Bow Mills United Methodist Church

Everyone is welcome to join the choir, which includes singers of widely varying levels of experience and training.  Our anthems range from fairly easy two-part pieces to moderately difficult four-part pieces.

The choir rehearses in the sanctuary each Thursday during the school year, starting at 7:00 PM, generally ending by 8:30 PM.  Occasionally refreshments are shared following rehearsal.  Anyone is welcome to bring treats – no prior arrangements are required.

We participate in both the 8:00 and 10:30 Sunday services (usually one service each week).  The first Sunday of each month we generally sing at the 10:30 service, alternating services on the following Sundays during the month.  Flexibility is helpful, however, as special circumstances occasionally call for a change in schedule.  And several times each year we sing at both services on the same day.

The choir meets 30 minutes prior to the service (7:30 AM or 10:00 AM for Sunday services) for warm up and a final rehearsal of the anthem.  Just prior to the service, we gather in Fellowship Hall for a prayer, and then quietly file into the sanctuary, respecting the reverent attitude being established by the prelude as the worship service begins.

Hymns:  We often review the hymns prior to the service.  During the service, for hymns familiar to the congregation choir members are encouraged to sing parts; for less familiar hymns, we all sing melody to support the congregation.  The decision on when or whether to sing parts is left to each singer.

Folders:  Each singer has a numbered folder for storing music from week to week and for use during services.  The folders and music may be taken home (choir members are welcome to work on their parts outside of choir rehearsal!).  Because of our alternating service schedule, we sing most anthems for two consecutive weeks.  Music should be turned in at the next rehearsal after the second service.

Robes:  Each singer is assigned a robe and stole for use during church.  The total choir roster slightly outnumbers the robes available, so a certain amount of juggling may need to occur on Sundays with full choir attendance.

Web page:  The choir schedule for a few weeks in advance (depending on when we update it) can be found on the church web site (www.bowmillsumc.com) in the Worship and Ministries section, or more directly at www.bowmillsumc.com/Choir/index.html.

Absences:  While regular participation in rehearsals and services is greatly appreciated, there are no attendance requirements to be a part of the choir.  Everyone is welcome whenever they can join us.  It is helpful for planning, and also because we’re concerned when you’re missing unexpectedly, if you let Bill or another choir member know when you’ll be absent for a rehearsal or Sunday service.  If you are able to attend on Sunday but cannot attend rehearsal, please let Bill or Nancy know if it would be helpful for you to receive a copy of the music prior to Sunday morning.