here is no greater joy than serving God through cultivating your God given talents and using them for His glory!  The Music Ministry of First United Methodist Church is a community of faith organized to aid in the proclamation of the Gospel through the art of music.  Choir groups, available for individuals from 3-year olds through adults, gather regularly to learn more about music and experiencing their faith through music. We believe music ministry builds Christian character and our goal is musical excellence which communicates God's love. 

This church is truly blessed with musical talent! Music is also sooo much fun. To see how much fun, visit the one of our practice sessions or outings. You can ask any smiling choir member; they'll tell you all about it!

Registration for FAME (Fine Arts and Music Experience) Summer Camp for Children will happen this summer! You may register at the church or on-line at the FAME Registration web page starting in late June 2010.

Weekly Opportunities

Our Church Choirs

Adults & Youth

  Chancel Choir - Susan Smith, Director

Rehearses Wednesdays at 7:00 - 8:30 PM. (Free childcare is provided)  The choir provides weekly leadership for 10:30 AM Sunday worship service.  Two major chorale worship services are presented annually with orchestra. 

  Praise Worship Band

Rehearses Sunday mornings at 8:30 AM. Accompanies the Praise Worship portion of the 10:30 AM Sunday morning service.

Children's Choirs 

  Cherub Choir, 3-4 year olds

Wednesday evenings, SonRise Village, 5:45 PM.
Clarita William, Director Summer Break
 

  Carol Choir, Grades 1-2

Wednesday evenings, Room 206W, 5:30 PM.
JoCarol Adamson, Director Summer Break
 

  Joyful Singers, Grades 3-5

Wednesday evening,  Room 206W, 5:30 PM.
Sue Wilson, Director Summer Break

Rehearsals are Wednesdays evenings during other Oasis programming.  The choirs sing in selected Sunday morning worship, and a special Sunday evening program in December.  They also sing in the Annual Talent Show and present a special Sunday evening spring musical in May.

An early introduction to music helps youngsters appreciate music all their lives. Our Children's Choirs have defined goals toward which training is aimed: 

• To Build Eternal Values Into The Life of Each Child Through music and instruction basic Christian beliefs are taught. Music is used as a means of building Christian character.



• To Teach Reverence and Worship The children are taught the significance of the various parts of the worship service and how to conduct themselves in worship.



• To Train the Child in Self-Discipline, Dependability and Cooperation
  In a choir, all must work together for the good of a worthy cause. This takes self-control, faithfulness, and submission to appointed leadership.



• To Teach Each Child to Read, Understand and Enjoy Good Music, and To Correct Basic Habits in Singing
  The fundamentals of music notation, good posture, deep breathing, ease in singing, and correct pronunciation is stressed in each rehearsal.



• To Teach the Great Hymns and Anthems of The Church
  Our church is blessed with a heritage of great composers. The children are made aware of this heritage in song.



• To Prepare and Present Music for Occasional Services Through Which The Congregation May Worship God
  The children not only learn the music, but are instructed in behavior, which is becoming to worship leaders. Each child has an active part in helping people to worship.

  Handbell Choirs 

  Adult - Alleluia Bell Choir

Adults, meets Sunday afternoons 4:00 - 5:00 PM.
Performs as needed for worship and special events.
Susan Smith, Director

  Youth - New Youth Bell Choir

New Youth handbell choir meets meets Wednesday evenings in the Sacristy at 5:00 PM. You'll get out in plenty of time for Refuge.

Handbell choir participation:

• Develops music skills
• Epitomizes 1 Corinthians 12:12 , which emphasizes the importance of each person in the body of Christ
• Develops dependability

Attendance is of utmost importance.  Requires weekly commitment.