“Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 5:18b-20
Music at Northmont seeks to give praise and thanks to the Triune God in all times and seasons. Our musical worship is traditional but varied in both era and genre, and includes hymnody, psalmody, spirituals, Taizé, and a wide range of vocal and instrumental music.
Opportunities to be involved in special music ministries are listed below.
Chancel Choir
Chancel Choir leads worship most Sundays and Holy Days during the program year. These dedicated volunteer and staff singers work diligently to present excellent choral literature in a wide variety of styles and genres. The choir is open to anyone – church members and community members alike – ages Ninth Grade or older. All that is needed is a pleasing voice and the ability to read music. Chancel Choir practices Thursday evenings at 6:30 and Sunday mornings at 9:00. To arrange an interview, please contact Stephen Schall at the church office.
Bell Choir
Adult Handbell Choir rings traditional English handbells. This ensemble typically plays once a month at worship and on Christmas Eve. New members – Ninth Grade or older – are always welcome. Interested members should be able to read music. Instruction is given to choir members in rehearsal on handbell technique. Practices are held every Thursday at 5:00 o’clock during the program year.
Staff Singers
Kym Weston Laret, mezzo-soprano
Kym is delighted to sing at Northmont. She has performed throughout the greater Pittsburgh area with groups such as the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Opera, and the Pittsburgh Savoyards. She is currently a bridal alterations specialist, as well as the First Hand in the costume shop at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.
D.J. Pickell, tenor
D.J. Pickell is a singer, conductor, and teacher who has recently returned to the Pittsburgh area. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Duquesne University and a masters degree in Choral Conducting from Syracuse University. D.J. is an active choral singer around the Pittsburgh area, having been a member of multiple choral ensembles at Duquesne, and is a current member of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh. In addition to his work as a performer, D.J. previously served as the music director at First United Presbyterian Church of Tarentum from 2021 to 2023. D.J. currently works as a substitute teacher in the Ambridge Area School District and teaches on the marching band staff for Baldwin High School. He is thrilled to be back in the Pittsburgh area and can’t wait to get started with the Chancel Choir!
Chelsea Cockburn, soprano
Originally from Virginia, Chelsea is the daughter of two professional opera singers. In addition to singing at Northmont, she sings in the Pittsburgh Compline Choir, Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, and Voces Solis. Chelsea is a pediatrician in Fox Chapel, and loves gardening, cross-stitching, and hiking. She lives in the North Hills with her partner, Douglas Burn, a professional pianist and organist, and their two Boston Terriers, Winston and Kirby.
Matt Dooley, bass
Matt Dooley has been an active member of the Bach Choir and the Mendelssohn Choir in Pittsburgh, and had an exciting career as an operatic and concert baritone, singing waiter, member of a bluegrass band, and in many roles in musical theater productions. Matt retired as a non-profit executive, consultant, and board member with such organizations as Pittsburgh Opera and Young Audiences in Philadelphia. Matt lives in the North Hills with his wife, artist Meg Dooley, and sundry animal pets.
Instrumentalists
Instrumentalists are occasionally needed to accompany the choir or play during worship – alone or with others. Contact Stephen Schall at the church office, if you would like to offer your services.
