Music Ministry
Combined Youth & Chancel Choir
Notes From Bro. Clay..
A Need, Can You Help?
Some of our younger parents have more than one youth or child trying to participate in church ministry opportunities this summer. If you have the resources to assist in making a contribution to a scholarship fund to help offset the added costs for these youth and if you feel led by the Holy Spirit to make a contribution, you may do so through the church office. We appreciate so much the opportunities of service and ministry you provide for our youth and children.
Thank you,
Bro. Clay
Ministry
A Philosophy of Music: Every church owns a philosophy of music. This understanding of the use of music as a tool to build up the body of Christ will always be outlined by what we do musically.Let me try to give as brief an explanation as possible as how I view the music philosophy of First Baptist Church.We, the music leadership of our church, seek to utilize every member of our congregation in some aspect of fulfilling his or her Biblical mandate to “make a joyful noise.”We desire to develop one’s talents (which everyone has) to improve in some way their offering of worship through music.To accomplish this task we endeavor to educate the worshipper in spirit and music.For me personally, music outside the spiritual task of making a love offering to our Lord, holds very little interest.Every person who sings in a choir, plays an instrument, or picks up a hymnal is equally important to the body of Christ and His Kingdom’s work among us.If this understanding of music ministry interests you, please come see us—we would love to put you to work in “making your joyful sound.”
Music
Preschool Choir:The preschool choir is for children age 4 through kindergarten.This choir meets during the school year on Wednesdays from 5:00 – 5:30, in the preschool building. This choir will sing for worship three or four times during a school year.The main emphasis is placed on spiritual growth through basic music education.
Music Maker Choir: The Music Maker Choir is for 1st – 3rd grades.The choir meets for snacks and recreation on Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center.At 3:30 p.m. the children are met by their directors and led to the choir room.The choir concludes at 4:20 p.m.This choir will sing for worship three or four times during a school year. Spiritual growth through continued music education with somewhat more emphasis on worship leading is emphasized in the Music Maker Choir.
Young Musicians:This choir is for 4th – 6th grades.The times are the same as other choirs on Tuesday and a much stronger emphasis on “our roles” as spiritual and worship leaders is taken.The gospel is present4ed to the children through song and word.The choir leads in worship three or four times during a school year with the presentation of a major children’s musical at Christmas or springtime.
Church Bus:The church bus runs to Senatobia and Magnolia Heights schools each Tuesday to pick up choir children. Please contact school officials and the church office to have your child ride the church bus.
Youth Choir:The Youth Choir is for 7th – 12th grade students.This choir meets during the school year each Sunday 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the Choir Room.The youth choir leads in worship most Sunday evenings, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Solos and ensembles are an outgrowth of this group.Following choir rehearsal, the youth have supper in the FLC, provided by youth parent teams.
Chancel Choir:The Chancel Choir is for anyone above high school age.We ask two things of our Chancel Choir members:(1) have a love for sharing the gospel through song, (2) come to rehearsal.The choir rehearses each Wednesday, 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. in the Choir Room.Childcare is provided for all rehearsals.In addition to providing worship music each Sunday for two worship services, we present two or three major musicals a year:Christmas, Easter and summer. We try to emphasize that the best choirs are not made up of wonderful singers, but of slightly talented individuals who have a strong commitment to music ministry.
Promise:Promise is our ladies’ ensemble.This group has sung together a number of years. Besides leading in worship throughout the year, they sing at community functions and various church meetings.
Rejoice:This is a new adult ladies ensemble selected from our Chancel Choir and is involved in leading in worship services and other special events.
Men’s Ensemble: The men’s ensemble is selected from our Chancel Choir and is involved in leading in worship services and meets on Sunday evenings from 5:00 - 5:30 in the choir room.
Instrumental Ensemble: Solo and ensemble instrumental music is used throughout the year as individuals are available. If you play an instrument and are interested in sharing in worship, please contact the music office.
Voice, Piano and Theory Lessons: There are a number of individuals in our church who are capable of giving voice, piano and theory lessons. If you have an interest in any of these areas, please contact the music office.
Graded Handbells:A directory of our graded handbell program is listed below.Our bell program has proven to be an effective tool in training young musicians to become excellent worship leaders. Please call the church office if you have any questions about joining one of these ensembles.
Group Age Rehearsal Time
Poco Grades 1-3 Tuesday, 3:15 p.m.
Carillon Grades 4-6 Tuesday, 4:20 p.m.
Celeste Grades 7-12 Wednesday, 5:00 p.m.
Jubilation Adult (Advanced) Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.
Annice Adult (Beginner) Wednesday, 6:15 p.m.
