Music MinistriesFirst United Methodist Church’s Music Ministries work "to enhance and provide leadership through music for the inspiring worship of God and the Risen Christ."
The worship of God through music has long been an important value of the people of First Church. The Music Ministries provide an opportunity for people in our faith community to share their gifts with God and the congregation. At the same time, the Music Ministries provide an opportunity to extend friendships and fellowship and increase connections among church members.
The church year features many exciting opportunities for the worship of God primarily through music. These events include choral masterworks sung by the Chancel Choir, Lessons and Carols services during the Advent and Christmas seasons, a Christmas pageant led by the Children’s Choirs, an Advent luncheon and concert by the bell choirs, a spring concert by the Wesley Choir, and a spring musical event by the Children’s Choirs. Members of the Music Ministries also share their gifts with the community by performing at community–wide events, at nursing homes, and at other churches.
Announcements
COME ONE, COME ALL, YA'LL COME SING!
Everyone is invited to join the Open Door's newest musical worship group, The Open Door Ensemble. This will be a full choir group with enough room for anyone who wants to join. All ages welcome (including children and youth) and absolutely no musical experience necessary. If you are interested, or need more information, please contact Travis Jeffords at tjeffords@fumcb.org or 332-6396.
RINGERS WANTED
The Chancel Ringers are an intergenerational group, ranging in age from high school students to retired senior citizens. Ringing 5 octaves of bells and handchimes, they participate in worship roughly once per month. In addition, they have done weddings and memorial services, shared in the worship of other congregations, performed in a prayer service with the Dalai Lama, and given programs at various nursing homes.
Rehearsals are Wednesday evening, 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the bell room on the second floor.
Contact Skip Sluder: 332-7323.
Adult Music
Chancel Choir Rehearses Thursdays, 7-8:15 p.m. - Sanctuary & Room 215/216
Sings primarily at sanctuary services
The Chancel Choir regularly prepares music from the classical repertoire for worship each Sunday. Twice a year, the choir leads the congregation in worship through the singing of a choral masterwork with orchestra. One does not need to audition to join the Chancel Choir, nor does one need to be a musician (though some knowledge of music is always helpful).
Wesley Choir Rehearses Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. - Room 215/216
Sings primarily at the First Up Service
The Wesley Choir welcomes anyone who likes to sing. The choir sings a wide range of choral music from a variety of styles for worship each Sunday. Once a year, the choir leads the congregation in worship through the singing of a choral masterwork with orchestra. The Wesley Choir and friends also present a yearly benefit concert for the Zachary Novak Memorial Scholarship. No audition is necessary to join, but an ability or willingness to learn how to read music expected.
Common Ground Band Rehearses Wednesdays, 6:15-8:00 p.m.
Plays primarily at 11 a.m. - The Open Door
The Common Groun Band is a group of instrumental and vocal musicians that plays primarily in the Open Door 11:00 service in the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. The band plays a wide variety of music, from standard hymns to contemporary Christian praise songs, jazz to secular rock, pop and country, and traditional spirituals to original compositions. This group is always looking for interested volunteers. While no previous musical experience is necessary, it is necessary to be able to learn music by ear without sheet music. Please contact Travis Jeffords at tjeffords@fumcb.org or 332-6396 for more information regarding this group.
Chancel Ringers Rehearses Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00 p.m. in Room 307
Ring at various worship services
Consisting of twelve ringers ranging from teenagers to retirees who just love to ring, this choir participates at least once a month in the Sunday morning worship services. We are always looking for new reingers. Previous musical experience is not required.
Joyful Ringers Rehearses Wednesdays, 6:15-6:55 p.m. in Room 307
Ring at various worship services
An ensemble of four advanced ringers, the Joyful Ringers rehearse an hour each week and participate in worship services two times during each season.
Opportunities for Children and Youth
Carol Choir Grades K-3
Summer Break - Practice will resume September 1
The Carol Choir is open to all children in grades K-3. This choir sings in worship and participates in the Christmas pageant and the spring musical event. They also rehearse weekly as part of the Combined Children's Choir (please see below).
Carol Choir rehearsals focus on building a basic foundation of music skills including pitch, rhythm and reading skills as well as singing in parts. The Carol Choir also provides children with the opportunity to build friendships within the church and to learn about the worship life of the church. Regular attendance at rehearsals by all members is essential to the positive musical and social development of this ensemble.
Junior Vocal Ensemble Grades 4-8
Summer Break - Practice will resume September 1
Junior Vocal Ensemble (JVE) is open to all children/youth in grades 4-8. This choir sings in worship and participates in the Christmas pageant and the spring musical event. They also rehearse weekly as part of the Combined Children's Choir (please see below).
JVE rehearsals focus on advanced reading skills in multiple parts. Attention is also given to promoting an understanding of the part music plays in the liturgy of the United Methodist Church. The Junior Vocal Ensemble sings traditional, blended, and contemporary music suitable for the different worship services at First Church. Regular attendance at rehearsals by all members is essential to the positive musical and social development of this ensemble.
Combined Children's Choir
Summer Break - Practice will resume September 1
The Combined Children's Choir includes both the Carol Choir and Junior Vocal Ensemble in weekly rehearsals. This full choir will prepare special musical projects that require a larger number of musicians working together including Orff Instruments and Dance. It also provides an opportunity for the members of the Carol Choir to work with and be guided by their older peers in the JVE.
StillWater: Youth Praise Band/Choir Grades 7-12
Rehearses Sundays, 4:00-5:00 p.m. in Room 302
This group seeks youth to sing and play contemporary and blended Christian music. All singers and instrumentalists are welcome.
Apple Ringers
Summer Break - Practice will resume September 1
A youth choir of experienced upper elementary, middle school and high school ringers.
Christ Ringers
Summer Break - Practice will resume September 1
This bell choir for elementary students shares in the musical leadership of worship two or three times during each season. Through the year the ringers learn about handbells, rhythm, reading music, and playing in a choir. Previous musical knowledge is not necessary.
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