The Music Ministry
Psalm 98:1 – “Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things.”
The Music and Worship Arts Department of First United Methodist Church strives to glorify God in all that we do. Our prayer is that every note, every step, every word is acceptable to our Creator and a reflection of our love, honor and thanksgiving. All art offered in worship is our gift to God given in response to the immeasurable gifts God has given us.
The Worship Arts program at First United Methodist includes four singing choirs, a contemporary worship team of singers and instrumentalists, two instrumental ensembles that include a large Brass Ensemble and a Woodwind Quartet, two handbell choirs and two vocal ensembles. All the ensembles provide support to the three Sunday morning worship services on a rotating basis.
First United Methodist’s 79-rank Aeolian-Skinner-Dyer organ is one of the finest instruments in the Southeast. The organ’s primary function is to lead worship and congregation song, but it also is capable of playing significant organ literature of all periods.
*Psalm 98:4 – “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises!”*
The Worship Arts program is open to all who love to share their creative gifts with their Lord. No auditions are required and all are welcome. The department provides the opportunity for participants to serve the church with their talents and time, to develop their creative gifts and to deepen their personal spiritual awareness. Participants in worship arts serve on two levels. Each person offers his or her art as an individual testament of faith. At the same time, each individual artist offers praise for the members of the congregation who have not been given the gift of artistry. There is a common phrase that states, “Those who sing, pray twice.” It is also true that those who lead worship through art, worship twice!
Ensembles
Vocal
The Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir sings weekly during the 11 a.m. worship hour. The Chancel Choir sings challenging literature that represents music of all historical periods, but especially music from the serious contemporary genre. Membership in the Chancel Choir is open to all adults. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. In addition to morning worship leadership, the choir offers two major evening concerts with orchestra annually.
Youth Ensemble
Our Youth Ensemble combines the talents of our Senior High and Middle School youth. They rehearse on Sunday mornings at 9:45 a.m. The ensemble sings at the 11 a.m. service when an anthem is ready to offer in worship. Part of their repertoire also finds them singing with the other vocal choirs on festival Sundays. Membership in the Youth Ensemble is open to all who love music and wish to serve their church.
The Alleluia Choir
The Alleluia Choir is for singers in grades two, three, four and five. The Alleluia Choir sings monthly at the 11 a.m. service, offering age appropriate anthems. The children’s choir rehearsal provides multiple learning experiences, including singing, movement, exploratory instrumental playing and story telling. Membership in the Alleluia Choir is open to all children. The choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings,6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
The Carol Choir
The Carol Choir is for singers kindergarten and first grade. The Carol Choir sings at least once every two months at the 11 a.m. worship hour. The Carol Choir often joins the Alleluia Choir for combined anthems. Emphasis in the Carol Choir is to begin an understanding of the singing voice and a love of singing. Membership in the Carol Choir is open to all children. The choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings, 5:45 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
One Voice
One Voice is a women’s trio that sings monthly in worship at the 8:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship hours. The trio also provides excellent programs outside of worship for church events and community gatherings.
Him Tunes
Him Tunes is a men’s quartet drawn from the Chancel Choir. Their repertoire includes spirituals, hymn arrangements and original compositions for four-part men. The quartet sings monthly at the 8:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship hours. Him Tunes also provides excellent programs outside of their Sunday morning offerings for church events and community gatherings.
Instrumental
The Brass Ensemble
The Brass Ensemble plays standard brass ensemble literature ranging from Gabrieli to today’s contemporary composers. In addition to literature for brass, the ensemble often provides colorful accompaniment to anthems sung by the Chancel Choir. The Brass Ensemble rehearses on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Membership is open to all adults with playing experience.
The Woodwind Quintet
The Woodwind Quintet plays demanding chamber literature written for flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon. The adults in the quintet offer music monthly at the 11 a.m. service. Rehearsals for the quartet are on Monday evenings at 7:15 p.m.
Handbell Choirs
The Wesley Ringers
The Wesley Ringer are a five-octave adult choir that rings challenging music written for handbells. The choir rings at least once a month in the 11 a.m. service. The Wesley Ringers rehearse on Wednesday evenings, 5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Membership in the choir is by director’s invitation.
Sanctuary Bells
The Sanctuary Bells is a three-octave adult choir that rings monthly in the 8:15 a.m. worship hour. The choir rehearses on Monday evenings, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Membership in the choir is by director’s invitation.
Contemporary Worship Music Leadership Team
The Rock of Ages Praise Band is a combination of singers and instrumentalists, who provide music leadership for our contemporary worship service. Four singers from a larger group of 12 rotate into the morning worship hour each week. The singers are supported by two keyboardists, two guitarists and a percussionist. A worship leader provides guidance for the congregational participation. The Rock of Ages Praise Band rehearses on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Membership is open to all.
The Unity Players is an intergenerational group that provides short presentations for the contemporary service. The group also provides presentations outside of worship at other church functions.
