The Music Program at First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor has a rich history and significance within the community. It provides multiple opportunities to members of all ages and abilities to praise God through the gift of music while adding a uniquely inspiring dimension to our worship services. Our music ministry also collaborates extensively with local professional musicians and ensembles within the Ann Arbor area. We invite you to consider joining an ensemble at First Church. From the beginnings of Methodism we have been a “singing people.” Join us in Christian song and followship as we continue this worship tradition.

All are welcome! Please join us in an exciting musical journey!

Please contact our Minister of Music and Liturgical Arts, Dr. Ann Marie Koukios, for information regarding any of the following music ministry opportunities at 734.662.4536 (ext. 25).

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First United Music & Liturgical Arts Staff
We are blessed with a team talented of professional and volunteer individuals who provide excellent leadership in the Music and Liturgical Arts Ministries.

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9:30 am Sunday Downtown Worship
Our 9:30 worship services include a variety of musical offerings featuring our Chancel Choir (each Sunday), Bell Choirs (3rd Sunday of each Month), Children & Youth Choirs (1st Sunday of each month) and FUMC Instrumental Ensembles (periodic throughout the year).  

 

11:15 am Sunday Downtown Worship
Our 11:15 worship features distinctive contemporary music performed by the First Vocal & Instrumental Ensembles who continually mix musical styles of jazz, contemporary, folk, gospel, reggae, and rock in our 11:15 “The Gathering” worship service.
 

5:00 pm Green Wood Worship
Our second worship campus, Green Wood sanctuary, is the site of a casual Saturday evening worship service with our Green Wood Band and Singers led by gospel singer David Vaughn. Local folk singer Katie Geddes is also featured in worship.
 

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Music & Arts Ministries

 

Chancel Choir  -  Dr. Ann Marie Koukios
Open to all adults. Meets every Thursday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 pm and performs for morning and other worship services as well as special concerts and periodic outreach projects. This choir has been an integral part of downtown worship. They typically sing at the 9:30 am Sunday morning worship service. The group annually presents several major choral/orchestral works. The mission of this choir is to enrich and deepen the spiritual experience of worship by offering a wide spectrum of sacred music presented in an artistifc, expressive manner.

 

Chancel Bell Choir – Dr. Ann Marie Koukios
Open to all adults possessing various degrees of music reading skills. Rehearsal are weekly from 7:00 to 8:30 pm on Wednesday evenings. The group participates monthly in downtown Sunday worship services, special Christmas and Lenten services, and special events.

 

Youth Ensembles – Dr. Ann Marie Koukios
Youth vocal and instrumental ensembles will be assembled periodically for worship and other special events. Please contact the music office if you wish to share your talents!

 

Children’s Music Ministries – Carole DeHart
For children of all ages from pre-school through sixth grades, the First United Children’s Ensembles provide an exciting opportunity for our “youngest worshippers.” Emphasis is placed on the continued development of musical skills and understanding of worship through singing and playing of instruments. Activities include children’s cantatas or musicals, periodic performances in Sunday worship services, special seasonal worship offerings, and occassionally combining with our adult ensembles for special musical repertoire. All children’s ensembles meet weekly on Sundays: Cherub Choir (9:45-9:55 am); Carol Choir (10:15-10:25 am); Chime Choir (5:00-6:00 pm); and Epworth Choir (6:30-7:30 pm).

 

Green Wood Band  -  David Vaughn
This vocal/instrumental ensemble provides an exciting array musical worship styles for our scenic Green Wood Worship location. The ensemble meets weekly from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and then sings for worship at 5:00 pm. Talented “tight-ensemble” style presents music in jazz, gospel, folk, and contemporary Christian music styles.

 

Developing Ministries
Our ever-developing ministries continue to seek opportunities for those talented members of our church community who play various instruments or enjoy movement and liturgical dance. As we continue to assemble a roster of instrumentalists, worship offerings for brass, string, and other chamber ensembles are under research. Please contact our music office if you are interested in this opportunity for sharing your musical talents - both professional and volunteer musicians are welcome!

 

Additional Ministry Opportunities
Both administrative and music committee memberships are available for those individuals able to help with our various organizational needs, administrative tasks, and future visioning process. Please contact our music office at any time for additional information and potential committee openings. All are welcome!