Meet CarbonCopy, First Presbyterian of Lee’s Summit Contemporary Worship Band

The name CarbonCopy stems from the idea that we are all made in God’s image, yet we are all imperfect copies. CarbonCopy formed in August 2001 with the start of the contemporary service at First Presbyterian Church. Since then, the band has made it their aim to provide a passionate worship experience for the First Prez congregation each week. CarbonCopy’s hope is to spread the love and redemption that God gives us through Jesus Christ with meaningful contemporary music within each service.

Josh Williams – Josh has been a member of CarbonCopy since March of 2003. He is the drummer for the group, but one shouldn’t think of him as just a drummer. He also plays guitar, mandolin, Irish whistle and many other types of percussion instruments. Josh holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Technology from The University of Central Missouri. He currently works as a Sound Designer at Hallmark Cards, Inc. and is the drummer and vocalist for Multiphonic, a local dance band. Josh is currently an active member of the Session of First Presbyterian and is the president of the church corporation.

Courtney Williams – Courtney is also Mrs. Josh Williams now, but she was Courtney Allen when she began with CarbonCopy on that first Saturday in 2001 as a 17-year old keyboardist and singer. Since then, she has earned a Vocal Music Education Degree from the University of Missouri (Columbia) and a Master’s in Music Education from the University of Central Missouri. She currently teaches choir and general music at Pleasant Hill Middle School, is the lead vocalist for Multiphonic, and sings with the choral ensemble Kantorei of Kansas City. Courtney and Josh both reside in Independence, MO with their son, Oliver.

Libbie Chandler – Libbie’s love of music was grown in the life of her home church as a child. She continued to pursue music education by attending the University of Central Missouri and earning her bachelor’s degree in vocal music education. During her time there she greatly enjoyed singing in the University Concert Choir, student directing the University Women’s Ensemble and teaching and observing in neighboring school districts. After graduation, she started her teaching career in Pleasant Hill, Missouri teaching fifth and sixth-grade general music, guitar and choir. She is currently in her second year of teaching and loving it. Libbie was invited to join the band last Easter and has loved getting to know the First Presbyterian Church family through Sunday services and the church’s young adult group. Libbie lives in Lee’s Summit with her husband Ryan. She loves to spend time with family, including her many adorable nieces and nephews, trying new recipes in the kitchen, crafting new projects around the house, and playing with her two pups Cooper and Riley.

Brett Durham – Brett has been the guitarist with CarbonCopy since July of 2002. Brett attended The Institute of Audio Research in New York and is certified in audio engineering and programming. He and Josh were members of Peetie Stephens Band, a popular rock band in Lee’s Summit. Brett currently works for 5 Guys Transportation.

Craig Ziegenhorn – Craig is an original member of CarbonCopy, joining the band as bass player in September 2001. He began playing guitar and bass with a band called The XL’s during his years at the University of Iowa. After graduation, he got married and moved to Kansas City with his wife, Mary, and began working for the Social Security Administration. Craig is now retired from that organization, but not from CarbonCopy. His former band, The XL’s, were inducted into the Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Music Association Hall of Fame in 2009. They still reunite every summer to play at events in the Iowa City area.

Vesper Bells meets on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:15 from September through May. Vesper Bell membership is limited to 14-ringers. Substitute ringers are also needed.

Child care provided.

Please contact Sharon Pyburn if interested.

Spirit Bells meets Monday mornings from 9:15 to 10:15 August through May. This is a fun, diverse group that rings on the intermediate level. We enjoy using handbells and hand chimes along with many hand bell techniques.

Child care provided.

Please contact Sharon Pyburn if interested.

The First Church Octet is a small Chamber Choir that serves by performing advanced and intricate sacred music. The Octet performs once a month and on special occasions.