Music
Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir leads us in worship through sacred music, echoing the psalmist’s call to ‘make a joyful noise to the Lord’ (Psalm 100:1). With hearts lifted in song—from Sunday mornings to a recent performance at Carnegie Hall with DCINY—our choir members offer their voices as a living prayer, enriching our shared experience of faith.
Handbell Choir
Our Handbell Choir adds a touch of sparkle and joy to the music in worship. The variety of techniques used to play the bells makes them as fun to watch as they are to listen. They’re even more fun to play. The bell choir is open to all ages and skill levels.
Instrumentalists & Ensembles
From strings to brass, woodwinds to percussion, piano to guitar, our instrumentalists join in creating rich, spirit-filled worship experiences. Whether accompanying hymns or adding flair to special services, all are welcome to bring their musical gifts.
1924 3-manual 33 rank Austin pipe organ
Mission Hills Young Musicians
“Where young musicians grow in confidence, competence, and collaboration — one note at a time”
Our mission is to provide young people with engaging opportunities to learn and make music through instruction in music fundamentals and participation in choral singing, fostering cooperation and creativity while developing musical competence and confidence.
Participants will perform at a handful of church services and select community events.
Schedule
- Thursdays, 4:00-5:30 pm
- Aug 20 – Nov 19 (fall semester)
- Jan 7 – May 20 (spring semester)
Participants
- Ages 7-11 (grades 2-6)
- Open to 10-12 participants
Class Agenda
- Music fundamentals (~30 minutes)
- Break (15 minutes)
- Choral singing (~40 minutes)
- Announcements (~5 minutes)
Resources
- The Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) Voice for Life Choir Training Method
- Selected choral anthems, both secular and sacred, representing a diverse range of styles and traditions
Performance Dates
- Church services – 9/27/26, 11/15/26, 1/31/27, 3/20/27, 5/16/27
- Community events – 12/13/26, 5/8/27
Program Leaders
Angelica Eclar
(she/her)
Director of Worship and Music (coordinator)
Artcel Ruiz
(she/her)
Director of Ministry with Children and Families (outreach & support)
Instructor Bio
Sophia Perez is a music educator and performer, dedicated to building an inclusive and inspiring music program where young people can develop strong musicianship, grow in confidence, and experience the transformative power of collaborative music-making.
A graduate of San Diego State University, Sophia holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance with an emphasis in Classical Voice and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance with an emphasis in Musical Theatre. She also completed a minor in Child and Family Development, which shapes her commitment to developmentally responsive, student-centered instruction that meets young musicians where they are.
Sophia brings a diverse background in both private and ensemble-based education. Since 2023, she has been a voice and piano instructor at San Diego Music Academy, working with students across a wide range of ages and skill levels.
She is committed to fostering a program that reflects the values of inclusivity, curiosity, and joy, and that inspires a lifelong connection to music!
Our multi-generational ensemble leading worship.
Our instrumentalists and vocalists—serving together in spirit and sound.
Chancel Choir during our Easter Service.
Glorifying God—one note at a time.
A History of the Mission Hills UCC Pipe Organ
On September 25, 1924, Mission Hills Congregational Church celebrated the dedication of a new organ with a special recital. The instrument, installed by the Austin Organ Company, was a heartfelt gift from Alice Cowles Doane and Mary Flager Cowles in memory of their mother, Louise Mary Cowles (1839–1903). The organ’s design and dedication were led by her grandson, John Doane, who was also the church’s first minister.
Over the decades, the organ underwent several significant updates. In 1956, the California Organ Company made major modifications. A few years later, in 1963, further repairs and enhancements were completed by pipe organ builder Leonard Dowling. In 1976, a new console was commissioned from the Möller Organ Company, and installed in March 1977 by William E. Ginder, thanks to fundraising efforts by members of the First Congregational Church.
In 1980, the First Congregational Corporation generously funded additional improvements in honor of Margueritte B. Nobles, who had served as organist and choirmaster for 42 years. These enhancements, completed in November 1981, were carried out by William E. Ginder Pipe Organs.
Recognizing the need for further updates, the church began exploring options in 2007 to improve the aging console. After evaluating several possibilities, the Worship and Music Commission decided to move forward with a new solid-state electronic action console.
This major upgrade was made possible by a generous matching gift from the estate of John Brownell, given by his family members Anne Sarsfield and Joan Anderson. The project was entrusted to L. W. Blackinton and Associates, Inc. of El Cajon, who designed and built a new three-manual electric console, installed on the sanctuary’s main floor. The expanded console gave the organist enhanced control of the organ’s 33 ranks, while a newly added Festival Trumpet enriched the reed division. The work was completed in May 2008, with Lyle Blackinton supported by Dale Sorenson and Jesus Zepeda.
