The music program is an integral part of Westminster. Its primary purpose is to enhance the worship experience through inspiring and artistic expression of service and praise to God. There are five singing choirs and three handbell choirs. Anyone who wishes to learn, to grow, and to serve can find a place in the music program here.  Go to the “Choir and Schedules” page.

Rich Heritage and Tradition of Excellent Music

The heritage of musical excellence here goes almost a century back. In 1920 the Westminster Choir was organized under the direction of John Finley Williamson.  By 1926 the choir had toured the United States and Europe, and Dr. Williamson had established a choir school which rapidly out-grew the church facilities and was moved to the Conservatory at Ithaca, New York.  A few years later it moved to Princeton, New Jersey, where it exists today as Westminster Choir College of Rider University.

Casavant Organ The Casavant Organ (opus 2670), dedicated in January 1963, blends the grand sounds of the classic organ with the orchestral color of the romantic type.  The organ is really two organs: a Chancel Organ located at the front of the Sanctuary and a Gallery-Celestial Organ located in the balcony. Each has its own console. Together these organs have over 7,000 pipes arranged in 122 ranks. Every pipe, including those visible from the pews, is a speaking pipe.

Continuing the Tradition into the Future

The music program makes a special contribution to the cultural life of the Dayton community with seasonal concert series and community events. See Music Events and Calendar links.