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Music Ministry
Our extensive, fun, and challenging music program provides people of all ages with opportunities to share their love of music and talents in various ways throughout the year. Since there are no real auditions, if you can sing or ring bells - you're in!
Our two talented music directors ensure an uplifting and spiritual musical experience every Sunday and in special services. The Chancel Choir, Ensemble Singers, and Memorial Bell Choir are for anyone of high school age or older. Children in kindergarten through seventh grade can participate in the Advent Choir.
Special music presentations are highlighted in each worship service and in special services throughout the year. Our church is blessed with talented vocal soloists and others who delight us with a trumpet, flute, piano, or violin pieces that enhance our services.
More information is provided below on the various music programs that help us praise God through music.
December Music Notes
Judy Stafford
December is a very busy time for the Music Department at WUMC. The Memorial Handbell Choir will be ringing twice this month. On December 4 we will play the Advent carol "People, Look East," and on December 18 you'll hear "Come, Worship the Child," a medley of traditional Christmas carols. The Advent Choir has been working on two fun and peppy Christmas songs, "Somebody, Build A Manger!" and "Christmas, Glory Hallelujah!" We will sing these songs on December 11 and on Christmas Eve at the 5:00 p.m. service. The Chancel Choir started rehearsing their seasonal music back in October, and has a folder full of beautiful anthems to sing this month. On Christmas Eve, at the 10:00 p.m. service, we will sing "Fall on Your Knees" and "All Is Well" with the "Rock Of Ages Philharmonic".
If you are interested in joining a choir, or play an instrument and would like to be part of our Christmas orchestra, please contact Judy Stafford or Wendy Amuso. Christmas is always a good time to join a choir!
Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir is our adult mixed choir. Anyone of high school age or older is welcome to join our adult soprano, alto, tenor, and bass mixed choir. The Chancel Choir practices each Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. While most of our singers attend every week, if a full year commitment is too much for you to make, consider joining the choir for a season such as Advent and Christmas or Lent and Easter. Speak with one of our choir directors about what works best for you.
No auditions needed – just show up. There’s a seat waiting for you!
Ask any choir member what singing in the Chancel Choir does for them. Very likely they will say that after an exhausting day at work, it is inspirational and soothing to go to choir practice. The music lets them put the stress of the day behind, get in touch with something beautiful and holy, and end the day relaxed and uplifted. There is great joy in serving the Lord through music and wonderful fellowship among choir members. Just mention the annual pool and Christmas parties to a Chancel Choir member, and you will be convinced that singing in this choir is a terrific way to make new friends.
Join our fantastic choir directors, Judith Stafford and Wendy Amuso, next Wednesday evening for choir practice.
Advent Choir
 
If you have a child in grade kindergarten through sixth grade who likes to sing - have them join the Advent Choir. This choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Laughter and joy are the tools Judy and Wendy use to gently coax angelic music from even our shyest singers. In addition, they provide each child with a tape or CD of the songs they need to learn, which greatly assists the youngest children. The choir sings at the 11am service about once a month. If your child is interested in the Advent Choir, please e-mail Wendy or Judy or call the church (716) 634-4800 to leave a message. They will be sure to make your child feel welcome and secure.
 Memorial Bells
If you can't sing to save your soul, but you have rhythm in your heart and can read music, then the Memorial Bells might be perfect for you. The choir rings our 3+ octaves Schulmerich handbells and handchimes. The Memorial Bells perform about once a month in our 11am worship service and at special services. They rehearse every Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. At the present time, we do not have openings for new members but if you read music and are interested please let us know. E-mail Wendy or Judy or call the church (716) 634-4800 to leave a message.
 Click the Handbell icon to learn more about the history of the Memorial Bells at WUMC.
Wait - There Are More Music Programs!
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CrossWinds is the contemporary praise band that provides music for the 9:00 a.m. service on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. It’s members are Steven Metivier, Fred Hawke, and Chris Watson who come to us with years of experience as professional musicians. Join them and us in earnest praise and worship.
The Ring Masters Handbell Choir is a community choir that rehearses in our sanctuary every Saturday morning. It is directed by Gloria Werblow and calls upon the talents of several excellent musicians culled from the larger community. The Ring Masters grace our worship services several times throughout the year and traditionally perform a free Christmas Concert in our worship space on a Sunday afternoon in December.
Special Music
 In addition to the music programs discussed above, our worship services are regularly enhanced by a stable of talented musicians and singers. We are blessed to have members of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale willing to play and sing for us on a regular basic. We also have many exceptionally talented youth, music teachers, soloists, and nationally recognized instrumentalists who their talents to our worship.
Christmas Music
 Our talented musicians make Christmastime so special as so many offer their gifts and talents of song and music, making what could be ordinary, extraordinary!
How we treasure their performances as they add to our church and family memories.
Christmas services are interspersed with inspiring performances by musicians of all ages who sometimes study the music from a distance, away at college, and others fitting practice into their already bustling holiday schedule. How blessed we are to have them as joyful givers of their treasure of talent and members of our church family!
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Music Announcements
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