Music

The Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville has a long tradition of a vibrant and vital Music Program. Music is a key part of our rich worship life and provides an excellent opportunity for active involvement of our members. We seek to assist our congregation in glorifying God through joyful praise and meditative prayer using the talents that have been offered to us. Opportunities are available for all interested persons, children through adults.

Our Staff

W. Bryce Hayes, Director of Music
W. Bryce Hayes maintains an active career as a conductor, teacher, church musician, pianist, accompanist and singer. He received a Bachelor of Music in music education summa cum laude from Westminster Choir College where he studied voice with Thomas Faracco. Mr. Hayes is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he studies with internationally known choral technician Alan Harler. Mr. Hayes is also director of the The Alumnae Cantores of the Princeton Girlchoir. Currently Bryce sings as a featured soloist with the professional ensemble, The Princeton Singers and as a core singer with the Mendelssohn Club.

Martha Cook Davidson, Organist
Martha Cook Davidson has a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in accompanying and vocal coaching, both from Westminster Choir College. She has taught music at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, and has served as organist and choir director at numerous churches throughout New Jersey. She has taught piano through the Westminster Conservatory and served as its director from 1982-1986. She then moved on to development and public relations work, first at Westminster Choir College, then at Saint Joseph’s University and currently at Foundations, Inc., an educational non-profit based in Moorestown, NJ.

Our Ensembles

Adult Choir
The Adult Choir is made up of members of the congregation. This ensemble sings every Sunday morning during the 10:00am worship service, September through May. The ensemble rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7:00pm--8:00pm and Sunday mornings from 9:15am--10:00am. The Adult Choir sings a wide variety of music from Bach to Spirituals, from Gregorian Chant to Jazz. The ensemble prepares works with organ, piano and a cappella repertoire.

Lawrenceville Concertsingers
The Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville is proud to be home to the Community Choir, The Lawrenceville Concertsingers. This group is comprised of members of the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville and interested members from the surrounding community. The Concertsingers work to present two major concerts a year: a Holiday Event in December, and a Spring Concert in May. This ensemble frequently performs with orchestra. Past events have included Lessons & Carols (featuring Daniel Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata), the Duruflé Requiem and the Mozart Vespers Solennes de Confessore. The Lawrenceville Concertsingers rehearses on Thursday evenings from 8:00pm--9:00pm from October through December and February through May. Any person interested in joining this ensemble should contact Bryce Hayes.

The June Choir
The June Choir prepares music for the worship services during the month of June. This ensemble gives members of the congregation a taste of singing in the choir without all the pressure. The ensemble rehearses only on Sunday morning before worship, and not on Thursday evening. All members of the congregation, regardless of ability or experience are encouraged to come out and sing!

Children’s Choirs
The Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville is very privileged to have an active program of music for children. The program meets as part of our Wednesday evening LOGOS program. Children’s choirs include Kindergarten through Sixth graders. The children sing in Sunday Morning church as worship leaders throughout the year, on Palm Sunday and during our annual Christmas Pageant.

Youth Music
Our youth are encouraged to be an active part of the musical life of our congregation. Youth ensembles have led worship on Christmas Eve, Youth Sunday and during the summer. All youth are invited to be a part of the music program in whatever way possible. If interested please contact Rich Richards or Bryce Hayes.

Summer Music
During the summer months (July and August) interested members are invited to offer their talents in worship. Through collaboration with one of our staff, singers and instrumentalists of all ages and levels are encouraged to offer their talents to God through worship. Please contact the church office for more information.