Music

Senior Choir

Director: Dr. M. Kenneth Houser
The Senior Choir is open to anyone who enjoys the challenge and joy of making music. Some musical background is helpful and individuals must be able to match pitches.

Performs: Every Sunday 11:00 a.m. worship service September through June and other special occasions.
Rehearsals: Thursday 7:30-8:30 p.m. Choir Room

Allison Bell Choir

Director: Donna J. Houser
The Allison Bell Choir is open to individuals who enjoy the challenge of ringing handbells.
Participants must be able to read music and commit to weekly rehearsals.
Opportunities are also available for substitute ringers.

Performs: Third Sunday 11:00 a.m. worship service September through June, at other special occasions, and community functions.
Rehearsals: Thursday 6:15 - 7:15 p.m. Adams-Craig Room

Messiah Community Chorus

In 1936 the Allison Memorial Methodist Church Choir began a Carlisle tradition that has continued to this day. The choir presented Handel's "Messiah" under the directions of Frances Karper, Minister of Music at Allison with organ accompaniment by Frank McCarroll, organist/choir director of the Pine Street Presbyterian Church, Harrisburg.

In later years, the choir was joined by the Women's Choral Club of Dickinson College and the choir of the First Lutheran Church. Even the fire of 1954 that completely destroyed the historic Allison Memorial Methodist Church did not stop this annual event as it was temporarily relocated to Grace Evangelical United Brethren Church in 1954; Second Presbyterian Church in 1955, The First Lutheran Church in 1956; and The First Reformed United Church of Christ in 1957. In 1958 the annual event was hosted in the new Allison Church on the campus of Dickinson College with invitations extended to those churches who assisted during the rebuilding years. In 1959 the event became a true community choir with participants from throughout the greater Carlisle area. This tradition has continued to the present when each year approximately 140 singers from about 40 community organizations present a free public performance of this great oratorio.

You can dowload and listen to the following songs recorded from the 2001 performance of "Messiah":
Choir Recordings

The Allison Senior Choir and Allison Bell Choir both have CDs which are available for purchase. Click a link below to hear a sample.

Allison Senior Choir

Allison Handbell Choir