Choirs
We offer choir experience for all ages, beginning with kindergarten through adult. We also have four handbell choirs. All choirs welcome new members at any time throughout the year. Please contact our Music Office if you’d like more information on joining one of our choirs.
Cherub Choir (K-Grade 1)
The Cherub Choir is our youngest choir, made up of children in kindergarten (age 5 by September 1) and 1st graders. This choir meets from September to May and concentrates on the building of a musical foundation – introduction to musical symbols, listening, singing, rhythms, movement and creativity. The choir sings occasionally at the 11 a.m. worship service and participates in the Festival of Lessons and Carols, the spring Choir Festival and service projects.
Carol Choir (Grades 2-3)
The Carol Choir is made up of 2nd-3rd graders and meets from September to May. It builds on the experience of the Cherub Choir by providing an opportunity to grow in musical self-confidence. Singing skills and acceptance as leaders in the worship service are strengthened as the choir promotes a spirit of musical joy in praise of God’s glorious gift of music. The choir sings as scheduled at the 11:00 a.m. service, the Festival of Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve and the spring Choir Festival, and is involved in service projects.
Wesleyan Choir (Grades 4-6)
The Wesleyan Choir, made up of 4th-6th graders, meets from September to May. This choir builds further on the experiences of the younger choirs and expands the vocal range and ability of the young singer as well as skills in musicianship. The choir further explores the great hymnody of the Church and its worship practices and the liturgical year. The choir is able to sing more difficult music and sings at worship services on a monthly basis, as well as the Festival of Lessons and Carols and Christmas Eve. The choir also presents a musical-drama at the Choir Festival in the spring.
Aldersgate Chorale (Grades 7-12)
The Aldersgate Chorale is made up of a lively group of junior and senior high school youth, grades 7-12. This choir sings throughout the year at the 8:45 a.m. service and is an integral part of our ministry to youth at UPUMC. The choir participates in city-wide youth choir festivals and has performed at the Meyerson Symphony Center. Every other summer the choir embarks on a major choir tour to such places as the west coast, New York City, Acapulco, Toronto and the Bahamas, presenting productions such as Godspell. In recent years, the choir has premiered several new musical-theatre works.
Chancel Choir (College/Adults)
The Chancel Choir is for college-age and older adults. The choir sings throughout the year at the 11 a.m. worship service as well as other special services. It is heard each week as a part of our weekly broadcast on WRR-FM on Sundays at 9 a.m. The choir also presents concerts of major choral works with orchestra twice a year. The choir enjoys a wonderful sense of camaraderie and occasionally takes weekend retreats for fun, fellowship and singing! Childcare is always available by reservation.
Children’s Chimes (Handbells; Grades 2-3)
Children in 2nd-3rd grades may participate in this beginning experience with handchimes. No prior music reading skills are required and elementary music theory is taught. The children will ring for special events during the year and will ring in worship services and the choir festival later in the year. This class is designed to serve as an introduction to handbells. Choir size is limited to 11 children.
Joyful Sound Handbells (Grades 4-6)
This handbell choir is designed for 4th-6th graders with some prior music reading experience, although that should not keep a child from participating. Music theory will be reviewed with each rehearsal. This choir will ring regularly for worship services and occasional special events. Choir size is limited to 13 ringers.
Overtones Handbell Choir (College/Adults)
The Overtones Handbell Choir is made up of adults (including college age) who enjoy the special challenges and joys of handbell ringing. The choir requires a certain level of music proficiency and regular rehearsal commitments. The Overtones contribute to the Sunday worship services on a regular basis, and perform outside the church occasionally. Childcare is always available by reservation.
