MUSIC MINISTRY
The Music Ministry of Davidson United Methodist Church is a large, inter-generational program devoted to the fulfillment of the church's mission statement. Music is a vehicle through which persons of all ages may find opportunities for worship, education, fellowship, and service. In short, music is an "instrument" through which we are able to experience each of these in the body of Christ.
Kevin Turner, Director of Music and Worship
Katie Ann McCarty, Organist and Music Associate
Patty Gruce, Director of Children's Music
Susan Vaseleniuck, Administrative Assistant for Music Programs
Children's Choirs
"O come let us sing unto the Lord." Psalms 95:1
The emphasis of DUMC's Children's Choirs is primarily education. As they learn about music, they also learn about God and the faith community. Weekly fellowship in the graded choir program provides an introductory experience as the body of Christ at work and play.
We invite children to participate in the Children's Choir ministry for ages 3 (as of August 31) through the fifth grade. It's a great way to sing and share God's love and learn age-appropriate spiritual and musical concepts. Choirs meet on Wednesday evenings from 5:45 - 6:30 p.m. We will have two concerts (Christmas and Spring) as well as offering our praises on Children's Sabbath and at other worship services. If you have any questions, please contact: Patty Gruce (704-892-8277).
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! The Children's Handchimes Choir is a musical ensemble for children in Grades 2-5. They meet together to learn to read music notes and rhythms and learn songs to play for worship services and the Children's Concerts. The Handchimes Choir meets on Wednesdays from 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. in the Bell Room, just behind the Chancel Choir Room. All dedicated children in this age group are invited to participate, including those with no musical experience.
A Beginning Handchimes Choir has been added on Thursdays from 4:30-5!5 p.m. This choir is open to all ages, including adults!
Complete the form below with information for each youth you are registering. Be sure to complete the entire form, then click "submit." If you want to register more than three children, e-mail Patty Gruce (pgruce@davidsonumc.org) with each additional child's information.
Children's Choir Registration
Youth Choirs
Youth Choirs begin to focus on worship, leadership, and service in the greater community. Through choir retreats, choir tours, singing in Sunday morning worship and other special services, and projects that teach the role of servanthood, our youth begin to understand their creative and artistic gifts as tools for discipleship.
Our Youth Choirs are divided into two groups: Middle School Choir (Grades 6-8) meets Wednesday nights from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and Senior High Youth Choir (Grades 9-12) meets Wednesday nights from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Both Choirs meet in the Chapel, adjacent to the Molly McKay Youth House.
Both groups will lead regular Sunday morning worship services, but they will also lead special seasonal services (for example: Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, Ash Wednesday, and Holy Thursday). All this performing requires regular attendance, but there is no experience necessary. Come with an open mind and a trusting heart, and you are assured of finding a home in Youth Choirs at Davidson United Methodist Church. Contact Kevin Turner (704-892-8277).
Youth Handbells (grades 6-12) provides a ringing experience for our youth. This group leads regularly in worship, tours with our youth choirs, attends a regional youth handbell festival, and also plays in our local community throughout the year. They rehearse Mondays from 4:15 - 5:30 p.m. in the handbell room. No ringing experience is necessary. Contact Kevin Turner (704-892-8277).
Adult Ensembles
Adult Ensembles provide various opportunities for college age and older adults to become involved in a small faith community, to participate in worship leadership, and to serve both the church and the local community. 
The Chancel Choir is the principal choral ensemble for music leadership in DUMC worship services. This is an adult choir and is open to anyone from college age and older. The Chancel Choir sings for the 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Sunday services each week. This choir also sings concerts or services for other occasions or holy days as announced. As the principal chorus of DUMC's Music Ministry, the role of the Chancel Choir is to assist the gathered community of faith to worship and sing its praises to God. This choir is an important supportive ministry of DUMC and a vital instrument in the building up of the body of Christ. Our choristers clearly understand and accept their call to: (1) guide and enhance the experience of worship for the whole congregation, and (2) minister to one another as a caring community. Weekly rehearsals are on Thursdays from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. (extended to 9:00 p.m. during busy seasons). Child-care is provided for rehearsals, services, and all choir fellowship activities. The Chancel Choir is directed by Kevin Turner. For more information, contact Kevin Turner (704-892-8277).
The Chancel Handbell Choir is composed of advanced-experience ringers, playing a five-octave set of bells. Ringer positions become available when a vacancy occurs. If you are a music reader with handbell playing experience and can commit to weekly rehearsals (Thursdays from 5:30 - 6:45 p.m., September - May), contact Susan Vaseleniuck (704-892-8277) to register your interest if a position opens. The Chancel Handbell Choir is directed by Laura Blauch.
The Matins Choir is named after the term for "Morning Prayer" in the Church of England. The Matins sing for our weekly 8:15 a.m. service. This is a volunteer choir, which gathers before worship to rehearse the service music for that morning. This choir provides the perfect musical opportunity for persons who enjoy singing and helping to lead worship, but cannot commit to weekly rehearsals. Contact Katie Ann McCarty (704-892-8277).
The Men's Ensemble focuses on anthems especially for all-male voices. This choral ensemble provides the perfect musical opportunity for men who enjoy singing and helping to lead worship, but cannot sing weekly in the Chancel Choir. This choir meets for rehearsals at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Contact Katie Ann McCarty (704-892-8277).
The Compline Choir is available periodically as an advanced choral opportunity for persons interested in working on special choral repertoire for holy day services, Evensong, or new compline service. Persons interested will be asked to register for six to eight rehearsals leading up to the particular choral performance. Each service provides a new opportunity for singers who may not be able to commit to an on-going choral group. Rehearsals are held weekly on Wednesday evenings leading up to the event. For more information, contact Kevin Turner (704-892-8277).
The Women's Ensemble, directed by Kevin Turner, helps lead worship duing (8:15 a.m., optional), 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. worship services. Weekly rehearsals are held on Wednesdays from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. For more information, contact Kevin Turner (704-892-8277).
The DUMC Dance Ensemble is a unique opportunity to communicate your special talents through dance during various worship services. If you have experience in dance, contact Kevin Turner (704-892-8277) for more information.