New Choir Director Hitting the Right Notes at First Presbyterian of Fulton

        When the organ music swells and the choir members lift their voices on Sunday mornings, it’s all under the direction of a new Choir Director at First Presbyterian of Fulton.  Ethan Forte joined the church staff this fall and is readily preparing the choir for one of its biggest performances of the year-- the Christmas Cantata on December 15th.

        Forte is a senior in the Music Composition program at the University of Missouri- Columbia.  He’s working on a Master’s degree in Music Composition and Choral Conductor.  Even his name is musical!  Forte (pronounced for-te’) in music is a dynamic indicator meaning “loud.”

        Music is a lifelong passion for the Columbia, Missouri, native.  Forte has played the cello since he was 8 years old and performs in a string quartet.  He’s also tried his hand at the flute, piano, violin, and viola.  Now as choir director, Forte says he appreciates the social and communal aspects of working with a large group.  “For me, music is best when it is made with others, and there is something so intimate about making music with our voices. It all comes together when working with a choir,” Forte says.

        His impact is already being felt at First Presbyterian.  “We’re so pleased to have Ethan as a part of our church family,” says Rev. Aaron White.  “He’s bringing a new energy to our already talented choir.  You can feel the difference in the sanctuary on Sunday mornings.”

        Forte has big plans for the future.  He says, “I am so excited to try lots of different genres and styles of singing. The choir is very flexible, so I think there is so much possibility and potential there!”

        Rehearsals for First Presbyterian’s annual Christmas Cantata are getting underway.  This year, Forte will lead the choir in selections from Handel’s Messiah.  The cantata will be performed during the church’s Sunday worship service on December 15th at 10:30 am.  All are welcome.

        For more information about the Christmas Cantata or any of the ministries of First Presbyterian Church of Fulton, please contact the church at  (573) 642-5541 or send an email to communications@fultonpresbyterian.org.