MUSIC
CUMC has a vibrant and diverse music program with a place for people of all ages and experience levels. The choir season runs from September to May with most ensembles meeting weekly. When the church temporarily closed due to the pandemic, the staff and members of the music program found new and innovative ways to continue grow as disciples and musicians, and they provided remarkable worship leadership in a truly challenging time.
Since returning to in-person worship in June 2021, musicians young and old have continued to evolve to meet the needs of our congregation by providing varied musical styles for the 10:00am worship service. From the Praise Band to the Chancel Choir, the handbells to the organ—in both contemporary and traditional styles—CUMC musicians use their gifts to lead the church in honoring and glorifying God.
More information on our music programs for: Children and Youth | Adults
Cherub Choir
(3 years-1st grade)
Sundays, 10:20-10:50 a.m (during the worship service)
Young children begin to explore their faith through music and movement. Rehearsals include storytelling, dance, instruments and fun! The Cherubs lead worship every 4-6 weeks and use their music to minister to people in need outside of the church.
Children's Choir
(2nd–5th grades)
Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
The Children's Choir is a partner program to the Children's Church ministry that is offered during worship on Sunday morning. Music reading is introduced and children dig deeper into a shared curriculum that merges Scripture and song texts in order to study spiritual truths. Rehearsals include drama, liturgical dance, two-part singing and music games.
Youth Choir
(6th–12th grades)
Sundays, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Students learn a wide variety of four-part (SATB) music in this ensemble. They participate in worship once every four to six weeks, attend festivals, use their music in mission both locally and abroad, and enjoy fellowship and deepening spiritual growth.
Angel Ringers
(2nd grade)
Tuesdays, 5:00-5:30 p.m.
Students who are brand new to playing handbells learn the basics of ringing by imitation and repetition. They steadily begin to read music as the year progresses. The Angel Ringers present music in worship 3-4 times a year.
Clarendon Ringers
(3RD–5th grades)
Tuesdays, 5:00-5:30 p.m.
This intermediate bell choir gives young ringers a chance to continue to develop their skills and become more independent readers. Musical exercises and games reinforce concepts. They ring in worship 4-5 times a year.
Wesley Ringers I/II
(6th–12th grades)
Sundays, 4:00-4:45 p.m.
Middle and high school students are assigned to one of two bell choirs which rehearse at the same time in different rooms. Ringers work on higher level bell pieces that hone their reading skills and use a variety of bell techniques.
Chapel Bells
Tuesdays, 5:45-6:30 p.m.
Members of this ensemble are adults who ring at a beginner to intermediate level. The focus is on music reading, building a rhythmic vocabulary, and mastering basic handbell techniques. The Chapel Bells ring in worship 4-5 times a year.
Chancel Ringers
Thursdays, 6:30-7:50 p.m.
Chancel Ringers are musicians with several years of handbell ringing experience. Programming is focused on late intermediate to early advanced level repertoire, and ringers explore more complicated bell techniques and rhythmic figures through challenging compositions. Music is shared in worship 5-6 times a year.
Praise Band
Rehearsal on 2nd/4th Tuesdays of the month
7:00-9:00 p.m.
The Praise Band provides weekly musical leadership for the 10:00 a.m. worship service. Music includes contemporary Christian popular music, as well as hymns and choruses from new United Methodist resources. Members lead worship on a rotating basis and the band includes drums, piano, guitars and additional instruments on occasion.
Chancel Choir
Thursdays, 8:00-9:30 p.m.
The Chancel Choir provides weekly musical leadership for the 10:00 a.m. worship service. The repertoire includes inspirational music that draws from the classical genre, traditional hymns of the Christian faith, and long-cherished choral anthems. The choir meets every Sunday at 9:15 a.m. to rehearse before worship.