Melinda Feldmann (left) and Amanda Yeoman (right) have been selected organist and choir director at First Presbyterian Church of Oneida
(Oneida, NY – Sept. 2015) Throughout its history, the First Presbyterian Church of Oneida has incorporated a high-quality program of music to proclaim the gospel and to return thanks and praise to God. The church looks forward to continuing and enhancing this program with the announcement that a new team of professionals have joined the music worship leadership team.
Melinda Feldmann has accepted the position of church organist and Amanda Yeoman has been named the church’s choir director, replacing Virginia Drake who retired in August after 14 years as choir director.
Feldmann is a summa cum laude graduate of the Crane School of Music, with a master’s degree in music education and a concentration in piano pedagogy. She teaches music at JD George Elementary School in the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill School District, where she works with general music, instrumental, and choral students. She has accompanied and performed professionally for 14 years.
Feldmann said that music helps us express and connect at a deep and personal level.
“I am honored to help the people of this church family deepen their worship experience,” Feldman said.
Yeoman is also a summa cum laude graduate of the Crane School of Music where she majored in music education. She earned a master’s degree in music education from Syracuse University. Yeoman is currently a music educator for St Patrick’s Elementary School in Oneida and Rome Catholic Elementary School in Rome. A member of the Oneida Area Civic Chorale, she also operates her own music studio where she teaches various levels of instrumental and piano students.
In addition to building on traditional choir music, Yeoman wants to expand the Praise Team and its contemporary music repertoire with plans to add a drummer and will be incorporating some of the youth of the church into this musical group. Yeoman also has plans to revive the church’s Bell Choir to encourage other individual from the church to learn music and have the opportunity to perform as a Bell Choir at various times throughout the year.
“Music has a way of helping people better connect with certain ideas and thoughts. I am excited to be working with many different generations and levels of musical talent to unite this church family through many diverse genres of music. I look forward to using song to bring a deeper meaning to the scriptures and studies of the church,” Yeoman said.
The choir will return from its summer recess on Sunday, Sept. 13 during the 10 a.m. service. The First Presbyterian Church of Oneida is located at 304 Broad Street and is accessible to the physically challenged.