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Brent Shaw, Director of Music & Organist
Oscar Harriott, Dir. of Inspirational Singers
Rosemary Thornton, Dir. of Early Service Choir
Curtis Moeller, Accompanist/Music Asst.    Sharon Johnson, Music Librarian                

Music is a vital part of the life and worship of First Church. Through music, we believe that people of all ages and experiences worship God, affirm a personal belief in God, and learn more about our Christian faith and history.

We sing a variety of old and new hymns and praise choruses in our services, usually accompanied by organ, enhanced by piano, handbells, plus vocalists and instrumentalists. Many music-making opportunities can be found in the following choirs:

• Celebration Ringers - our handbell choir rings at the late service every second Sunday of the month and at other special services throughout the year. Participation is open to anyone high school age or above.
   

• Early Service Choir - sings occasionally at the early service. This choir rehearses just prior to the early worship service.
   

• Inspirational Singers - specializes in contemporary and gospel music. This choir rehearses on Wednesdays at 6 PM (Sept. Through May) in Woolard Music Room and sings the 4th Sunday of each month.
   

• Sanctuary Choir - serves as a worship leading body during the weekly services. They seek to offer quality Christian music ranging from classical to anthems by contemporary composers and everything in between. Their goal is not to perform each week, but to encourage contemplation and reflection on who God is and what Christ Jesus has done in order that the congregation might respond to God's call. The Sanctuary Choir also prepares special worship presentations for holidays and special events. The Choir rehearses Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m., September through May.

           http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=BJ7t7GJpgSw  (First Church Choir & Orchestra directed by Brent Shaw)

Brent Shaw	Choir Procession	Procession on Mission Sunday	Leading Taizé Worship

 •  Taizé Worship Participants - Soloists and instrumentalists for the weekly service held at 9:00 p.m.  Wednesdays. Group rehearses at 8:30 p.m. just prior to the service in the Sanctuary. Taizé Music Group is a group of musicians who rotate each week  to help in leading this Wednesday night service. Though primarily led by college students, everyone is invited! The songs are very easy to learn, so anyone of even beginning ability can be involved. No music reading skills required! Rehearsals are Wednesday nights at 8:30 p.m. just prior to the Taizé service. If you play an instrument or sing, please contact Brent Shaw, Director of Music  Ministries at 466-1906 or email to brent@firstumclincoln.org. 

 •  Treblemakers Children's Choir - for all children Kindergarten thru 4th grade.

 • Noon Day Bells - our beginning chime group, directed by Lois Bowmaster, meets immediately following the 10:45 a.m. (about 11:45) worship service in the Sanctuary.

 •  Acoustic Praise Team - comprised of mostly college students and young adults, though anyone is welcome. Our praise team leads worship about once a month at the 10:45 a.m. service. Any instrumentalists or vocalists are welcome.

 •  First Church Orchestra - our newest ensemble will be accompanying the choir for our Choral Advent doing selections from Handel's Messiah. Regular rehearsals will start in the Spring and this ensemble will help lead worship about once a month.  

•  Bells of Praise - our beginner/intermediate bell ensemble rehearses twice a month on Sunday afternoons. We learn the basics  of note reading, handbell playing, and participate in worship according to each person's comfort level.     

For more information on any of the above groups - please call Brent Shaw, Director of Music Ministries, at 466-1906.