Music Ministry
Music Ministry
Since its founding, Riverside Presbyterian has expressed its love of God through music. Long known as a center for music and arts in Jacksonville, Riverside boasts an excellent traditional music program focused primarily around the Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, and our Colby-Walker organ. Each week, we offer the best in sacred music ranging from the chants of the early church through newly-composed anthems and hymnody. In addition to our worship offerings, we offer and host various concerts including solo recitals, chamber music, and even large orchestral ensembles.
Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir is our primary ensemble for leading worship at Riverside. Together, volunteers and professional staff singers offer a rich variety of sacred music spanning from Gregorian chant to newly composed works. Rehearsals are held Thursdays from 6:30—8:00 pm (September—May), with a more relaxed summer schedule that includes Sunday morning rehearsals before worship. The requirements for membership are simple:
enthusiasm, energy, and effort. No audition is required. We grow together—musically and spiritually—as a community, sharing God’s love through music in worship. Whether you’re an experienced singer or simply enjoy making music with others, you are warmly welcome to join us. Contact:
Jared Stellmacher, Director of Music Ministries & Organist
Handbell Choir
The Handbell Choir rehearses Thursdays from 5:30—6:30 pm and shares its music in worship approximately once each month. New ringers are always welcome. Previous handbell experience is not required—just
curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to work together. Handbell ringing is truly a team effort, and the joy comes from creating something beautiful together. If you’re looking for a fun and meaningful way to participate in worship and community, consider joining the Handbell Choir. Contact:
Jared Stellmacher, Director of Music Ministries & Organist
Instruments
The newest centerpiece of musical life at Riverside is its Colby–Walker pipe organ (Opus 507), completed by the R.A. Colby Company and dedicated in worship on October 28, 2018. The instrument replaced the church’s original Möller pipe organ, installed in 1927, which had served the congregation faithfully for many decades.
The new organ was designed not only to provide a wider range of tonal color, but also to better fill the sanctuary with sound. Architectural changes opened the organ chambers so that the pipes could speak more freely into the room, allowing the sound to blend with the choir and project down the length of the sanctuary. The resulting instrument includes 115 ranks, combining traditional pipework with digital voices by Walker to broaden its musical possibilities.
The Colby–Walker organ was officially introduced to the public in an inaugural recital by internationally renowned organist Chelsea Chen on February 10, 2019. Today it stands as both a remarkable musical instrument and a centerpiece of Riverside’s commitment to worship, artistic excellence, and the vibrant musical life of the Jacksonville community. It’s featured in worship each week and through various concerts and programs throughout the year.
In addition to our organ, Riverside is home to three Steinway pianos (1904 Model A, 1934 concert Model D, 1989 Model B) and five octaves of Schulmerich handbells and handchimes.
The Bell Choir
at Riverside
