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Music Ministry
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Jonas Nordwall |
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Kelly Qualls |
Portland's First United Methodist Church offers a variety of musical opportunities for vocalists and instrumentalists of all ages and musical skills. Internationally renowned musicians; Jonas Nordwall, organist, Gary St. John, Director of the Chancel Choir, and Nancy Hascall, Director of the Sanctuary Bell Choir head a team of outstanding professional and volunteer church musicians that come from all parts of the greater Portland area. All are welcome and encouraged to join one of our many musical groups.
Adult Music Opportunities
The Chancel Choir
Formed in 1851 and celebrated as "The First Organized Choir in the Oregon Territory," the Chancel Choir leads our Sunday morning worship throughout the entire year. From September through the second week of June, rehearsals are Thursday evenings from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm. During the summer months rehearsals are on Sunday mornings at 9:30, making it convenient for newcomers to give the choir a try. As a part of our community outreach, the Chancel Choir performs with the Columbia Symphony and other organizations. Directed by Gary St. John, this choir offers great musical experiences and fellowship.
The Sanctuary Bell Choir
The Sanctuary Bell Choir enhances our worship services by playing for Sunday morning worship once a month from October through June. Occasionally the ringers add their descants to the hymns used during worship. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Strong music reading ability, with or without prior handbell ringing experience, is necessary to have an enjoyable experience with the group. Directed by Nancy Hascall, this group participates in area handbell festivals and events. They will be participating in the Area X conference in June.
Children and Youth Music Opportunities
The Cherub Choir
The Cherub Choir is our youngest vocal group. Children from ages 3 through 7 enjoy an entertaining, spiritually enriching musical experience. This choir memorizes their pieces, and no musical knowledge is necessary. Directed by Jen Graver, the Cherub Choir sings approximately once a month for Sunday worship from October through June. They rehearse on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am.
Sound Seekers Choir
The Sound Seekers Choir is our choir for third through fifth graders. They participate in our Sunday morning worship services several times from October through June, with additional special projects such as children's musicals. The Sound Seekers are directed by Ronnee Edwards and rehearse on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am.
Veritas Choir
The Veritas Choir is our middle school and senior high school choir. Directed by Ronnee Edwards, Veritas participates in Sunday morning worship services occasionally during the year from October through June. They also combine with the Chancel Choir on special occasions. Rehearsals are on Sundays and begin 5 minutes after morning worship in room 133.
The Genesis Ringers
The Genesis Ringers is our beginning handbell choir for fourth grade through adults. Directed by Karin McDonough, this group rehearses on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm, September through June. They play occasionally for Sunday morning worship service as well as other special events at First Church.
juBELLation
juBELLation is our premier youth handbell choir for sixth through twelvth grade. Also directed by Karin McDonough, juBELLation rehearses Thursday evening at 7:30 pm. They play several times during the year for Sunday worship services and also for other area handbell events. Handbell experience is necessary. They will attend the Area 12 conference this summer.
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