Music

Dr. Warren Apple, Director of Music and Organist

Dr. Apple came to Covenant Presbyterian Church in September 2011.  He has his Doctor of Music Arts (organ major, church music secondary) from Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester, NY.  He also has a Master of Music (organ major, choral conducting secondary) from Eastman School of Music.  He has been a student at Vienna (Austria) Conservatory of Music and Performing Arts studying organ and harpsichord.

Working previously at Venice Presbyterian Church, he held the position of Principal Organist and Director of an 80 member Chancel Choir, 40 member Sanctuary Choir, a Male Chorus, Women’s Chorus, Contemporary Choir, Chamber Choir of 18 members and Covenant Handbells for over 15 years. During the time in Venice, he also led an Instrumental Ensemble.  Dr. Apple was an Adjunct Instructor of Music at State College of Florida.  He was also an Instructor of Music Appreciation and Jazz History at Florida Southwestern State College, formerly Edison College. 

Currently, Dr. Apple holds the position of Organist here at Covenant Presbyterian Church, and also is the Director of Music for Covenant’s Chancel Choir, Concert Choir, Jubilate Ringers (handbell choir), and Instrumental Ensemble.  He coordinates with Juan Pablo Oliva, the Worship Band Director, to develop an inspirational experience for the worship services. 

Music Opportunities

Chancel Choir

We extend an invitation to all vocalists, including our teens, to join the choir!  We promise great fellowship and fun singing!  Chancel Choir rehearsals will be every Thursday from 6:55 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Music Room.  Summer choir, May through September, rehearses only on Sunday mornings prior to the worship service. 

Concert Choir

The Concert Choir is comprised mostly of members of the Chancel Choir but is also available to members of our community.  It performs several times throughout the year as part of the Covenant Concert Series, usually accompanied by full orchestra.  Highlights of the concert season include the annual Christmas and Spring Concerts.  Works of recent years include: Messiah by Handel; Requiems by Rutter, Brahms, and Durufle; Te Deum by Haydn and Raph Vaughn Williams; and Gloria by Rutter.  Rehearsals: Four or five Saturday morning rehearsals prior to each concert.

Handbell Choir

Jubilate Ringers is an auditioned handbell choir for adults.  Performing on a five-octave set of Malmark bells, this outstanding ensemble plays for worship service once each month and performs at the annual Christmas and Spring Concerts.  The Jubilate Ringers have often played for the Holiday House at the Edison Home and have performed with the Southwest Florida Symphony.  Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  in the Sanctuary.

Instrumental Ensemble

The Instrumental Ensemble is a small group of volunteers from within the congregation who play various musical instruments.  The Instrumental Ensemble will present a Prelude from time to time and help to accompany congregation hymns.  New members are welcome!  Contact Dr. Warren Apple, Director of Music at rwa10@hotmail.com for more information.

Worship Band

Covenant’s Worship Band, comprised of adults and youth, helps lead music in the worship services. If you are interested in worship band, please contact the director, Juan Pablo Oliva, at jpablo606@gmail.com.