EQUIPPING PEOPLE

THROUGH MUSIC

"Sing all. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can. Let not a single degree of weakness or weariness hinder you. If it is a cross to you, take it up, and you will find it a blessing."  

from John Wesley's Directions for Singing Select Hymns, 1761


A big part of the worship experience happens when we lift our voices (and instruments) in praise of God. The Music Ministry at 1st Church works to EQUIP people to use music in a variety of ways to inspire others to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.  We have a variety of ways for you to be involved in the music ministry.  Just scroll down to learn more about ways you can be involved as we praise God together. 



ADULT MUSIC MINISTRY 


1ST KIDS MUSIC MINISTRY 


YOUTH MUSIC MINISTRY 

be a part

of the music ministry

Throughout the year, the choirs of 1st United Methodist Church play an important role in the life of the church.  Each Sunday morning the Morning Glory Chorus and the Chancel Choir help lead the Traditional Worship Services.  Meanwhile, the Praise Band comes together during the Contemporary Worship Service to help connect people to God with a more modern sound.  

  • Chancel Choir

    This 60 + voice choir prepares a variety of sacred music for the 10:30 traditional worship service in the sanctuary. Annual highlights include a televised Christmas Cantata with orchestra and special music for Easter celebrations


    Rehearsals are from 7:00 to 8:30 pm

    on Wednesdays in the Choir Room (room 249).  


    Dr. Dwight Dockery leads the Chancel Choir.


    reach out to dwight

  • Morning Glory Chorus

    This chorus of "early birds" prepares music for the 8:15 Traditional worship service. In addition, the group also prepares a special Christmas Cantata with instrumental accompaniment. 


    Rehearsals are on Sunday mornings

    at 7:30 am in the Choir Room (room 249).


    Dr. Dwight Dockery leads the Morning Glory Chorus.


    reach out to dwight


  • Contemporary Praise Band

    The sounds of electric and acoustic guitars, piano, drums and great vocals fill the room each Sunday Morning during the Contemporary Worship Service.  The 1st UMC Praise Band leads each worship service downstairs in Asbury Hall (including Celebrate Recovery on Wednesday nights).  


    Ralph Jeffers leads the Praise Band.


    REACH OUT TO ralph 

  • Church Orchestra

    The 1st UMC Orchestra plays periodically for both the 8:15 and 10:30 am Traditional Worship Services.  Musical choices are designed for high school through adult ages. 


    Dr. Dwight Dockery leads the Church Orchestra


    REACH OUT dwight 

  • Evensong Handbells

    This group rings advanced level music using 5 octaves of Schulmerich handbells.  Music is prepared for worship and special programs throughout the year. 


    Rehearsals are Sundays at 4:00 pm in Room 252. 


    Dr. Jennifer Anderson leads the handbell choirs.


    REACH OUT TO jennifer


STUDENT choir opportunities

kindergarten - 5th grade

Being part of a church choir can help a child boost their confidence, teach them important musical skills and most importantly help them grow in their faith. 


Here at 1st United Methodist Church we offer children and youth the opportunity to be in a choir from the time they are in Kindergarten through the time they graduate from High School. 


Children's choirs are divided into three categories:

Beginner Choir

(Kindergarten & 1st Grade)

Elementary Choir

(2nd & 3rd Grades)

Intermediate Choir 

(4th & 5th Grades)


During the course of the year, our children's choirs present music in different worship services and special events. 


Children's Music opportunities


When a child enters the 6th grade they can move into our Youth Music program.  Students can be a part of the vocal choir and/or handbell choir.  


YOUTH MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES


After rehearsals (on Wednesday nights)  families are encouraged to join their children and others for dinner here at the church.  Afterward there are opportunities for children, youth and adults to each participate in Bible Study. 


WEDNESDAYS AT 1ST

starting music

at an early age

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. - Colossians 3:16


Equipping children with the tools they need to worship in song and music is at the heart of our 1st Kids Music Ministry. Throughout the year, children raise their voices during worship services and at special events.  We would love for your child (or children) to be a part of this ministry


Children's Choirs meet on Wednesday evenings starting at 5:00 pm


I am interested in Children's Choir



  • INTERMEDIATE CHOIR

    This group of 4th and 5th graders Includes a chorus and two handbell choirs. These children prepare worship music, special music for Christmas and have also taken the music on the road as part of a summer mission trip.   


    Rehearsals are: 

    Wednesdays at 5:00 pm

    in rooms 249 and 252. 


    Dr. Jennifer Anderson, 

    Dr. Dwight Dockery,

    and Meredith Simpson - Directors

    Barry Beard - Accompanist


    REACH OUT with questions 


  • ELEMENTARY CHOIR

    This musical group of 2nd and 3rd graders consists of a chorus and two tone chime choirs.  Music is prepared for worship services with special music at Christmas. 


    Rehearsals are:

    Wednesdays at 5:00 pm

    in Rooms 249 and 252.


    Dr. Jennifer Anderson, 

    Dr. Dwight Dockery, 

    and Meredith Simpson - Directors

    Barry Beard - Accompanist


    REACH OUT with questions 

  • BEGINNER CHOIR

    Kindergarteners and 1st graders make up this choir which presents music for worship services and special music at Christmas. 


    Rehearsals are:

    Wednesdays at 5:00 pm - Room 254

    Dr. Jennifer Anderson, Director


    REACH OUT to jennifer 



equipping

youthful voices

So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. - 1 Corinthians 14:15


Students in 6th - 12th grades are part of our First Future Ministry which includes a youth choir and youth handbells. These opportunities are open to each student regardless of their prior music experience. 


I AM INTERESTED IN YOUTH CHOIRS 

  • YOUTH CHOIR

    This choir of 6th - 12th grade provides music during various worship services throughout the year. 

    Rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm  (Choir Room 249).


    All students in this grade range are welcome!


    Dr. Dwight Dockery leads the Youth Choir


    : REACH OUT TO dwight


  • YOUTH HANDBELLS

    This group of 6th -12th grade youth ring intermediate to advanced level music using 5 octaves of handbells. 

    Rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 6:25 pm (Handbell Room 252)


    Dr. Jennifer Anderson leads the youth handbell choir. 


     rEACH OUT TO jennifer


music ministry

calendar

Hang tight while we look up scheduled events...