Traditional Music Ministry
at Front Street United Methodist Church
“Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful works.” – Psalm 105:2
Music is an integral part of who we are at Front Street United Methodist Church. When we gather for corporate worship, we sing together exuberantly as a congregation. Our choirs offer a variety of superb literature drawn from the whole canon of sacred music, and our musical instruments give voice to emotions ranging from joyous praise to deep lament. Music on Sunday mornings and at special worship services, concerts, and other programs throughout the year are open to everyone. People of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate in our musical groups. Sharing our faith through different avenues of music contributes to a more meaningful worship experience.
Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir prepares a repertoire of choral music from different periods of music history. From September through May, the choir rehearses on Wednesday nights from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and participates each Sunday during the 11:00 a.m. worship service. On All Saints’ Sunday and Palm Sunday, we join with Carolina Brass to perform larger choral works. On the third Sunday of Advent, we offer a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Paid section leader positions are made available to UNCG and Elon University students. No audition is required for volunteers, but interested section leaders are encouraged to apply.
Click here to listen to a recording of our Chancel Choir:
Concertato on "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today"
Hal Hopson (b. 1933)
Epworth Ringers
The Epworth Ringers is our adult handbell ensemble that offers a varied and diverse repertoire of music. From September through May, the ensemble rehearses on Tuesday nights from 6:15 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and rings at the 11:00 a.m. worship service once a month, usually on the fourth Sunday of the month. Fourteen ringing positions are available, and substitute ringing positions are also available for when members need to miss rehearsals or services. All ringers are encouraged to have prior handbell and music reading experience. The group participates in weekend workshops and also provides music for local retirement communities. No audition is required.
Click here to listen to a recording of our Epworth Ringers:
Alleluia, Amen - Brian Childers
The fsumce's Podcast (podbean.com)
Children’s Choir/Wesley Ringers
Our children are an important part of the body of Christ. It is our goal to prepare them to be lifelong participants in the music ministry of the church. The Children’s Choir/Wesley Ringers is for ages kindergarten through fifth grade. Weekly rehearsals include the study of hymns, anthems, church seasons, and worship practices. From September through April, the choir rehearses on Sunday afternoons from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. and sings/rings at the 11:00 a.m. worship service four times during the year. We use the RSCM training course, Voice for Life, to teach the development of good choral singing skills and the rudiments of basic music making. Registration is now open. No audition is required.
Music Facilities
At Front Street, we are blessed to have a variety of keyboard instruments to enhance our worship experience. The church houses two pipe organs. The 2002 Harrison and Harrison in the sanctuary contains 60 ranks of pipes that are divided over three manuals and pedals. The 1988 Casavant Frères, Op. 3649 in the chapel is a mechanical action instrument that contains 4 ranks of pipes divided over two manuals and pedals. We also have a 1962 Steinway and Sons Model L baby grand piano in the sanctuary and a 1980 Richard Kingston single-manual harpsichord. We have a five-octave set of Malmark handbells and a five-octave set of Malmark handchimes.
Toccata - John Weaver (1937-2021)
Nocturne in F Minor, Op. 55, No. 1 - Frederic Chopin (1810-1849)
Music & Missions Camp
Periodically during the summer months, we offer a weeklong summer camp for children ages kindergarten through fifth grade. The camp helps children build relationships through music and missions. Children hear Bible stories, sing songs, play instruments, develop artistic skills, and have practical mission experiences by reaching out to the Burlington community. Professional musicians and artists are hired to teach various classes, including violin, guitar, drumming, art, and liturgical dance. At the end of the week, our learned skills become a missional outreach as we share them with a local retirement community.
