From Sunday November 22, 2012. The introit is "A Prayer of St. Richard of Chichester" by L. J. White sung on Ray's very first Sunday 25 years ago. The anthem is "Gifts of the Spirit" composed by Margaret R.Tucker and text by David Bellville composed in honor of Ray's 25 years at First Parish Church. Thanks to Alec Salisbury for the video and post production editing.

The First Parish Music Program is a source of pride and joy for the congregation and the Brunswick area community. With five choirs for adults and children, two bell choirs, and a century-old pipe organ, special music abounds. Over 80 adults and 60 children and youth participate in the music program.

Minister of Music Ray Cornils also directs two major choral works each year with professional orchestral accompaniment, two musical youth pageants, and a summer organ concert series. Ray is assisted by the nine member music committee to help administer the many musical events in the program.

Ray is also the Municipal Organist for the
City of Portland and plays the Kotzschmar Organ, the municipal organ of Portland, Maine. The Kotzschmar Memorial Organ is housed in the 1900-seat Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. You can watch Ray play the Kotzschmar Organ via the YouTube video link on the right.

Most of our new members in the past
decade specifically mention the role of music in attracting them to our services. This is equally true of young families whose children revel in the choirs and pageants.

Everyone is welcome to participate in the Youth Choirs, Senior Choir and the Chapel Ringers Bell Choir. Auditioned Bell and Adult Choirs are available as well.

Please email Ray Cornils at rcornils@firstparish.net for more information about the First Parish Music Program.

First Parish Church is pleased to announce the first rehearsals of its five vocal choirs (Cherub, Junior, Westminster, Senior and Chamber) and two handbell choirs (Chapel Ringers and Parish Ringers). Under the direction of Ray Cornils and Karen Leland, the music program of First Parish offers education, enjoyment, challenge and enrichment for all ages and abilities. Each group sings or rings on a regular basis and presents special seasonal programs throughout the year. Any interested person, church member or not, is invited to join us.