Central’s Chancel Choir is committed to excellence in musical leadership at the 11:00 Traditional service. The choir is comprised of dedicated singers who love the opportunity to share their faith and musical gifts on a regular basis. At the 11:00 service the Chancel Choir processes to the opening hymn, sings a Call to Prayer, Benediction Response, anthem, and provides spirited, creative support of the congregational hymns. The anthems are chosen from a wide variety of musical genre reflecting the best in choral composition and text. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9:00.
The Community Chorus invites singers from Union County to participate in Central's annual Christmas Concert. Past performances have included Handel's Messiah, Vivaldi's Gloria, Saint-Saens Christmas Oratorio and other large scale works. The concerts are accompanied by members of the Union County Symphony. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 and begin two months before the concert. No audition is required.
The Festival Choir is designed for those singers who enjoy the challenge of fine choral music, but are not able to commit to the steady schedule of the Chancel Choir. The Festival Choir rehearses with the Chancel Choir in preparation for large scale works on a seasonal basis. Rehearsal schedule is announced one month prior to the first rehearsal. The Festival Choir participates in the Lessons and Carols service (third Sunday of December), the 11:00 Christmas Eve Candlelight service and on Easter Sunday.
The Central Bell Choir utilizes all 5 octaves of the church’s collection of English Handbells and participates once a month at either the 11:00 Traditional service or the 8:50 Contemporary service. Music ranges from intermediate to difficult with many arrangements scored for handbells/organ, handbells/choir, and handbells/instruments. Prospective ringers are always welcome and should have music reading experience. Rehearsals are every Thursday evening from 6:15-7:15 p.m. on the Old Fellowship Hall stage.
The Central Brass Choir comprises trumpets and trombones and meets every second and fourth Saturday of the month from 9:00-10:00 and plays in worship every second and fourth Sunday at the 11:00 service The brass choir also participates every Easter and Christmas. The choir is open to all brass players from 7th grade through adult.
Our 8:50 Contemporary service comes alive with the Praise Band – a collection of keyboards, guitars, drums, and vocals. The music is uplifting with music that reflects the very latest in Christian music trends and presenting time honored praise choruses as well. Singers and instrumentalists are most welcome to audition for the band. Rehearsals are held on the third Saturdays of the month from 8:30-10:30 a.m. and every Sunday morning at 7:45 a.m.
The Celebration Singers Children’s Choir is open to all 1-5 grade children. In addition to monthly participation in worship the Celebration Singers perform two annual larger scale musicals for worship and Wednesday night fellowship. The children also witness to their growing faith by performing at local assisted living facilities. Director is Barbara Pfau. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Central’s Pre-School Music Classes use creative movement, dramatic play and language to help develop the whole child from age 18 months to 5 years. Music actually stimulates and builds brain power. When music and movement are presented in a fun, playful and exciting way, the child learns eagerly and unexpectedly. Children are born with the desire and ability to move and make music. Kay Carnes is the director. Classes are held every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
The Central Youth Band meets every Saturday morning from 10:30-11:30. The Central Youth Band participates in the Teen Center Worship (10:15 Sunday mornings) and occasionally at the Contemporary Service on a regular basis. The Youth Band has opportunities available for drums, keyboards, guitars, bass, and vocals.
Joy’s Boys is the name of our Men’s gospel choir and is directed by Joy Brown. They participate frequently in the Sunday 8:50 Chapel Service and are heard throughout the county.
Trinity is an all female vocal group singing three part contemporary arrangements with band back-up. The repertoire is challenging with all music memorized. All proceeds from Trinity concers goes to the Turning Point Women's Crisis Shelter in Monroe. Trinity will also be representing Central UMC at the annual UMW retreat next year at Lake Junaleska. Participation is by invitation.