The Pipe Organ and Chamber Organ
Plymouth’s pipe organ is one of the largest organs in the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County. It contains over 2,600 pipes in 61 ranks spread over 5 divisions (Swell, Great, Positive, Antiphonal, and Pedal). With an “American Classic” tonal design, the organ can play organ literature from all periods. Its special features include a stately Trompette en Chamade placed high over the church door, chimes, and a zymbelstern. Built in the 1950s by organ builder Bruce Angell, it was renovated and enlarged in 1990 by the firm of Guzowski and Steppe. The instrument’s history boasts performances by some of the finest organists in the world, including Virgil Fox, Pierre Cochereau, and Madam Durufle.
Plymouth is also the proud owner of the only chamber organ in Miami-Dade County. The organ was designed by Gerrit & Henk Klop Orgelbauw, Garderen Netherlands, and built in 1999. The pipework is made entirely of wood, following historical examples like the Compenius organ of 1610 in Copenhagen. This makes for the advantage of being extremely light weight and having rugged construction. All registers are split bass/treble, with both stop knobs operated by one (left) hand. The casework is cherry with ornamental grill panels.
THE CHANCEL CHOIR
The choirs, organ and special instrumental music programs are integral elements of the worship services at Plymouth Church. The Chancel Choir sings in the worship services every Sunday and on special occasions. Our current members span three generations and have careers as diverse as finance, teaching, medicine, law, travel and university studies. Our professional section leaders help singers learn the music and unify the sounds of the sections, so that even inexperienced people can feel comfortable participating. Rehearsals are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday evenings in the Ellison Choir Room (east side of the Sanctuary), September through June. In July and August they meet at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Membership in the choir is open to anyone who has musical interest, some skills, and a little experience.
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Robert (Bob) Heath is Plymouth’s Organist and Director of Music. A Connecticut native, he was educated at Wheaten Conservatory of Music and the University of Miami School of Music. In addition to being Plymouth’s organist, Bob administers the music program, and directs and coordinates our “Music at Plymouth” concert series. Bob enjoys an international reputation as a concert artist, having performed on organ and harpsichord around the United States and abroad. He is also a published composer/arranger and music editor. Much of his music was composed for us here at Plymouth. Bob records for the MBS label and has publications with FJH Music, Transcontinental Music and Warner Bros.
CHOIR DIRECTOR
Donald Oglesby is Plymouth’s Chancel Choir Director. An Alabama native, he received his BM degree from Birmingham Southern, his MM degree from the University of Illinois, and a DM degree from Indiana University. He is also currently a professor in the University of Miami School of Music as well as serving as artistic director and conductor of the Miami Bach Society. Don’s choirs, including the Plymouth Choir, have toured the US, England, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Italy. The Plymouth Choir’s 1989 performance of Handel’s Messiah was broadcast on NBC as part of their nationally televised Christmas program.
During the fall of 2001 Don took a well deserved sabbatical leave from his duties. He received a Max Orovitz Research Grant to spend several months at the Centre for Baroque Music at the Palace of Versailles in France where he completed a survey of French Baroque choral music for an article for the Choral Journal and American Choral Director’s Association. He began his sabbatical in July when he led the Miami Bach Society concert tour to France. In January 2002, Don resumed his regular duties as active UM faculty member and Choir Director for Plymouth. He is also currently conducting interviews for his book entitled “Why Do We Sing?” exploring the importance of singing in people’s lives.
PLYMOUTH CHILDREN’S CHOIRS
Children’s music is an important aspect of Pymouth’s music ministry. Through our two children’s choirs, we try to give our children not only a well-rounded musical education through singing and performing, but also opportunities to grow in their faith and to share their faith with the congregation and the community. Both ensembles meet weekly at 11:15 a.m. in the Choir Room following the service of worship.
Joyful Noise Choir
The Joyful Noise Choir, directed by Bob Heath, is for ages 4 through the first grade and meets every Sunday from 11:15 a.m. to noon. The children are introduced to the basics of music and given the opportunity to explore the musical world around them through singing and rhythm instruments. They occasionally perform for the congregation during the year.
Joyful Sound Choir
The Joyful Sound Choir is for ages 7 through 12 and is directed by Bob Heath. The focus for this ensemble is music reading skills and more advanced musical concepts along with good singing and musicianship. Worship and personal growth in the Christian faith are emphasized. Joyful Sound performs regularly through the year.
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