under the open skies;
Praise with a blast of the trumpet,
Praise God with lyre and harp.
Praise God with drum and dance!
Praise God with strings and pipe!
Praise God with loud cymbals!
Praise with clanging cymbals!
Let every living thing praise the
Lord!
Praise the Lord!