Music Ministry

The Chancel Choir, under the direction of Jenny Anderson, leads Festival Worship most Sundays during the program year and also sings for several special services in the church year, including the annual service of Lessons and Carols during Advent. Its repertoire includes sacred choral music spanning more than five centuries and drawing on various traditions and cultures. Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings, 6:45-8:15 p.m.

The service of La Mesa is supported by the Coro de La Mesa (La Mesa Choir), under the direction of Andrés Santos, along with a pianist and sometimes instrumental or vocal soloists. The choir sings contemporary music in Spanish and English with a strong emphasis on contemporary sacred music of Latin American composers. All are welcome to join! Rehearsals take place once a week, usually on Saturday morning. Learn more about La Mesa.

The Junior Choir, under the direction of Jenny Anderson, welcomes singers from the age of 6 through high school. Choristers are taught the fundamentals of music, proper vocal production, choral balance and blend, and their valued and important role as worship leaders in the church. The Junior Choir occasionally leads worship on their own or in combination with the Chancel Choir. Junior Choir rehearsals are held each Sunday after Sunday School at noon, finishing at 12:30 for younger singers and 12:45 for older singers.

Find out more about our children’s and youth ministry programs.

“Many bells, One Witness”

Expressing praise through handbells is a unique musical experience in teamwork. United Church is blessed with five octaves each of handbells and tone chimes. Our current ensemble of ringers, under the leadership of Nan de Andrade, rehearses on Monday evening and shares music in worship about six times a year. They also attend bell festivals and perform at area retirement homes. All youth and adults are welcome to join; previous experience reading music is preferred, but all else can be taught!

United Voices of Praise (UVoP), under the leadership of pianist Charles Bradshaw, provides the opportunity to sing traditional African-American gospel music and develop strong bonds of friendship and understanding. Ability to read music is not required and new members are welcome at any time. The choir provides music before the Festival Service once a month during the program year, and performs for events in the community. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evening in advance of each Sunday performance.

During the summer months, everyone is invited to join the Summer Drop-In Choir. Singers meet one hour before the service to prepare the anthem and service music for that Sunday. There is no expectation of a continuing commitment, so this is the perfect choir for anyone who can’t make a weekly rehearsal!