Make a Joyful Noise
Riverside Chancel Choir
Riverside is blessed by a rich and long music history in the community, and at the heart of that tradition is the Riverside Chancel Choir. Our choir misses the chance to be together, as they are in the photo at the right, and to sing together. Right now, COVID-19 keeps them apart.
Directed and accompanied by Diana Beterbide, the Chancel Choir is comprised of people who connect with their spirituality through music and love sharing the gift of song.
In pre-COVID days, the choir rehearsed on Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30PM at Riverside. When we can sing together again, anyone who enjoys singing is welcome to participate. You don’t have to audition, or even be able to read music.
For more information, contact Diana Beterbide.
Gospel Ensemble
The Gospel Ensemble was founded by Evelyn Charity, who started singing gospel at age four and launched the Ensemble to share the richness and soulfulness of the music that inspires her.
Tim Mayer, a professional jazz pianist, leads and accompanies the group. The choir is multi-generational and meets once a month prior to the service to practice rhythms, melodies and harmonies.
Their repertoire includes gospel favorites like Swing Low Sweet Chariot and Wade in the Water, to pop tunes like People Get Ready and Seasons of Love.
As Evelyn says, “because gospel music is sung from the heart and soul, no experience is necessary.” For more information, contact Tim Mayer.
2023 Advent Concert Series
For nearly 40 years, Riverside has hosted an Advent music series, open to the public, Fridays at noon in December in the Riverside sanctuary.
The Advent series is sponsored by the Walton Music Trust and its trustees are Riverside Church members Janet and Leonard Wood.
The 2023 schedule will present a free Friday noon concert with the following musicians and programming:
December 1st – the HRVHS choir, directed by Dan Kinnealy
December 8th – Charles Crosman
December 15th – Tim Mayer & Friends
December 22 – Riverside Chancel Choir, directed by Diana Beterbide and sing a long with Kristen Warnock & Friends
The Rodger Schock Community Organ
Our unique and historic Riverside organ turned 50 this year, much the worse for wear. In memory of our beloved Rodger Schock who died in July, 2019, Riverside members, friends, and community supporters honored Rodger by raising more than $23,000 to restore the organ. It is now available for community music events in our sanctuary.
We are open to hosting a variety of music programs in our sanctuary, and if your group is interested, please contact the church at 541-386-1412 for information.
Gathering of Blessings
Every November, we invite musicians of all stripes, from opera singers, bagpipers, trombone players, folk music ensembles, choirs … well, really, anyone with musical gifts to share. The concert is led and organized by Riverside choir director Diana Beterbide.
Due to the COVID pandemic,, 2020 did not allow for the annual concert to take place in its customary fashion. However, Diana Beterbide, Tim Mayer and other selfless talents created lovely videos of performances in the Riverside and Bethel sanctuaries. These performances have been assembled together in a one-hour inspiration of blessings. The video may be accessed via: 2021 Gathering of Blessings – YouTube