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, Stephen Uhl, 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. A list of available music ensembles to join can be found on this page. 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.
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.
A Winter's Night Performance
Sunday, December 15 at 9:30 am
On December 15th, during the 9:30 am service, the Chancel Choir along with members of the Metropolis Chamber Orchestra will be performing Cecilia McDowells A Winter’s Night. Composed in 2014, the work was originally scored for brass, organ and choir and recently Cecilia rescored the setting for Chamber Orchestra and it’s very exciting that our choir will be giving the US premiere of the work in this new adaptation.
It is a marvelous work which sets five very familiar carols in a most the most imaginative creative way. The carols include; In Dulci Jubilo, O Little One Sweet, Noel Nouvelet, Still, Still Still and the Sussex Carol. Our choir has enjoyed immensely preparing A Winter’s Night and we hope you will be in worship on December 15th to enjoy this very special composition.
A British contemporary composer, “Cecilia McDowell is one of the leading choral and vocal composers of our generation.” MUSICIAL OPINION, More about Cecilia can be found here on her website. https://ceciliamcdowall.co.uk/
Music Ensembles & Sign-Ups
Sign up for a Music Ensemble HERE or on the church app. You will have the option to sign up for the music ensemble(s) you wish to participate in.
Chancel Choir: High school age and above, Jeff Hunt, Director
Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 pm. (7:00-8:00 pm on the first Wednesday of the month). We sing in church almost every Sunday at the 9:30 am service.
What you can expect: No audition to join, we are a welcoming and fun community of singers. Can’t make all the Wednesdays and Sundays? Not a problem. We still want you to join! You will enjoy a wide variety of choral music from the classics to some of the best composers writing choral music for the church today!
Chancel Bell Choir: High school age and above, Jeff Hunt, Director
Rehearsals are Wednesdays 6:00-6:30. No rehearsal on the first Wednesday of the month. We play approximately once per month at the 9:30 am service.
What you can expect: No audition to join, we are fun and welcoming community of ringers. If you have never played bells before, that is OK! A basic understanding of reading music rhythms will be helpful.
Men’s Ensemble: High School age and above
The Men’s ensemble sings approximately five times per year. We rehearse Sunday mornings at 8 am twice prior to each time we sing.
What you can expect: Many of the singers are a part of the Chancel choir but you not need to be a member of the chancel choir to join. There is no audition to join the Men’s ensemble. You will find the group welcoming and excited to have you a part of the ensemble.
Women’s Ensemble: High School age and above
The Women’s Ensemble sings a few times a year and rehearses a few times just prior to singing in church.
What you can expect: There is no audition to join the Women’s ensemble. Many of our singers are in the chancel choir but it is not a requirement to be in the chancel choir to join. You will find this group to be welcoming and excited to have you a part of the ensemble.
Strum Dingers
The Strum Dingers is an ensemble of mountain dulcimers. You don’t need to have your own dulcimer to play as Baker Memorial owns several instruments. The ensemble plays a few times a year and rehearses a few times before they play. It is directed by Mike and Laurel Ebersol
What to Expect: There is no audition to join the ensemble but previous experience in playing mountain dulcimers or previous attendance at a “learn to play mountain dulcimer” classes is important to participation. The ensemble will play twice a year during worship and will rehearse a few times prior to playing.
Wesley Singers: Children (K-8th grade), Kathy Olivarez, Director
Rehearsals for the Wesley Singers are on Wednesdays, 4:30-5 pm. They sing in church once a month October-May. The ensemble is open to boys and girls kindergarten-8th grade. Choir members will learn to use the hymnal, read music notation and sing in harmony.
Chapel Chimes: Children (2nd-8th grade), Kathy Olivarez, Director
Rehearsals are Wednesdays 5-5:30 pm. No rehearsal on the first Wednesday of the month. We play approximately once per month at the 9:30 am service
What you can expect: No audition to join, we are fun and welcoming community of ringers. If you have never played bells before, that is OK! A basic understanding of reading music rhythms will be helpful.
Music Ministry Staff
Learn more about Baker Memorial’s Music Ministry staff by clicking here.
Organ Specification
Present specification of the 1954 M. P. Möller Opus 8557 organ at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church can be found 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. “