Music Ministry

Here at West Market Street United Methodist Church, we feel that the music...

• whether it is a gospel song,
• a great masterwork by Bach or Handel,
• an arrangement of a Southern folk tune,
• or an African-American spiritual,

is a blending of musical styles with a commitment to integrity and spirituality. The music ministry is a vital part of our worship and fellowship activity. We offer four different choirs based on age and musical interest. Please come and join us in our music ministry! If you are interested in participating in our music ministry, contact Alice Ann Johnson at 336-275-4587, vm 18.

Music Opportunities for All Ages

Children Choirs

Our children's choirs sing approximately once a month in worship service and are designed to encourage our children's love of music and increase their understanding of music as a part of our worship to God. Our groups belong to the Chorister Guild and occasionally participate in festivals with other churches in our community. Please contact Alice Ann Johnson if you are interested. Our children's choirs meet Wednesday afternoons, 5:30 to 6:00 p.m.during the school year.

• Cherub Choir - Open to all 4 year-olds thru first grade children. Meets 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays in Room 316 and is directed by Alice Ann Johnson and Lee Willard.
• Joyful Noise Choir - Every 2nd - 5th grader is invited to participate, in room 317. Directors are Amberly Foulkrod and Kristen Gobetz.

Chancel Choir

The Chancel Choir is open to all singers from high school youth to adults who wish to worship God through music. There is no audition required. Chancel Choir rehearsals are on Wednesday nights in Room 317, September – May, 6:45 - 8:15 p.m. Summer rehearsals are on Sunday mornings. Members of the Chancel Choir may choose to sing at one or both services. In addition to worship services, the Chancel Choir presents special programs throughout the year including Choir Follies in September, Jazz Nativity in December and a service with orchestra on Good Friday. Chancel Choir is directed by Alice Ann Johnson.

Handbell Choir

Our bell choir rings five octaves of Whitechapel handbells, among the finest made. MarketBell Ringers meet during the school year on Mondays, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., in Room 316. Their director is Alice Ann Johnson. This is an intergenerational handbell choir that is committed to worship through music. This choir performs during our worship services at various times of the year and also participates in activities in our community. Our handbell choir is a member of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers and often participates in area festivals. The MarketBell Ringers annual Christmas concert in December is a highlight of the holiday season.

Jazz in June

Structured around the use of poetry and the idiom of jazz, each service is held in the Sanctuary at noon on Tuesdays in June. Music is provided by the Mark Freundt Trio and members of our own Chancel Choir. Members of our pastoral staff provide the pastoral leadership at these weekly services. A light lunch is served each Tuesday following the service. Come be refreshed and renewed at Jazz in June.

Annual Summer Music Camp

This week-long camp for elementary students is held the last week in July and is open to all who have finished 2nd through 5th grade in our church and community. Each day the campers rotate through four learning blocks (music, drama, props and choreography). At the conclusion of the week the campers present the musical for two Sunday morning worship services.  

Music Ministry CDs

West Market Street organist, Susan Bates, has recorded a CD of Postludes on our glorious, world-class Dobson-Rosales organ. Offered as a legacy of the church and in celebration of the spiritually empowered music ministries of the church, the CD features a joyous Bach organ concerto; Susan's husband, Jim's Variations on "All Things Bright and Beautiful"; two hymn improvisations along with some fiery French symphonic pieces. Bill Oden made this recording possible, and we thank him from the depths of our hearts. The CD is available through the church office for $15, which will benefit the Music Fund of the church. It is Susan's prayer and hope that this gift of hers to the church will bless you and bring glory and honor to God alone.

Click to listen to these sample tracks from Postludes: (All sample tracks are MP3 files)

• Track 1 - J. S. Bach - from Concerto I in G Major (3:25)
• Track 9 - James Bates - from Variations on All Things Bright and Beautiful (2:53)
• Track 27 - Louis Vierne - Symphony I: Finale (5:52)

A variety of choral music favorites sung by our Chancel Choir, and three organ solos by Susan Bates are available on a CD...Sing Out My Soul. CDs are available in the church office for $15.00.

Click to listen to these sample tracks from Sing Out My Soul: (All sample tracks are MP3 files)

• Track 16 - I Want to be Ready (2:51)
• Track 20 - When In Our Music God is Glorified (3:16)
• Track 21 - Charles-Marie Widor - Toccata from Symphonie V (5:14)

All sales of CDs benefit the Music Fund. 

Contact Alice Ann Johnson at 336-275-4587, vm 18 or ajohnson@wmsumc.org.