Music Ministry
“Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts” — Psalm 105:2Music and Worship in the Life of the Church
In addition to rich and beautiful congregational singing, our 9:30 am worship service is filled with musical offerings from our Chancel Choir, Organist, Mark Edwards, Chancel Bell Choir, Men’s Ensemble, Women’s Ensemble, Emanon, Baker Brass Ensemble, Youth Choir, Youth Bell Choir, pianist, Sam Wyatt and soloists. The service offers a variety of musical styles from traditional anthems and offertories to contemporary selections.
We are a community that welcomes all to participate in the music program. If you are just wanting to try being involved musically and have never done so, you are welcome here. If you are an experienced musician you are welcome here as well. You can sign up to join an ensemble at any time of the year and no audition is necessary. Here is a list of available music ensembles to join. All those signing up will receive an email from your director as to when rehearsals start and when you will be scheduled to participate in worship.
Music Program Schedule: Click here to view or download the schedule for Music Programs being held at Baker Memorial and six other categories with our handy 2022-2023 At-A-Glance cards.
Music Program Schedule: Click here to view or download the schedule for Music Programs being held at Baker Memorial and six other categories with our handy 2023-2024 At-A-Glance cards.
Enjoy a sampling from our wonderful J.S. Bach Magnificat Worship Service on December 11, 2022.
The video below is the Quia fecit mihi magna portion.
Join A Music Group
The worship life and fellowship of Baker Memorial UMC are enriched by a strong music program. Our choirs & soloists provide the music for worship each Sunday. In addition, the adult choir presents a longer, sacred work every Christmas season. One of the highlights in May is Music Sunday. There are music groups targeted to all age groups and interest levels. Our music programs are open to anyone with a love of music and a willingness to work on creating it. Our musicians enjoy the fellowship which comes with participating in the music program.
Music Ensembles & Sign-Ups
SIGN UP: To sign up for a Music Ensemble, go here. Choose the Worship and Music category. You will have the option to sign up for the music ensemble(s) you with to participate in.
Wesley Singers: Children (2nd-8th grade), Kathy Olivarez, Director
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 5-5:30 pm
Rehearsal Room: Baker Hall
Wesley Singers develops foundational music skills and prepares children to perform songs during worship. Choir members will learn to use the hymnal, read music notation, and sing in harmony. The Children’s Choir will sing in worship once each month (October-May).
Chapel Chimes: Children (2nd-8th grade), Kathy Olivarez, Director
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 4:30-5 pm
Rehearsal Room: Baker Hall
The Chapel Chimes develops foundational music skills and prepares children to perform songs with hand chimes during worship. Ringers will learn to read music notation, learn hand chimes techniques, and perform as an ensemble. No prior music experience is required, but a commitment to weekly rehearsals is necessary. The Chapel Chimes will play in worship once each month (October-May).
Chancel Choir: High school age and above, Jeff Hunt, Director
Rehearsals: Wednesdays from 6:30-7:45 pm
Rehearsal Room: Sanctuary
The chancel choir sings a diverse selection of choral music from the 15th century through the present. We welcome all who are interested in singing to join us. No prior experience in choral music singing is required or expected. If you are interested in experiencing a welcoming community of support that can be found in communal singing, give the Chancel choir a try! We sing from September to end of May.
Chancel Bell Choir: High school age and above, Jeff Hunt, Director
Rehearsals: Wednesdays from 6-6:30 pm
Rehearsal Room: Baker Hall
We have five octaves of Schulmerich bells waiting for you! Bell ringing is fun and exciting and a great way to participate in ensemble music making. We welcome all to join whether you have experience or just beginning. We play in worship nearly once a month between September and May.
Men’s Ensemble: High School age and above, John Clarke & Jeff Hunt, Directors
Rehearsals: Scheduled Sunday mornings at 8:30 am three weeks before we sing in church. See the group photo below.
This ensemble enjoys participating in worship four times a year. If you are busy and not able to commit to a regular rehearsal this may be a good option for you.
Women’s Ensemble: High School age and above
Rehearsals: Scheduled prior to the ensemble singing in church.
The Women’s ensemble sings a few times a year during worship and on other special occasions.
Baker Brass Ensemble: Gil Wukitsch, director
Rehearsals: TBD.
The Baker Brass ensemble plays in church each Easter and on other special occasions.
Music Ministry Staff
Learn more about Baker Memorial’s Music Ministry staff by clicking here.
“Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. “