Music Ministry
To enhance the worship experience through music as we glorify God together.
Music Ministry is a vital part of the life of our congregation. We have eight ensembles, each adding its own unique talents to our worship experiences.
Wesley Handbell Choir
Rehearses Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 p.m., room 302, September through May. Rings the second Sunday of each month at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship and occasionally for special services and events.
Grace
This all women’s vocal ensemble specializes in music in a more contemporary style, and sings once each month, usually the first Sunday, for Sunday morning Sanctuary services. Grace rehearses Mondays, 6:30 p.m., room 301.
Bass Clef
This all men’s vocal ensemble sings occasionally in Sunday worship. Bass Clef rehearses Wednesday, 6:00 p.m., room 301, as needed.
Sanctuary Choir
Rehearses Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 p.m., room 301, September through May. Sings for 9:00 a.m. worship, with one Sunday off per month. The Sanctuary Choir also joins the Festival Choir to present larger-scale works or special programs twice each year augmented by additional singers and/or instrumentalists from the church and the community.
First Kids Music Ministry
This music ministry opportunity is for all kids age five through eighth grade and is all instrumental. This group will feature many different forms of musical expression including, hand chimes, percussion instruments, and recreational games. The group also makes frequent trips to different retirement homes in the area to perform for them. Rehearsals will be Wednesday evenings from 5:30p – 6p in room 314 and run in congruence with the Wednesday night dinners. The group will be led and directed by Deacon Tim Navis!
In addition to programming, First United Methodist Church of Appleton and its ministries are is proud to support scholarships for kids who wish to take private music lessons but struggle with the means to do so. Scholarship applications are accepted by annually in July and January with funds being awarded in September and February to the instructor. If you would like to apply for a scholarship for private music lessons please click below.
Apply for a Music Scholarship HERE
Soloists – vocal and instrumental
There are many opportunities available for soloists and ensembles to contribute their talents to worship, both in the summer when the choirs are inactive and during our regular worship schedule.
A-1 Brass
This group is made up of youth and adults that play brass instruments. The ensemble provides music for special occasions and worship services. Rehearsals are schedule as needed.
Gabriel’s Trombones
This group is made up of youth and adults that play trombone (we have many here at First Church). The ensemble provides music for special occasions and worship services. Rehearsals take place every Sunday at 10:30 AM in either room 310 or 301.
Festival Choir
The Festival Choir presents larger scale works or special programs twice each year – Festival of Carols during early December, and a Musical Celebration of Pentecost in late May. The nucleus of this group is the Sanctuary Choir, which is then augmented by additional singers and/or instrumentalists from the church and the community. If you are unable to make a long-term commitment to the Sanctuary Choir but would like to be a part of the music ministry on a short-term basis, then this is the group for you.
