MUSIC and the Worship Arts
. . . it’s all about leading worship!
WELCOME to the CUMC Music/Arts site! Please browse through our links and get to know more about our ministry opportunities and goals. We sincerely hope that you will not hesitate to contact Roger Williams, Minister of Music (8:40 & 10:55), for any additional information, sharing of ideas, or to make known your desire to become part of our ministry family. Church membership is not required and everyone is welcome to participate as a guest or visitor.
Our 11:15 praise team is also an excellent opportunity for those who play drums, bass, guitar, keyboards and more. Additionally, we are always lookings for vocalists to assist and help lead worship. Contact Clark Chilton with questions or to set up a meeting. Our praise team rehearses Thursdays @ 5:30pm.
Click on Weekly Schedule for normal times of chancel choir rehearsals; click on Special Events for the listing of music and arts in upcoming worship services, music/arts committee meetings and for special events such as concerts, hymn festivals, recitals, classes and seasonal events.
MENU
ADULT CHOIRS
CHANCEL CHOIR*: This main choir for adult singers provides leadership for congregational singing as well as special music and anthems during the 8:40 & 11:00 Sunday Worship Services. (Highly motivated senior high youth are also welcome to participate fully in the life of this choir.) Choir members who rehearse together on Wednesdays may choose to sing for the 8:40 Service, the 11:00 Service, or both Sunday Services. Rehearsals are held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, with Sunday warm-ups at 8:15 & 10:35 a.m.
(Seasonal Choirs)
CHRISTMAS CHOIR*, LENTEN CHOIR*, & CHOIR ‘LITE’*: For singers unable to make a full-time commitment to the Chancel Choir there are seasonal opportunities from which to choose. These include the Christmas Choir (beginning in October), the Lenten Choir (beginning in February), and Choir ‘Lite’ (a week-by-week commitment during summer vacation time).
* Childcare can be provided on an “as needed” basis during Wednesday rehearsals throughout the year.
MEN’S CHORALE: Periodically, the men of the Chancel Choir prepare special music for TTBB. Other men who wish to join in singing for this short time commitment are invited and welcome.
WOMEN’S ENSEMBLE: Occasionally, the women of the Chancel Choir prepare special music for female voices in divisi. This is an opportunity for part-time commitment by women outside of the choir also.
BLUEGRACE SINGERS: This is an additional opportunity for Chancel Choir members invited by the Minister of Music to persue advanced-level vocal performance. The number of singers is controlled to maintain a balanced, small ensemble of highly-committed independent vocalists. Their repertoire is often challenging and best suited for small group performance.
HANDBELLS
Sanctuary Ringers, the main adult choir, prepares music for worship and concerts on four octaves of Schulmerich bells and five and a half octaves of handchimes. Music may be also prepared for participation in a fall or spring handbell festival. The ability to read music notation and fulfill time commitments are prerequisites for participation.
Highly motivated senior high youth are welcome to participate with adults. Commitments to preparing and performing music are usually divided into sessions of four to six weeks. Rehearsals are 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. most Mondays from fall through spring. ^ return to menu ^
Additional Opportunities may arise for volunteers including accompanying an anthem, hymn, or procession. Volunteers are also encouraged to prepare solos, duets, quartets, etc. based upon their own desire and interest.
INSTRUMENTALISTS always add a special dynamic to worship services whether they perform alone in solos or groups or as accompaniment to the singing of hymns and anthems. We believe that all instruments have a place in church.
In addition to brass, flute, harp, timpani and guitars, we have used saxophone, harmonica, marimba and various percussion instruments. The church has its own pair of Adams timpani, as well as less traditional percussion instruments including djembe, congas, cymbals, bongos, tambourine and wind chimes.
Several times throughout the year we employ accomplished instrumentalists to enhance our worship experience. These have included brass ensembles, traditional folk and bluegrass bands, harpists, bagpipers, and native African percussionists.
All persons with intermediate to professional playing skills are sought and encouraged to join with us in offering your musical talents to the worship of God. Regardless of what the instrument is, we wish to plan an appropriate place for you to share it with us in ministry. Please contact our Minister of Music, Roger Williams. ^ return to menu ^
INTERGENERATIONAL ARTS (Involvement is not age-specific)
Drama Team
Liturgical Dance
Dramatic Readers
Instrumentalists
Handbells
^ return to menu ^
An Invitation:
CUMC’s Ministry of Music and the Worship Arts sincerely extends to all an invitation to discover, grow, and share your artistic talents in one or more of our ministry opportunities. In addition to vocal and instrumental music we prepare drama, visual art, and liturgical dance for the enhancement of our worship experiences as well as our own spiritual growth. We view the scope of artistic expression to be infinite and therefore seek the inclusion of all who wish to join us in performing before God and for God’s Kingdom. ^ return to menu ^
ADDITIONAL WORSHIP ARTS
Liturgical Dance consists of interpretive movements to music or perhaps the reading of a poem or scripture. Dance may be as simple as a processional with arm movements or any level of movement involving moderate to intricate choreography. Dance can be designed to accommodate various comfort and skill levels for solos or groups of various numbers. Males and females of all ages are welcome to explore the rewards of liturgical dance.
Drama is an artistic teaching tool. It can be a complete sermon in itself or an enhancement to the reading of the scripture. An effective drama team will consist of male and female actors of every age and resource people for providing costumes, sets, etc.
Dramatic Readers are often needed in the presentation of cantatas, hymn festivals, or other programs with narration.
Instrumentalists: Performances by accomplished church instrumentalists (solo or group) are sought and requested to provide descants, preludes, offertories or other special music. Whatever your instrument, an opportunity can be arranged to allow you to share your talent and contribute to our worship by contacting the Minister of Music. ^ return to menu ^
PHILOSOPHY
Our Purpose is to serve God our Creator, a God who created all, who is creating still, and who makes us in that image to be creative through our artistic talents and imagination. Thus, we embrace all the arts (past, present and future) in our approach to worship by striving to apply the best of all musical genres and all expressions of art. Because the arts are able to communicate spiritual concepts and emotions for which words alone prove inadequate, we believe the arts are unique as a means of growing our understanding of God, sharing God with others, and leading meaningful worship.
Mission Statement: CUMC is committed to utilizing the creative liturgical arts to enhance the worship experiences of all church members and visitors, and to serve as outreach ministry throughout the larger community. An effective music/arts ministry is God-centered and people-oriented, blending treasured favorites of the past with new artistic expressions that serve to broaden our understanding of God. We seek to provide encouragement and training to involve the entire church family in the development and use of their artistic talents for the glory of God through advancing our individual and collective music/arts skills. Additionally, the family of church musicians and liturgical artists functions as an inner circle of fellowship within the larger church membership. ^ return to menu ^
SPECIAL CLASSES:
Special opportunities for advancing individual music skills are offered as interest is expressed. Sessions of four or five weekly classes may be scheduled for a particular interest or need, such as reading rhythms, reading pitches, or fundamentals of vocal production. Informal, individual instruction is also available. Other past classes have been presented on hymn singing and playing percussion. Contact Roger Williams to express your interest as a class leader or participant. ^ return to menu ^
SPECIAL EVENTS
Upcoming special events involving the music/arts ministry are listed on the calendar as they are scheduled. In addition to annual presentations at Christmas and Easter, past events have included The American BoyChoir in concert, The Sons of Thunder & Talley Trio in concert, and recitals by guest organists, James Robert Jones and Carlo Curlee. ^ return to menu ^
WEEKLY MUSIC SCHEDULE
Listed below are regular music rehearsal times & services.
The other worship arts groups are scheduled as needed.
Handbells & Children’s Choirs do not meet in summer.
SUNDAY
8:15 a.m. Choir Warm-Up
8:40 a.m. Worship Service
10:30 a.m. Choir Warm-Up
11:00 a.m. Worship Service
MONDAY
7:30 p.m. Sanctuary Ringers
WEDNESDAY
5:35 p.m. Cherub Choir
6:00 p.m. Melody Makers
7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir ^ return to menu ^
WORSHIP INSTRUMENTS
ORGAN: Acquired in June of 2007 the Allen Q-385 Renaissance Quantum organ serves as our primary sanctuary instrument. The three-manual console with 80 stops delivers 320 digitized pipe organ voices through the Quad Suite feature that produces four different organ palates (American Classic, French Romantic, Neo-Baroque and English Cathedral). The organ features Allen’s Acoustic Portrait technology and has five divisions including antiphonal solo. In addition to pistons with 16 memory levels and 12 audio channels, the organ provides “CompactFlash” memory storage, full MIDI capability and Allen’s “Smart Recorder” feature. The console’s finish is a rich, deep cherry.
PIANO: The other stationary sanctuary instrument is a 5’ 4” Baldwin piano. (Two portable keyboards, Yamaha PSR-280 and Alesis QS8, are also available.)
HANDBELLS and HANDCHIMES: The ringing inventory includes four octaves of Schulmerich handbells plus
five and a half octaves of handchimes. Accessories include stationary poles for suspended bells, processionals, and bell trees.
ORFF INSTRUMENTS: Primarily used by the Melody Makers and Jubilee Singers, these consist of glockenspiels, xylophones, metallophones, contrabass and bass bars by Sonor.
PERCUSSION: We are fortunate to own an array of percussion instruments which are used frequently to enhance the performance of special music and hymns. Among these are Adams Orchestral Series Hammered-Copper Timpani, a set of three Baja congas, a Remo djembe, bongos, cymbals, wind chime, tambourines and hand drums. ^ return to menu ^
WORSHIP VISUALS
are created by artistic volunteers to enhance our church experiences by depicting liturgical seasons, worship themes, mission goals, etc. Appropriate and effective display locations include (but are not limited to) the altar and other sites within the chancel area and sanctuary, the common areas and fellowship halls, as well as a number of outdoor locations. Please make known to Roger Williams the nature of your artistic talent and your willingness to contribute to this opportunity. ^ return to menu ^
YOUTH MUSIC
Youth Singers: Opportunities are made available for middle school youth to prepare choir music for short term special occasions.
Adult Choir Involvement: Senior Youth of advanced maturity and interest who are able to make a strong commitment of involvement are welcome to pursue participation in any of the adult choirs.
Youth Instrumentals: Accomplished instrumentalists of any age are sought for solo and accompanying performances. While guitar and percussion are the most often used, we seek to utilize all available instrumentalists in our worship experiences.
Clemmons:One: Our United Methodist Youth Fellowship program is very involved with using music, especially in our 11:15 worship service. Contact our student pastor, Clark Chilton, for more information.
^ return to menu ^
MUSIC and the Worship Arts
. . . it’s all about leading worship!
WELCOME to the CUMC Music/Arts site! Please browse through our links and get to know more about our ministry opportunities and goals. We sincerely hope that you will not hesitate to contact Roger Williams, Minister of Music (8:40 & 10:55), for any additional information, sharing of ideas, or to make known your desire to become part of our ministry family. Church membership is not required and everyone is welcome to participate as a guest or visitor.
Our 11:15 praise team is also an excellent opportunity for those who play drums, bass, guitar, keyboards and more. Additionally, we are always lookings for vocalists to assist and help lead worship. Contact Clark Chilton with questions or to set up a meeting. Our praise team rehearses Thursdays @ 5:30pm.
Click on Weekly Schedule for normal times of chancel choir rehearsals; click on Special Events for the listing of music and arts in upcoming worship services, music/arts committee meetings and for special events such as concerts, hymn festivals, recitals, classes and seasonal events.
MENU
ADULT CHOIRS
CHANCEL CHOIR*: This main choir for adult singers provides leadership for congregational singing as well as special music and anthems during the 8:40 & 11:00 Sunday Worship Services. (Highly motivated senior high youth are also welcome to participate fully in the life of this choir.) Choir members who rehearse together on Wednesdays may choose to sing for the 8:40 Service, the 11:00 Service, or both Sunday Services. Rehearsals are held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, with Sunday warm-ups at 8:15 & 10:35 a.m.
(Seasonal Choirs)
CHRISTMAS CHOIR*, LENTEN CHOIR*, & CHOIR ‘LITE’*: For singers unable to make a full-time commitment to the Chancel Choir there are seasonal opportunities from which to choose. These include the Christmas Choir (beginning in October), the Lenten Choir (beginning in February), and Choir ‘Lite’ (a week-by-week commitment during summer vacation time).
* Childcare can be provided on an “as needed” basis during Wednesday rehearsals throughout the year.
MEN’S CHORALE: Periodically, the men of the Chancel Choir prepare special music for TTBB. Other men who wish to join in singing for this short time commitment are invited and welcome.
WOMEN’S ENSEMBLE: Occasionally, the women of the Chancel Choir prepare special music for female voices in divisi. This is an opportunity for part-time commitment by women outside of the choir also.
BLUEGRACE SINGERS: This is an additional opportunity for Chancel Choir members invited by the Minister of Music to persue advanced-level vocal performance. The number of singers is controlled to maintain a balanced, small ensemble of highly-committed independent vocalists. Their repertoire is often challenging and best suited for small group performance.
HANDBELLS
Sanctuary Ringers, the main adult choir, prepares music for worship and concerts on four octaves of Schulmerich bells and five and a half octaves of handchimes. Music may be also prepared for participation in a fall or spring handbell festival. The ability to read music notation and fulfill time commitments are prerequisites for participation.
Highly motivated senior high youth are welcome to participate with adults. Commitments to preparing and performing music are usually divided into sessions of four to six weeks. Rehearsals are 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. most Mondays from fall through spring. ^ return to menu ^
Additional Opportunities may arise for volunteers including accompanying an anthem, hymn, or procession. Volunteers are also encouraged to prepare solos, duets, quartets, etc. based upon their own desire and interest.
INSTRUMENTALISTS always add a special dynamic to worship services whether they perform alone in solos or groups or as accompaniment to the singing of hymns and anthems. We believe that all instruments have a place in church.
In addition to brass, flute, harp, timpani and guitars, we have used saxophone, harmonica, marimba and various percussion instruments. The church has its own pair of Adams timpani, as well as less traditional percussion instruments including djembe, congas, cymbals, bongos, tambourine and wind chimes.
Several times throughout the year we employ accomplished instrumentalists to enhance our worship experience. These have included brass ensembles, traditional folk and bluegrass bands, harpists, bagpipers, and native African percussionists.
All persons with intermediate to professional playing skills are sought and encouraged to join with us in offering your musical talents to the worship of God. Regardless of what the instrument is, we wish to plan an appropriate place for you to share it with us in ministry. Please contact our Minister of Music, Roger Williams. ^ return to menu ^
INTERGENERATIONAL ARTS (Involvement is not age-specific)
Drama Team
Liturgical Dance
Dramatic Readers
Instrumentalists
Handbells
^ return to menu ^
An Invitation:
CUMC’s Ministry of Music and the Worship Arts sincerely extends to all an invitation to discover, grow, and share your artistic talents in one or more of our ministry opportunities. In addition to vocal and instrumental music we prepare drama, visual art, and liturgical dance for the enhancement of our worship experiences as well as our own spiritual growth. We view the scope of artistic expression to be infinite and therefore seek the inclusion of all who wish to join us in performing before God and for God’s Kingdom. ^ return to menu ^
ADDITIONAL WORSHIP ARTS
Liturgical Dance consists of interpretive movements to music or perhaps the reading of a poem or scripture. Dance may be as simple as a processional with arm movements or any level of movement involving moderate to intricate choreography. Dance can be designed to accommodate various comfort and skill levels for solos or groups of various numbers. Males and females of all ages are welcome to explore the rewards of liturgical dance.
Drama is an artistic teaching tool. It can be a complete sermon in itself or an enhancement to the reading of the scripture. An effective drama team will consist of male and female actors of every age and resource people for providing costumes, sets, etc.
Dramatic Readers are often needed in the presentation of cantatas, hymn festivals, or other programs with narration.
Instrumentalists: Performances by accomplished church instrumentalists (solo or group) are sought and requested to provide descants, preludes, offertories or other special music. Whatever your instrument, an opportunity can be arranged to allow you to share your talent and contribute to our worship by contacting the Minister of Music. ^ return to menu ^
PHILOSOPHY
Our Purpose is to serve God our Creator, a God who created all, who is creating still, and who makes us in that image to be creative through our artistic talents and imagination. Thus, we embrace all the arts (past, present and future) in our approach to worship by striving to apply the best of all musical genres and all expressions of art. Because the arts are able to communicate spiritual concepts and emotions for which words alone prove inadequate, we believe the arts are unique as a means of growing our understanding of God, sharing God with others, and leading meaningful worship.
Mission Statement: CUMC is committed to utilizing the creative liturgical arts to enhance the worship experiences of all church members and visitors, and to serve as outreach ministry throughout the larger community. An effective music/arts ministry is God-centered and people-oriented, blending treasured favorites of the past with new artistic expressions that serve to broaden our understanding of God. We seek to provide encouragement and training to involve the entire church family in the development and use of their artistic talents for the glory of God through advancing our individual and collective music/arts skills. Additionally, the family of church musicians and liturgical artists functions as an inner circle of fellowship within the larger church membership. ^ return to menu ^
SPECIAL CLASSES:
Special opportunities for advancing individual music skills are offered as interest is expressed. Sessions of four or five weekly classes may be scheduled for a particular interest or need, such as reading rhythms, reading pitches, or fundamentals of vocal production. Informal, individual instruction is also available. Other past classes have been presented on hymn singing and playing percussion. Contact Roger Williams to express your interest as a class leader or participant. ^ return to menu ^
SPECIAL EVENTS
Upcoming special events involving the music/arts ministry are listed on the calendar as they are scheduled. In addition to annual presentations at Christmas and Easter, past events have included The American BoyChoir in concert, The Sons of Thunder & Talley Trio in concert, and recitals by guest organists, James Robert Jones and Carlo Curlee. ^ return to menu ^
WEEKLY MUSIC SCHEDULE
Listed below are regular music rehearsal times & services.
The other worship arts groups are scheduled as needed.
Handbells & Children’s Choirs do not meet in summer.
SUNDAY
8:15 a.m. Choir Warm-Up
8:40 a.m. Worship Service
10:30 a.m. Choir Warm-Up
11:00 a.m. Worship Service
MONDAY
7:30 p.m. Sanctuary Ringers
WEDNESDAY
5:35 p.m. Cherub Choir
6:00 p.m. Melody Makers
7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir ^ return to menu ^
WORSHIP INSTRUMENTS
ORGAN: Acquired in June of 2007 the Allen Q-385 Renaissance Quantum organ serves as our primary sanctuary instrument. The three-manual console with 80 stops delivers 320 digitized pipe organ voices through the Quad Suite feature that produces four different organ palates (American Classic, French Romantic, Neo-Baroque and English Cathedral). The organ features Allen’s Acoustic Portrait technology and has five divisions including antiphonal solo. In addition to pistons with 16 memory levels and 12 audio channels, the organ provides “CompactFlash” memory storage, full MIDI capability and Allen’s “Smart Recorder” feature. The console’s finish is a rich, deep cherry.
PIANO: The other stationary sanctuary instrument is a 5’ 4” Baldwin piano. (Two portable keyboards, Yamaha PSR-280 and Alesis QS8, are also available.)
HANDBELLS and HANDCHIMES: The ringing inventory includes four octaves of Schulmerich handbells plus
five and a half octaves of handchimes. Accessories include stationary poles for suspended bells, processionals, and bell trees.
ORFF INSTRUMENTS: Primarily used by the Melody Makers and Jubilee Singers, these consist of glockenspiels, xylophones, metallophones, contrabass and bass bars by Sonor.
PERCUSSION: We are fortunate to own an array of percussion instruments which are used frequently to enhance the performance of special music and hymns. Among these are Adams Orchestral Series Hammered-Copper Timpani, a set of three Baja congas, a Remo djembe, bongos, cymbals, wind chime, tambourines and hand drums. ^ return to menu ^
WORSHIP VISUALS
are created by artistic volunteers to enhance our church experiences by depicting liturgical seasons, worship themes, mission goals, etc. Appropriate and effective display locations include (but are not limited to) the altar and other sites within the chancel area and sanctuary, the common areas and fellowship halls, as well as a number of outdoor locations. Please make known to Roger Williams the nature of your artistic talent and your willingness to contribute to this opportunity. ^ return to menu ^
YOUTH MUSIC
Youth Singers: Opportunities are made available for middle school youth to prepare choir music for short term special occasions.
Adult Choir Involvement: Senior Youth of advanced maturity and interest who are able to make a strong commitment of involvement are welcome to pursue participation in any of the adult choirs.
Youth Instrumentals: Accomplished instrumentalists of any age are sought for solo and accompanying performances. While guitar and percussion are the most often used, we seek to utilize all available instrumentalists in our worship experiences.
Clemmons:One: Our United Methodist Youth Fellowship program is very involved with using music, especially in our 11:15 worship service. Contact our student pastor, Clark Chilton, for more information.
^ return to menu ^