PhillipsCrew

The Music Ministry at Phillips Memorial Baptist Church provides a variety of musical opportunities for both adults and children. If you or your child likes to sing or play an instrument, contact our Minister of Music, Dr. Martha H. Sobaje, at 467-3300, extension 3, or mhsobaje@ccri.edu.

Musical Opportunities

for adults and children -

Chime Choir for children in grades 1-4

Martha Sobaje, Director

Rehearses on Sundays, as needed, 8:40 - 9:00 AM

Performs occasionally during worship.

JOY Praise Team ~ Contemporary Christian Vocal Ensemble

Martha Sobaje, Director

Rehearses Thursday evenings, 6:30 - 7:00 pm (September - April)

Membership is limited to six (select) singers.

Performs monthly during worship and numerous concerts in other churches.

A touring group.

Recording available: "I Just Can’t Praise Him Enough"

Sanctuary Ringers ~ Handbell Choir

Martha Sobaje, Director

Rehearses Thursday evenings, 7:00 - 7:30 pm (September – May)

Membership open to all interested Sr. High youth and adults.

Performs during worship once a month September through May.

Chancel Singers ~ Adult Women (Sr. High girls are welcome)

Martha Sobaje, Director

Rehearses Thursday evenings, 7:30 - 8:30 pm (September - April)

Performs during worship approximately twice a month.

In October 2004, a Roland digital piano was donated by Martha Sobaje to the church for the exclusive use of the JOY Praise Team, both at Phillips and as a touring instrument.

Musical Instruments

In May 2003, Phillips Church was the grateful recipient of a Sabathil and Son Flemish single manual harpsichord, 1986. It has 52 notes 8’ 8’, with “buff” stop, a rosewood keyboard, painted soundboard, gold case banding, and Louis XVI legs. This memorial gift was given by the Crawford and Rapa families in memory of G. Allen and Maude Crawford and Alfred and Marie Johnson.

In October 2003, Judy Ellinwood presented the church with two recorders; a Moeck maple wooden alto recorder, and a Moeck maple wooden tenor recorder. These instruments are used in the church’s Recorder Consort.

In 1996, gifts in memory of Isobel Kilner enabled the church to purchase two octaves of Malmark choir chimes for the use of our Phillips children, and Vacation Bible School children.

In 1985, an organ built by Angerstein & Associates, Ltd. was installed. It is an encased mechanical action pipe organ utilizing slider windchests. It is patterned closely after the work of Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, a 19th century French organbuilder. The casework is of Honduran mahogany with a rich 19th century stain. The mouldings are styled to complement the decorative mouldings in the church, and are copies of those used in the 18th century. The organ has 21 registers and 25 ranks of pipes, playing through 24 stop controls. The total number of pipes is 1,284.

In 1983, a Steinway grand piano was purchased for the sanctuary with funds given to the church in memory of George and Gladys Kenney by the Kenney family.

During the months of 1983, funds were raised through memorial gifts for the purchase of four octaves of Malmark handbells. That year, the first handbell choir was established at Phillips.

In 1960, gifts in memory of George Kilner were given for the purchase of an electronic set of chimes located in the loft. These chimes can be heard approximately once a month during the prelude.

Other Pianos located throughout the church building:

Parlor: Yamaha Spinet given in memory of Leo Lussier by his family

Music Room: Kimball Artist Console given in memory of Gordon H. Crocker, Jr.

Fellowship Hall: Yamaha Console given in memory of Chester Webb Clark by his wife

Recordings Available for Purchase:

“I Just Can’t Praise Him Enough” by JOY Praise Team

“One in the Spirit” Hymn reflections for solo piano performed by Martha Sobaje

“From Pen to Pipes” composed and performed by Martha Sobaje, organist

“His Strength Is Perfect” by the TRIO

“The Sounds of Christmas” by the TRIO

“César Franck – Trois Chorals, Louis Vierne – Deuxième Symphonie” performed (at Phillips Memorial Baptist Church) by Barry Turley, organist

"Pipes Rhode Island" a new CD featuring many of the significant organs of Rhode Island and RI organists. $15

For information on purchasing any of these recordings, please email Dr. Martha Sobaje at mhsobaje@ccri.edu or call 467-3300, extension 3.

Beautiful in sound and sight, the organ, built by Augerstein & Associates, Ltd.,

is in the choir loft.

NEW BOOK

by Dr. Martha Sobaje

Dr. Martha Sobaje spoke at a symposium at the EROI (Eastman-Rochester Organ Initiative) Festival in Rochester, New York, on October 16. She spoke about her new book just out this month, “The Silver Fox: The Life and Legacy of Russell Saunders” The symposium was followed by a book-signing and reception. Russell Saunders was one of Martha’s organ teachers at the Eastman School of Music.

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Ring & Sing Choir for youth in grades 5-12

Martha Sobaje, Director

Rehearses twice a month on Sundays, following worship

Performs occasionally during worship.