Music Ministries
 
ADULT AND YOUTH CHOIRS
 
Chancel Choir. The adult choir of the church sings for the 11 AM worship service all but one Sunday a month, when it sings for the 8:45 AM service. The choir rehearses in the sanctuary every Thursday evening from 7:30 to 8:30 PM. Choir members do not rehearse for a number of Thursdays during the summer but still participate during Sunday services. No audition is required; choir members are expected to read traditional music notation, to be able to match pitches, and regularly attend rehearsals and Sunday services. This choir performs SATB sacred music written by standard church and art music composers.
Wesley Singers. Adults and Youth who would like to sing in a choir but often do not have the time to devote to longer rehearsals and singing at services every Sunday are welcome to perform with this choir. This group alternates between singing for one 8:45 AM service once a month and for one 11 AM service the next month. Some Chancel Choir members also are members of this group. Wesley Singers rehearse in the sanctuary every Thursday evening from 7:00 to 7:25 PM. Members of this choir do not rehearse for a number of Thursdays during the summer but still participate during Sunday services. This choir performs unison, two-part, and four-part sacred music written by standard church music composers.
Benson Singers. Members of the Chancel Choir comprise most of this group. As with the Wesley Singers, this group alternates between singing for an 8:45 AM service once a month and one 11 AM service the next. The Benson Singers rehearse in the sanctuary every Thursday evening from 8:35 to 9:00 PM. Members of this choir do not rehearse for a number of Thursdays during the summer but still participate during Sunday services. This choir performs SA/TB, SAB, and SATB sacred music written by standard church and art music composers.
For more information on the above programs, contact the Adult Choir Director, Bob Petters at (919) 787-0789 or via e-mail, bpetters@bm-umc.org
 
CHILDREN'S CHOIRS
 
Cherub Choir. This group is open to Kindergarten and 1st grade children who are interested in singing in a vocal ensemble. Instruction is designed to teach beginning musicianship and singing skills. Singing in the choir is an excellent way for children to serve the church. The group sings for worship services once a month and for Christmas and Children’s Sunday programs. Cherub Choir meets 5:00-5:30 in the choir room on Sunday afternoons from September to early May.
Carol Choir. This group is open to 2nd through 5th grade children who are interested in singing in a vocal ensemble. Instruction is designed to teach basic music reading, musicianship, and developing singing skills. Singing in the choir is an excellent way to introduce children to serving as members the church. The group sings for worship services once a month and for Christmas and Children’s Sunday programs. Carol Choir meets 5:30-6:15 in the choir room on Sunday afternoons from September to early May.
For more information contact Jennifer Riggert, Children's Music Director - (919) 785-9079
 
INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES
 
Chancel Chimes. This group is open to those 6th grade through adult who are interested in playing hand chimes in an instrumental ensemble. Ability to read music is helpful, but not required. The group plays for worship services once a month. Chancel Chimes meets 3:15-4:15 in the sanctuary on Sunday afternoons from September to early May.
Benson Brass. The Benson Brass at present is a brass quartet: Trumpet - Bruce Goodwin and Floyd Munson, Jennifer Riggert - French horn, Michael Till – Trombone. In addition to performing sacred music during selected worship services, this group has also performed, upon request, at church and social gatherings and at weddings, playing Dixieland jazz, marches, and other styles of music. Benson Brass rehearsals usually take place on Thursday evenings in the Fellowship Hall from 6:30 to 7:30 PM all year long. As mentioned, the current ‘Brass’ is a quartet but would greatly appreciate the addition of a tuba player as both quartet and quintet brass music is available.
For more information contact Bruce Goodwin – (919) 846-9386