Worship and Music 

Minister of Music

766-9474                   Warren Miller                      <email>

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. 

 Adult Vocal Music Groups

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.

Rehearsal: Wednesday 7:15 -8:30 pm in the Sanctuary.

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.

Rehearsal: Wednesday 4:00 - 5:00 pm in the Music Suite/C100. 

Grace Rising Ensemble (G.R.E.)
G.R.E. sings frequently for the 9:15 traditional worship service and for the 11:30 a.m. informal/casual 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 interview with
the Minister of Music.

Rehearsal: Wednesday 6:15 - 7:15 pm in the Music Suite/C100.

Celebration Quartet
This is a 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.  All proceeds of the quartet's singing engagements and CD sales are donated to the UBC Music Ministry and our outreach to the homeless of Baton Rouge. Members of the quartet are, left to right:

Randy Gurie - Bass
Trippe Hawthorne - Lead
Fred Dressel - Second Tenor
Kevin Hambrice  - First Tenor

Click on the CD song title below for a sample:

(1) God Made A Way

(2) Trilogy

(3) Rise and Be Healed

(4) Without Him

(5) Can He Could He Would He

(6) I Wouldn't Take Nothin' for My Journey Now

(7) Everybody Will Be Happy

(8) Precious Lord, Take My Hand

(9) I'm Working On A Building

(10) I Believe

(11) Rise Again

(12) Let There Be Peace On Earth

 Adult Instrumental Groups

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.

Rehearsal: Wednesday 1:30 - 3:00 pm in the Music Suite/C100.

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 months.

Rehearsal: Sunday 6:00 pm in the Music Suite/C100.

Praise Band
These musicians, using contemporary church instruments such as guitars, drums, etc., facilitate "praise and worship" for The Journey, our casual/informal worship service.

Rehearsal: Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings.

Youth Vocal Group

Everlasting Praise (Girl's Ensemble)
Focusing generally on contemporary Christian music, this all-girl vocal group rehearses on Sunday afternoons. They sing periodically for the two UBC morning services, the Church of the Nations morning service and the Evensong service. Girls, grades 6-12, interested in singing in this ensemble should contact the Minister of Music.

Rehearsal: Sunday 4:00 - 4:50 pm in the Chapel.

Sanctuary Stained Glass Window