Music & Arts Ministry
All choirs at Asbury United Methodist will begin Wednesday, August 18th, 2021
Adult Chancel Choir
Rehearsals: Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary
Performances: The 1st and 3rd Sunday of the Month (10:00 AM Church Service)
Ages: 18+
Director: Nick Despres
Come raise your voice with the adult chancel choir! The choir sings together two Sundays every month during the 10:00 A.M. church service. The chancel choir also performs Christmas and Easter cantatas, which are larger pieces of music. Soloists are always encouraged! You do not need to read music to become a member of the choir. The style of
music performed ranges from traditional to contemporary.
Children’s Choir (K-6th)
Rehearsals: Wednesdays from 6:30- 7:00 P.M. in the church sanctuary
Performances: Every other 4th Sunday of the month (10:00 A.M. Church Service)
Ages: Kindergarten through 6th Grade
Director: Ellen Despres
The K-6th Children’s Choir practices vocal technique in an encouraging and fun setting. Students sing with others of similar age and experience. At the earliest level, children build pitch matching, breathing and listening skills. Each rehearsal is designed to meet singers where they are and help them grow in voice, confidence and friendship. Students will perform during the 10:00 A.M. church service every other 4th Sunday, or once every two months. There may, however, be special performances for holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, etc.
Youth Choir (7th-12th)
Rehearsals: Wednesdays from 7:00- 7:30 P.M. in the church sanctuary
Performances: Every other 4th Sunday of the month (10:00 A.M. Church Service)
Ages: 7th through 12th Grade
Director: Ellen Despres
The 7th- 12th Grade Youth Choir practices vocal technique in an encouraging and fun setting. Students in this age group begin to develop advanced expression and harmonic elements. Each rehearsal is designed to meet singers where they are and help them grow in voice, confidence and friendship. Students will perform during the 10:00 A.M. church service every other 4th Sunday, or once every two months. There may, however, be special performances for holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, etc.
Handbell Choir
Rehearsals: Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the handbell practice room
Performances: The 1st Sunday of the month (10:00 AM Church Service)
Ages: No age minimum, based on experience.
Director: Nick Despres
Come express joy and gratitude through ringing! The handbell choir consists of 12 people, and each person will be responsible for at least two bells. The bells usually perform during the prelude, or beginning, section of the church service. Performances are held on the first Sunday of the month. You do not have to be an experienced musician, as Nick is ready and willing to help coach the members until he/she feels comfortable.
Praise Team
Every Sunday the Praise team performs both traditional hymns and contemporary favorites. If you sing or play an instrument, reach out to either Nick or Ellen Despres for any performance or solo opportunities.
Contact Info:
Nick Despres: nickdespres@gmail.com
Ellen Despres: elmarini@outlook.com
