“Arts at the Rocks” Concert Series season at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church is upon us. DHPC is surrounded by natural beauty, and they hope you find beauty and friendship in the people you meet when you visit them. DHPC sits beneath the Boulders in Carefree, at the corner of Scottsdale Road and Carefree Highway. Last season, “Arts at the Rocks” presented six major events ranging from classical choral groups, a gospel family, a horn orchestra and a trombone studio, all free to the public. The upcoming 2019-2020 season promises to continue these quality events, as well as enhancing the season by the addition of Master Classes by the artists, to benefit students and the community alike.
Mark your calendars for the first event on September 15th at 2:00 PM presenting an Organ Dedication Concert featuring Dan Miller, an internationally renowned organist, to show off the new, state-of-the-art, Rodgers Infinity 361 digital and pipe combination organ. Dan has spent the last 20 years at Rodgers Instruments as their Artist and Tonal Professional. Dan has a Master of Music degree with a concentration in Organ Performance. He is well-known for his numerous works composing and arranging, of which some selections have been broadcast on National Public Radio’s “Pipedreams.” In addition to the concert, Dan will hold a workshop on September 14 from 10 AM to noon for those who would like to experience his expertise and directly interact with him about his technical virtuosity, career and accomplishments.
The October event presents a Juilliard graduate Master of Music, world renowned, concert pianist, Sam Rotman, who will thrill the audience with an All-Beethoven concert commemorating the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven which occurs in 2020. Mr. Rotman has devoted a specific area of his musical life to the study and performance of the works of Beethoven, performing over 3000 concerts in the United States and 60 other countries. You don’t want to miss the mellifluous sounds of Mr. Rotman’s expert classical performance. Come experience the thrill of watching a world-class artist perform on October 13 at 4:00 PM followed by cookies and coffee. Did you know that Beethoven was a coffee fiend? Join us….for….the rest of the story.
Additionally, reserve your ticket to attend Mr. Rotman’s session, “Meet the Artist – Advice and Encouragement for Young Musicians from a Juilliard Graduate”. The class will focus on the importance of musical study, the way to prepare for a career in music, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask Mr. Rotman questions directly. The session will be from 2:30 PM to approximately 3:30 PM, giving you the opportunity to then stay for his concert. Music teachers—reserve seats for your students. This is a rare life opportunity for them. While performing concerts of classical music around the world, Mr. Rotman has shared his personal testimony with thousands of people and he will give his Christian testimony during the concert.
These are just the first two events this season. Next, you can look forward to: Mark Cordes, a valley resident and nationally touring comedian; beloved Valley Chamber Choral with lessons in carols; Grammy Award winning gospel quartet, The Blackwood Brothers; and the winner of the prestigious CMA Cleveland Quartet Award, Jasper String Quartet; as well as a possible handbell event. Darla Gilchrist, Elder of Music and Arts, and her hard-working Committee planning these events, says, “we invite you to join us as a volunteer and participate in the selection to add to the variety of our events. Please consider being an active volunteer or an usher, greeter or helper at one of our events. We would love to have you. Our new brochure will be available shortly, so email me for a digital copy at [email protected] All events are free and everyone is welcome. Come and enjoy the beauty of music and arts and please bring a friend or a neighbor. There’s room for everyone.”
There are a plethora of activities and ways to get involved at DHPC—such as Fellowship activities like Movie Monday or Book Group; Chancel or Handbell Choirs; usher, greet or participate in Operation Christmas Child; women’s, men’s, and community Bible studies at various times throughout the week, and with home groups to build meaningful relationships in a smaller setting. You’ll find a Grief Support Group led by a professional, Care Ministries, Chaplaincy for the Homeless, Troop Care, Neighbors in Need, Boy Scout troop, and opportunities to share your talents as a caring, loving, Sunday School teacher, leader or helper– to name a few—something for everyone’s liking. DHPC is also blessed with three sister churches, giving you the unique ability to fellowship with them in Jamaica, Scotland, or in Arizona at the Leupp Navajo Reservation.
When you walk through the doors of the DHPC sanctuary, you will find a community of believers strongly committed to going deeper with God, the Bible, the church family and the world. DHPC’s motto is …..”More People, More Like Christ.”
If a traditional worship experience is your delight, attend one of the two early worship services in the Sanctuary. You will hear choral music accompanied by the new, state-of-the-art organ, piano music, handbells, and other special pieces with guest musicians, all led by gifted Traditional Music Director, Jeffrey Anthony, Master of Sacred Music. Senior Pastor Reverend Jim Noble provides a biblical and memorable sermon to teach the Word of God, challenge thinking, and apply principles to daily life. There is also a contemporary worship service, termed “The Gathering”, held in the Fellowship Center, led by Arizona Christian University graduate, Mikey Moomey, Worship Director, along with his team of worship band musicians and praise singers. Worship times during the months of June through September are 9:00 AM for Traditional Worship and 10:30 AM for “The Gathering”. October through May, the worship times are 8:15 AM and 9:45 AM Traditional and 11:10 AM for “The Gathering”. Enjoy coffee and the all-important “donuts” after worship services on the patio overlooking the foot of the Boulders and DHPC’s beautiful Memorial Garden. Visit the church website at www.deserthills.org or call Office Manager, Beth, with questions 480-488-3384. With a rich fifty year history, Desert Hills Presbyterian Church hopes you will participate in some of the many events occurring at this breathtaking geological formation site, and look forward to seeing you and getting to know you!
“Arts at the Rocks” is part of the Music & Arts Ministry at DHPC and is possible through the generous donations of members and the community as well as support from DHPC staff.
