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 A
word from Warren Miller, Minister of Music
The gift of music provides Christians a unique
avenue through which they can express their
thoughts and feelings of praise, gratitude, awe
and love to an almighty and caring God. In a very
real sense, music is a language unto itself.
Gratefully, it is a language that is accessible to
people of all ages, whether they are in the choir
loft or in the pew.
Throughout the Bible there are numerous references
to the use of vocal and instrumental music in
worship settings. Though music was used in simple
forms as the early Christian church developed and
flourished, it is also obvious that the use of
music in worship in the Jewish temple was, at
times, elaborate and extensive.
Regardless of the simplicity or complexity of its
form or state of presentation, music is an
extremely effective medium for conveying and
expressing worship thoughts and feelings. At UBC
the employment of music in worship is accomplished
in simple, casual ways, and in elaborate, formal
ways.
The heritage of expressing worship through music
is strong and enduring at UBC. The goal of its
Music Ministry is to involve people of all ages
through a variety of musical activities offered,
to train and develop the musical talent and
ability of members, to
provide opportunity for Christian service and thus
a platform from which musical talent can be
exercised and expressed, and to provide worshipers
the occasion to experience the best in sacred
music in all forms.
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Sanctuary Choir
The Sanctuary Choir is open to individuals 17
years of age and up. The choir sings for
the 9:15 a.m. worship service and presents
extended programs of music during the Advent
and Lenten seasons. The repertoire of the
choir is more traditional stylistically. Robes
are generally worn and accompaniment is
provided by the piano, organ and orchestral
instruments.
Grace Rising Ensemble (G.R.E.)
G.R.E. sings for the 11:30 a.m. service,
presenting music that is more contemporary
stylistically. The number of singers is
limited, consisting of mainly young couples
and singles, varying in age. The group is
accompanied by contemporary instruments.
* Individuals desiring to sing or play in this
group, must interviewed with the Minister of
Music
Singing Seniors
The Singing Seniors choir is for individuals
55 years of age and over. The choir sings for
several worship services annually, and for
special events on and off campus. The music
sung is arranged especially for the senior
adult voice. This choir does not meet during
the summer months.
Celebration Quartet
A TTBB men's ensemble that sings traditional
and contemporary gospel music, accompanied and
unaccompanied. The quartet sings for worship
services and special events in and around the
community. Participation in this group is by
invitation only.
Gospel / Bluegrass Ensemble
(Vocalists & Instrumentalists)
Featuring traditional "bluegrass" instruments;
the banjo, mandolin, guitar, etc., joined by
vocalists, this ensemble presents gospel music
in a distinct "bluegrass" style. The
group sings for worship services and other
events, secular and sacred.
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Bells Jubilate
A mixed gender handbell choir consisting of 12+
ringers playing three to four octaves of English
bells. This group is open to anyone interested in
ringing bells. Experience is not necessary.
Rehearsals are held during the day; mid-week. The
group presents programs for nursing homes
primarily. This group does not meet during the
summer months.
Joyful Noise Bells
A mixed gender handbell choir consisting of
11+ ringers playing four to five octaves of bells.
This group is for the more advanced ringer. The
bell choir plays mainly for worship services, but
from time to time presents programs off campus.
Participation in this group is open to qualified
individuals during the fall, spring and winter
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Driven
A contemporary "youth band" that plays mainly for
the Sunday evening youth worship service, "Kairos."
Youth interested in participating in this group
should speak with the church's Minister to Youth.
Rehearsals are prior to the youth worship service.
MSGVE
(Middle School Girl's Vocal Ensemble)
Focusing generally on contemporary Christian
music, this all-girl vocal group rehearses on
Sunday afternoons. They sing for the two UBC
morning services, the Church of the Nations
morning service and the Evensong service. Girls,
grades 6-8, interested in singing in this ensemble
should contact the Minister of Music.
Celebration Bell Choirs I & II
Celebration I is a bell choir for middle school
youth that generally rings between two to three
octaves of bells. Experience is not necessary.
Celebration II is a bell choir for senior high
youth. Like the younger bell choir, experience in
ringing bells is not necessary, though desired.
Both choirs play, from time to time, for worship
services, and occasionally for events off campus.
They do not meet during the summer months.
*The existence of these bell
choirs, from year to year, is subject to the level
of interest within the church's youth group to
form them.
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Melody Makers 1 & 2
Melody Makers 1 is a music activity designed for
preschoolers, age 3, while Melody Makers 2 is
designed for 4 & 5 year olds. Both activity groups
follow an age appropriate curriculum developed by
experienced music educators. Children in Melody
Makers 2 will, on occasion, sing for a worship
service.
Music Makers
This music activity is for children in grades 1-3.
The Karl Orff methodology for teaching music to
elementary students is used.
Young Musicians
This music activity is for children in grades 4 &
5. The Karl Orff methodology for teaching music to
upper elementary students is used.
* All children's music activities are offered as
part of the Sunday Night Lagniappe religious
educational program, a six week on, three week off
system. Presently, children's music activities
rotate with children's mission activities.
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-
Minister of Music's bio
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