Music

The Music Ministry at Myers Park United Methodist Church wishes to provide all ages with an opportunity for service through God's gift of music. It is our hope to make membership in the music program a time of growth: in our understanding of the presence of God in our lives, in our musical abilities and in being with others who share our faith.  

It is our prayer that you will consider joining us as in praising God through music.

Music Ministry Staff
Minister of Worship and the Arts: Ellen Robison
Director of Music: Jimmy Jones
Associate Organist: Catherine Hicks, Interim
Church in the Round: Ryan  Deal, Interim Director
Director of Youth and Children's Music Ministry: Allyson Ware
Music Ministry Assistant: Jan Helms


Music Areas Descriptions

Chancel Choir  Rehearsals: Wednesdays 7:00 pm - 8:30 p.m

Church in the Round Singers
Church in the Round Singers invites people of all ages who enjoy worshiping through a variety of music styles, including contemporary, blended and gospel.  This group leads Church in the Round worship Sundays at 8:45 a.m. in Jubilee Hall.  Instrumentalists are invited as well!
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 6:30 pm-7:45 pm in Francis Chapel; Sundays 30 minutes prior to worship.  For more information about the Church in the Round Singers, contact Interim Director Ryan Deal at 704-575-0508 or ryandeal24@gmail.com.

Chamber Ensemble 

Chamber Ensemble is an auditioned group open to singers with advanced vocal skills. The eight-to-twelve member ensemble, anchored by our Chancel Choir Scholars, will perform challenging repertoire, spanning musical genres from the Fourteenth to Twenty-First centuries. Members will be involved in various worship services throughout the year and perform in outreach venues within our community. A high level of sight singing, strong sense of pitch, and the ability to perform with a wide range of approach to vibrato will be hallmarks of this group. Chancel Choir membership is a requirement to be considered for this ensemble.

Rehearsals: TBA as announced by the director

Women's Choir
The MPUMC Women’s Choir is open to women of all ages and offers its members the opportunity to experience music of varying styles while enjoying a group rich in fellowship and joy. This choir provides music leadership in worship each month and also performs for United Methodist Women events and outreach programs. Through the bond of rehearsals and regularly scheduled events, the Women’s Choir reaches into the hearts of those who participate as well as those who witness their ministry.
Rehearsals: Monday 10:30 a.m. - 12 noon; 7:00 pm - 8:00 p.m.
Members may select the rehearsal that best fits their schedule.

Click here for Children's Choirs & Youth Choir

Adult Handbells
The Festival Handbells is open to adults who desire the fun and fellowship of a handbell team. This group meets on Tuesday evenings and consists of members who are experienced in the techniques of handbell ringing. The group plays regularly throughout the year for worship services.
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 6:00 pm - 6:50 p.m.

String Ensemble
The Myers Park Strings are comprised of string instrumentalists from the congregation and surrounding community. Moderate proficiency is expected.  The ensemble’s performances are scheduled numerous times within the church year to enrich the Sanctuary worship experience.

Music Ministry Vision Statement
The Music Ministry of Myers Park United Methodist Church strives to enable and nurture persons of all ages to share their talents in praise of God and in service to others by offering them the opportunity to be involved at every age and skill level in a wide and varied program of choral, instrumental and handbell ensembles. Those who participate will find opportunities for spiritual growth, the development of musical skills, musical outreach, and Christian fellowship.

To accomplish this, the music ministry leadership will:

• affirm the integral place and value of music in all aspects of its church life;

• recognize that the corporate worship experience should provide a wide range of musical options to allow worshipers to experience God’s presence;

• acknowledge the value of the small group experience in the life of the congregation by establishing musical ensembles that offer as many opportunities for participation as necessary, including vocal and instrumental opportunities for all ages and skill levels;

• recognize that although the primary form of musical expression in the Sanctuary is “traditional,” newer (and older) styles of musical expression will be encouraged and accepted, such as modern/contemporary musical works, different instrumental elements, and other forms of music that may enhance the worship experience;

• strive for excellence and integrity in all aspects of the music program;

• provide a musical outreach to the community;


Equipment
Sanctuary Organs Tower Carillon
Aeolian-Skinner, Opus 1121 (1949) IV/78 ranks
Rebuilt by: Angerstein Organ Works (1997)
Gallery Organ: Angerstein Organ Works (2000)

Tower Carillon
John Taylor Bellfounders Ltd. ~ 23 bells

Handbells
Malmark ~ 5 octaves
Malmark Handchimes ~ 3 octaves