Music Program at First Baptist Church of Penfield
Historically, one of the values we cherish about our Baptist tradition is music. It is a vital part of worship at First Baptist Penfield where singing resounds and is strengthened by the organ specially built for the sanctuary. The congregation enjoys the blend of words and music in our Sunday experience and the way it expands and enhances the message and lessons presented there. Over the years we have enjoyed a connection with the Eastman School of Music that is located nearby in Rochester, and the talented students who have helped provide music in our church. In 2011 the choir debuted a piece of music commissioned to celebrate the 25 th anniversary of the installation of our Andover Organ, I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes by an Eastman graduate, Scott Perkins.
Music is very alive and well here and all are welcome to join the fun of ringing and singing. We rehearse and participate in worship September through May with a break over the summer.
Wednesdays
Adult Choir–7:30 pm, Sanctuary
Thursdays
Adult Bell Choir–6:30 pm, Choir Room
Choral Soloists
Music News
Join the First Baptist Penfield Choir!
Contact Dr. Naomi Gregory, choir director, for details..
Alexandra Hauge, soprano, Alexandra Hague is a first year Master's student in the studio of Kathyrn Cowdrick at the Eastman School of Music in the program for Voice Performance and Literature. She completed her Bachelor's degree at New York University under the tutelage of Dr. Scott Murphree. During her time in school, she has participated in a number of opera productions and summer intensive programs for young singers. She is thrilled to be a part of the community at the First Baptist Church of Penfield!
Pedro Sperb, bass, is currently a student in the doctoral program at Eastman School of Music under the mentorship of Paul O’Dette. Pedro Sperb’s study of early plucked strings and modern guitar has granted him many years of experience as a performer and educator. While a variety of musical experiences intertwine, Pedro is currently dedicated to instruments of the Lute family, performing either solo or Basso Continuo in Early Opera and chamber music productions. In searching for historical music awareness, Pedro entered the early music scene under Dr. Silvana Scarinci. Pedro’s Brazilian origin guides his mission of representing diverse demographics in his performances, especially mixed-race Latin-American Baroque music composers. As educator, Pedro currently holds a position of Secondary Professor at Eastman School of Music and has given Early Music Appreciation lectures at Universities in South Carolina and Colorado, while also serving as higher education Teacher Assistant the for classes of Counterpoint, Harmony, Analysis, Music Aesthetic, Chamber Music, Symphonic and Wind Orchestras. As a modern musician, Pedro had collaborated with compatriot composers in debuting contemporary guitar pieces with the Porto Alegre Contemporary Music Ensemble and at age 17, Pedro won the second prize in Souza Lima Guitar Competition (SP-Brazil). In 2018, Pedro received his Master of Arts in Music performance at Azusa Pacific University of Southern California and in 2022, Pedro graduated as a Master in Arts Lute/Guitar under John Schneiderman at the University of California, Irvine. Pedro’s versatile musicianship also includes work as a multi-instrumentalist for commercial pop/folk artists.
Caroline Smith, alto, is a first year graduate student at the Eastman School of Music, where she is pursuing her Masters of Music in Vocal Performance. She is originally from Orlando, Florida, and graduated with her Bachelors from University of Central Florida this past May. She, of course, loves opera, and one of her favorites right now is Carmen! Coming from the "Sunshine State," Florida, she is excited to experience real autumns and winters up here in Rochester! Because believe it or not, she actually likes the cold weather. She is very thankful to be able to attend such a prestigious school for her masters, and she is very happy to be singing at First Baptist Church of Penfield.
Lucas Mann, tenor, and is a first year Eastman Vocalist from NYC! He was born and raised New Yorker, living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and he started singing when he was 8, with the Metropolitan Opera Children's Chorus. Since then, he has had experience singing solo, and with numerous choral ensembles, and most recently was a regional finalist in the Schmidt Vocal Competition. It is his dream to perform full time, and to help push the boundaries towards bringing classical music into the mainstream. Coming to Eastman has been a dream come true for him, and he is so excited for the future! Thank you!
