Music
Choral and other ensembles
The music ministry at Rocky Mount United Methodist Church supports and strengthens the total ministry of our church by expressing God’s word in our musical gifts, by offering opportunities of fellowship and by supplying avenues for musical growth.
All our musical ensembles are open and waiting for you to share your talents and enthusiasm. There are no auditions or musical knowledge requirements for participation.
Our director of Music Ministries, Lynn Meeks, is available to talk with you about any of our “Music Ministries”.
All choirs will meet in the choir practice room, located on the upper floor of the educational wing (unless otherwise noted). Follow the steps beside the church nursery.
The Chancel Choir | Wednesdays, 7:00 pm
The Chancel Choir is our adult sanctuary choir and presents anthems most Sundays of the year. It is a vital part of our worship, not only by expressing God’s Word through music but also by leading the congregation in hymns and readings. This choir sings anthems ranging from classical to contemporary Christian style. The Chancel Choir presents special festival music throughout the year including holiday cantatas. Mature middle/high school students are invited to join this ensemble.
The Celebration Singers | during Wonderful Wednesday
The Celebration Singers are open to boys and girls in second through fifth grades. The “Singers” experience a variety of styles of music; hymns, contemporary Christian, spirituals, folk, and classical. Emphasis is on unison and two-part singing. The “Singers” also learn to play handbells/chimes during this rehearsal (see “Celebration Ringers” under Instrumental Ensembles). This choir participates in worship approximately every four to six weeks and in a special music production each year. This rehearsal is incorporated into our weekly Wonderful Wednesday program.
The Carol Choir | during Wonderful Wednesday
The Carol Choir is for boys and girls four years old through first graders. The children learn choruses, hymns, and singing games. Basic musical concepts are experienced through rhythm. This choir participates in worship approximately every four to six weeks and in at least one musical each year. Again this year as part of the choir program, the children will be playing Melody Bells (color-coded handbells) every other week. This rehearsal is part of our weekly Wonderful Wednesday program.
Wonderful Wednesday | Wednesday, 5:00-6:30 pm
This is an opportunity in Christian education as well as a musical one. The Carol Choir and Celebration Singers/Ringers rehearsals, each lasting 30 minutes, are part of this extended Wednesday evening program. Both groups will begin the evening together with a light supper and Bible story. They will divide for crafts and choir rehearsals. We always need more adult volunteers to supply our meals and help with the crafts.
The Jubilant Ringers | Tuesdays, 7:00 pm
The Jubilant Ringers is a 3-Octave handbell choir combining youth and adults. The ensemble plays occasionally for worship and for special festival Sundays throughout the year. All the basic music theory you need to know is taught during rehearsal. No prior music reading is required.
The Celebration Ringers | bi-weekly during Wonderful Wednesdays
The Celebration Ringers is a beginning handbell choir for second through fifth graders. They practice approximately every other week as part of the choir program during Wonderful Wednesday.
The Joyful Noise
Directed by Charlotte Hill, this is an instrumental ensemble that includes youths and adults. This group will present music for Christmas and Easter and for other festival Sundays throughout the year. All instruments are needed. Seasonal rehearsals will be announced. Please let Charlotte or Lynn know if you would like to be part of the “Noise”!
Throughout the year, there are many opportunities for persons to participate in the music ministry of Rocky Mount UMC by performing solos, accompanying singers, playing solo instruments for worship, and supervising children’s choirs during rehearsal or on Sunday mornings. Don’t hide your gift of music.
The Moving Word
This liturgical dance group is open to older children, youths, and adults. The Moving Word combines the auditory and the visual for an extra sensory impression as the words are revealed before the congregation’s eyes in movement and drama. This group will participate in worship several times throughout the year. Rehearsals are called as needed.