MUSIC AND ARTS

For Ages Kindergarten Through Senior Adults

God’s wonderful gift of music does not go unappreciated at WCUMC. Our vocal choirs enjoy all styles of music from Beethoven and Faure to contemporary sounds of Howard Hanson and Moses Hogan. Our choirs invite all ages from kindergarten and to seniors to join us in spirited rehearsals, meaningful worship offerings and public concerts. Our music ministry also includes two adult handbell choirs. Many gifted instrumental soloists and ensembles also enrich our music in worship.

All of our groups enjoy the spirit and energy of new musicians. There are no auditions. We hope that you might find a portal into our welcoming community through one of our choral or bell ensembles. It’s a great way to get to know us!

Sanctuary Choir
Singers from diverse musical backgrounds learn sacred choral music from masterworks and contemporary composers. Newcomers and experienced choir veterans blend their voices to illuminate God's message through music. Musical offerings are presented during Sunday morning worship services, special services, and community concerts.

Weekly Rehearsals: Thursdays from 7:30 - 9:15 PM
You can come in for a regular FREE TUNEUP of your Body, Mind, Spirit and Voice. Come and sing with us—no auditions, try it out for "fit and comfort."

Children's Choir
All children ages 4 through 5th grade are invited to sing with the Choir this year.
We'll be learning music through fun games and movement, as well as preparing anthems to share in church. The Children's Choir will meet from October-December and then from February through April.

Besides singing on our own, we hope to join the Sanctuary Choir and the Bell Choir for combined anthems! In the spring, we'll be participating in the Chorister's Guild Children's Choir Festival.

This past year, sixteen children joined their voices together to create an AWESOME symphony! We'd like to welcome our new accompanist, Carol Smith!. Besides playing the piano, Carol will teach chimes to the older children!

YOUTH CHOIR
Welcome middle and senior high school students! Our new youth choir is directed by Abigail Cote, with rehearsals every Wednesday from 5-6 PM in the Chapel. Fun upbeat music to sing at events during the year. Open to youth in the community.

Handbell Choirs

The WCUMC Handbell Program began in 1976, using a set of 12 bells belonging to our pastor, Jack Butler. Because of the congregation’s generosity, and the inspiration of many church members whose lives are remembered through memorial gifts, we now have a set of five octaves of handbells, plus four and a half octaves of Malmark Choirchimes.

Through the years we have played in our own worship services, in many other churches, in schools, for local civic and professional organizations, for convalescent and retirement homes, in massed ringing at regional and national handbell conferences, with the Diablo Symphony Orchestra, for the Christmas Tours at THE White House, and at the 9th International Symposium in England!

You are invited to be part of our Handbell Program. It’s a wonderful way to get acquainted, share friendships and mutual musical interests, and to participate in the musical ministry of this church. If you can read music, we’ll teach you all you need to know about the BELLS!

Theatre Arts
Periodic opportunities for everyone to participate in dramatic presentations. Presentations have included “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, a Holy Week Passion Mime Drama, and a children’s Christmas Pageant adapted from a Tomi de Paola story.