Westminster Presbyterian Music
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Hand Bell Choir
The handbell choir rings English handbells, and is geared towards ringers aged 18 and up. They meet from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday afternoons, weekly and provide music during the service throughout the year. Many of the ringers are experienced, and have played in many concerts and local community events. The ensemble continuously challenges themselves with new music and techniques, and is open to anyone regardless of playing ability or experience!\
Anyone interested in joining the choir should contact the church office or Nik Stackpole at wpcmusicdir1250@gmail.com.
Adult Choir
The Westminster Presbyterian Church Adult Choir is a dedicated and talented group of singers who rehearse on Sunday mornings from 8:45 – 10:15 am, weekly. The Adult Choir provides weekly choral music for the 10:30 AM traditional worship service, as well as special services for Christmas Eve and Holy Week. The choir enjoys singing a wide variety of choral repertoire—including classical, jazz, gospel, and folk music–under the direction of Music Director and Organist Nik Stackpole. The choir has six professional choral scholars/section leaders, who offer musical leadership to our wonderful volunteer members. The Adult Choir is open to all, regardless of singing ability.
Anyone interested in joining the choir should contact the church office or Nik Stackpole at wpcmusicdir1250@gmail.com.
Children's Choir
The Westminster Presbyterian Church Children’s Choiris a mixed vocal ensemble for children in grades Kindergarten through 5th. They meet on Sundays during worship time, leaving service after the Time for Young Disciples. At 11:30, rehearsal concludes and the students are brought down to Wright-Herberich Hall and await the end of the service and their parents. The Children’s Choir will sing in worship, often accompanied by piano, sometimes by organ or other musical instruments.
At Westminster Church, there are many opportunities for children and adults to make music together by singing or ringing or BOTH! Those who participate find their lives wonderfully enriched as they work together for a common good, that of making music which enlightens and inspires those who hear it about the grace and magnificence of Almighty God. We all take delight in autographing our work with excellence and we have fun learning and growing together. Is it life-changing? We certainly believe that it is indeed! If you’d like to join us in any way, please contact our Children’s Choir Director, Valerie Stewart, and she will point you in the right direction at wpcchildrenschoir1250@gmail.com.
Special Music Programs
Our members love music! We offer special music opportunities that are open to all. Some highlights include:
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Guest Performances: We've hosted the University of Akron Choir, who performed the timely and compelling piece "Unfinished," as well as the Theron Brown Trio, known for their masterful jazz stylings.
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Youth Involvement: Our youth have participated in the Christmas Pageant, play handbells, and perform for Sunday services, adding joy and energy to our worship.
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Family Events: Our families have been able to showcase their talents at our Summer Talent Show and Pie Baking Contest, creating fun and memorable community experiences.
Westminster Presbyterian Music Directors
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Nik Stackpole: Music Director
Nik Stackpole comes to us with a rich background in choral and ensemble music. Previously, he served at The United Methodist Church of Kent, where he directed choirs and handbell choirs for five years. He also held positions as assistant organist and music librarian at Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church in Huntington, West Virginia. Nik graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Music Education, specializing in choir and string instruction, with a focus on viola and keyboard studies.
Kristy Yates: Volunteer Adult Bell Choir Director
Kristy Yates holds a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from Ohio University and has professional experience in the printing and construction industries. She began playing handbells as a teenager in her hometown Presbyterian Church and has been with Westminster for over thirty years. Kristy also performs with the community auditioned ensemble, Stow Heritage Ringers. She and her husband, Mac, have three children and three grandchildren.
