The First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown’s free music program is open to all, no matter experience or membership, with choirs for singers ages five and up.
“We have such excitement and we have the bandwidth to harness that and make it something truly special,” said Spencer Domer, the church’s new director of music, of the program.
Originally from Alton, Illinois, Domer graduated from Ball State University in Indiana with a bachelor’s degree in voice and opera and a double master’s degree in voice and choir conducting. He’s had incredible mentors throughout his journey, but it all started with his high school voice teacher, someone who Domer created a nonprofit youth choir in the St. Louis area with. His undergraduate choir directors have also had a profound impact on Domer, having pushed him into the field that he’s now a professional in.
“Mentors often see what can be, not see what is in front of them,” Domer said. “I’ve had mentors that have really pushed me to become a better version of myself, and as a musician for the ensembles that I lead.”
Since he started working at the church on May 1 it’s already been an incredible position for him, hence why he relocated across the country for the job. As director, he oversees all the church’s musical ensembles and operations, as well as four youth choirs and one adult choir. Domer also directly oversees the church’s handbell choir, its contemporary worship band, and a full team of vocal soloists, instrumentalists, organists and pianists.
Domer’s predecessor Joel Krott served as the church’s director of music since January 15, 1972, before passing the reigns. The path to the church has felt shepherded for Domer and he feels that this is where he’s meant to be, not just where his career pit-stops for a little. It’s a big deal for Domer to continue Krott’s legacy but he’s going to uphold Krott’s excellence in his own way.
“This is a place where people of all walks of life are welcome to come make music and it’s just a great place, and everybody has a place to either perform or enjoy good music,” Domer said. “It seems like there’s such a hunger here… It seems like there are so many ideas of how we can capitalize on the momentum and energy that we have and how we can look towards the future… It’s so exciting to see that electricity in the room and see people want to be here.”
Those interested in joining the church’s beginning of year Choir Social at 101 Bridgeboro Road on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 6 p.m. are required to RSVP by emailing a note of interest to Domer at music@fpcmoorestown.org or calling (856) 235-1688.
