Worship  >  Music
February 08, 2012
You are invited to help us grow!

The Music Department is looking to do some growing as well, but we need your help. Time and again this congregation speaks of great pride in our music program and the variety of music offered here at Sun Prairie United Methodist Church. While participants deeply appreciate your support we are calling upon you to help us grow. That’s right. We’re asking you to share your love of music and the pride you feel with everyone you know. Each of our music groups has set goals for increasing during this spring season, and we would like all of you to help invite new people. Do you know someone perhaps in your work-place or at the club, or in general who seems to always be singing or humming or something? Have you ever thought of telling them they should be part of an ensemble?

Gosh, approaching a stranger sounds pretty intimidating to me. Personally if I have a good reason or something to hand them then I don’t feel so awkward.  So, here’s what we’ve done. We have designed and printed “invitation cards” for you to give to someone. How cool is that?! Plus it really works. I’ve handed out a couple of them. First I suggest grabbing a couple of cards which are located on the bulletin board near the Music Room. Make sure you grab one for the group you’re inviting people to. Second, pray about inviting someone - this will take some listening and observing. Then, strike up the conversation; start by sharing your love of our music programs and then hand them a card. Be sure to check back a couple of times. Once you do it, it gives you a great feeling to know that you’re helping others connect to the same God, even if they don’t show up.  Please check out the bulletin board next to the Music Room for in-depth descriptions of what each group has to offer so you have a good sense of what you’re talking about. We really do have an extensive music program, and that is a wonderful blessing.

Here are the goals:

  • Chancel Choir: to gain 10 members before Easter
  • Singing Churchmen: to gain 7 men who love to sing
  • Treble Tones: to gain 8 women
  • Rivers Edge: to gain 3 guys or instrumentalists
  • Radiance: to gain 2 guys, keyboardist an other instrumentalists
  • Day Ringers: to gain 4 beginners
Music Ministry

Chancel Choir

rehearsal: Wednesdays 7pm in the Sanctuary
Anyone who appreciates vocal music is welcome to join the choir. This group sings at 3 services per month and special occasions including Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Easter, and Thanksgiving Eve.  The music Chancel Choir sings is at a moderate to advanced level and includes SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) music in traditional hymn, gospel, classical, and some contemporary styles. Rehearsals focus on learning voice parts, phrasing and dynamics, vocal technique, feeling and interpretation, and the overall choir sound.  We also discuss the theology behind many of our pieces. A basic knowledge of music-reading skills is encouraged as we move rather fast, but singers at any level can join. If you're looking for friendship and to further your musical skills with challenging pieces then this is the group for you.

 

Treble Tones

rehearsal: Sunday 9:45am in the Music Room
Director:Mary Hartkopf
An exciting women’s ensemble committed to exploring many styles of music from gospel to, contemporary Christian to classical. Most of our music is written in three-part harmony which provides an array of color and a base for rich sound.

RiversEdge

rehearsal: Thursday 8pm in the Sanctuary
Director:Livvia Goff
RiversEdge, a group using a wide array of acoustic instruments, leads the congregation in worship on Saturday evenings.RiversEdge is a hands on group, we arrange most of the music into tight 4 part harmonies and we challenge ourselves with many different styles of music including blues, gospel, country, Celtic, bluegrass, and contemporary Christian. Rehearsals are well sculpted and at times very demanding yet very rewarding. You are sure to walk away with a strong sense of accomplishment.
More Music Ministry

Radiance!

rehearsal: Thursdays, 6:30pm in the Sanctuary
Radiance is our full praise band that assists worship on Saturday evenings. From electric guitar to fiddle, our talented instrumentalists and vocalists are dedicated to enriching your worship experience.  You never know what genre of music you're going to hear at our services - gospel, rock n' roll, hip-hop, disco, spirituals and contemporary Christian music are just a few of the types of music we play on any given Saturday. You’re guaranteed to find a song that will resonate with you and fill you with the Holy Spirit!

Singing Churchmen

rehearsal: 9:45am in the Sanctuary
Director: Pam Girard
This is a group of men of all ages who enjoy singing or learning how to sing with a group of guys who are helpful, supportive, and fun. No experience necessary — we’re eager to help you learn how to have a good time singing. Rehearsals are every Sunday between services generally in the sanctuary. We sing at service(s) about one Sunday a month. Our director chooses music of all types and all levels; and if she think we can do it, we can! If you have any questions, please contact Pam

Heaven's Handbells

rehearsals: Tuesday 6pm in Fellowship Hall
Director: Mary Hartkopf
We generally ring the fourth Sunday of the month. We enjoy combining with other instruments – such as the organ, flute, or drums – and have enjoyed “special” ringing for nursing homes and other outside groups.We have a 4 octave set and are in need of additional ringers high school freshmen through adult welcome (ability to read music is appreciated for this group).This is a “lively” group!!

Day Ringers

rehearsals: Thursday 1pm in Fellowship Hall
Director: Mary Hartkopf
This is a beginners' group. Day Ringers offers an introduction to handbells with instruction on how to make them ring beautifully. Different techniques are taught as well as care and light maintenance of these treasures. Beautiful music is the base for in-depth training on how to read and comprehend music. This group quickly provides enrichment of lives through friendships, faith and music. 
 

Organist
Chancel Choir
Guitarist
Radiance
Youth Orchestra
Singing Churchmen