Music Ministry

Music lies at the center of our worship and community at First United Methodist, from congregational songs and anthems by the choir to special music by singers and instrumentalists.  In addition to making vibrant and varied music in worship, the church frequently hosts performances by ensembles from the nearby Ohio University School of Music.

The Chancel Choir is an SATB choir of welcome to all singers age 16 and older who are prepared to commit themselves to rehearsing and offering anthems weekly in worship from August through May.  The Chancel Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30 PM and meets Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM to prepare for worship.  The Chancel Choir offers special musical programs during the Advent and Lenten/Holy Week seasons.  For more information about the Chancel Choir, contact Bradley Naylor (bmnaylor@gmail.com).

The Handbell Choir is welcome to all ringers who are prepared to commit themselves to weekly rehearsing and offering handbell anthems once per month (on average) in worship.  The Handbell Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 6-7 PM. For more information about the Handbell Choir, contact Kevin Dael (daelk1@gmail.com).

The church's two recital-caliber pianos are located in the Chapel and the main Sanctuary and are used weekly in worship.  The church's organ, among the finest in Southeast Ohio, is a Shantz Organ Co. instrument, Op. 898 (1968/2007) of 35 ranks, 2,009 pipes, 4 divisions. 3 manuals, 28 stops, and 38 registers.  For more information about the church's keyboard instruments, contact Sean Parsons (parsons1@ohio.edu).