CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP BAND
“Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.”
~ Psalm 63: 3-4
We were created for worship. The First Church Contemporary Worship Team envisions Spirit-filled worship that draws hearts to Christ, unites the community in praise, and glorifies God with excellence and authenticity.
The Contemporary Worship Band leads the 11am Contemporary Service and contributes to other services like Maundy Thursday.
We have both paid musicians and volunteers who help lead this team. If you would like to get involved with our Worship Band, please email our Contemporary Worship Director Paul Davis III.
CHILDREN’S TREBLE CHOIR
The First UMC Treble Choir is for our youngest singers (grades K-5). This group rehearses during the school year on Tuesday afternoons from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Choristers in this group can expect to learn the fundamentals of music theory and church teachings through song and other interactive games and activities. The Treble Choir sings on the first Sunday of each month in traditional and contemporary worship. A small group for parents, coordinated by Rev. Denna Hornby, is also available during rehearsals. Contact Josh Sumter or Shelby Fowler below for more information or to get your child involved.
PARISH YOUTH CHOIR
This choir for youth (grades 6-12) typically leads the 8:45am traditional service. Rehearsals are held every Sunday at 5:00pm with the option to get dinner and to participate in youth activities afterward. If you or someone you know in grades 6 through 12 enjoys singing, please contact Josh Sumter below to express interest in joining the Parish Youth Choir.
PARISH ADULT CHOIR
The Parish Adult Choir, consisting of approximately 35 singers, has performed at the Holston Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Tennessee American Choral Directors Association Conference, the Washington National Cathedral, and the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. The choir has commissioned anthems by David L. Brunner, Austin Lovelace, Alfred Fedak, and Alice Parker.
The Parish Adult Choir leads worship at our 11:00 a.m. traditional services and contributes to other services, including Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, an Advent service of remembrance, and one or two services of evensong each year. The choir also presents Christmas concerts and masterworks. Anyone who loves to sing is welcome to join this hard-working group. Rehearsals take place every Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., except during June and July. Contact Josh Sumter below for more information.
HANDBELLS
First United Methodist Church has a number of fine handbell ringers who contribute to our overall musical excellence. The FUMC Carillons is our larger group that rings 3-5 octave repertoire and rehearses Wednesdays in the Nave 6:00-7:00 p.m. A small ensemble of 4-6 ringers may get together occasionally through the year.
Due to the nature of ringing, some music reading is necessary to feel comfortable in our handbell ensembles. A basic introduction to ringing is available for musicians who are interested but who have no prior handbell experience. If you are interested in ringing, please contact our Organist & Choirmaster, Josh Sumter below.
ORCHESTRA
The orchestra at FUMC is a new ensemble just for instrumentalists. This group is open to all youth and adults who play a typical band or orchestra instrument. The orchestra plays in traditional services a couple times per year. Music is assigned and sent well ahead of the service date with only a few rehearsals in the weeks preceding the service. It is a low-commitment way to offer your gifts and talents to God. Contact Josh Sumter below if you would like to play.
SCHOLA CANTORUM
The Schola Cantorum takes its name from a choir of highly trained singers formed by Pope Gregory I in medieval Rome and is a small ensemble of 6-12 singers. This group is comprised of music ministry staff and other choir members who desire to sing more challenging music for small ensembles or who have a desire to sing ancient music like Gregorian chant. Membership in this group is contingent on participation in another choir.
FESTIVAL & CHRISTMAS CHOIRS
The FUMC Festival Choir, also known as the Christmas Choir in the fall, is a seasonal choir that typically presents concerts each year with a full orchestra. It is an extension of the Parish Adult Choir and is open to anyone in the Oak Ridge area. This choir is an excellent option for those who love to sing but cannot commit to singing every Sunday or for those who attend other churches. A recent performance featured Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living with the choirs of St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal and United Church: Chapel on the Hill. When in session, the choir meets each Wednesday from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the choir room. To find out about the choir’s next performance contact Josh Sumter below.