Music Ministry
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16 RSV)
The scriptures command us to sing, and to sing a variety of music! That is just what you will find in the Music Ministry of First Baptist Church. This diverse congregation enjoys a wide range of musical styles—including gospel songs, great hymns of the faith, classical anthems and oratorios, praise choruses, exciting anthems by contemporary composers, and spirituals. Music has been used throughout history to worship God. In the Hebrew Scriptures, especially the Psalms, and in the New Testament, there are passages providing specific instruction regarding musical worship of God. We are to lift our praise to the Lord and to minister on behalf of the Lord to God’s people and the surrounding community each time we gather for worship. Whatever the music may be—sung by voices or played on instruments—it is a a gift to the Lord, offered with great joy, sincerity, and a commitment to excellence.
How to Join the Music Ministry
You are welcome to participate in the church’s Music Ministry. Enrollment in any of our regular choirs is open year-round, with no audition required. To join one, please attend a rehearsal or contact the Music Office for information. The Music Suite is located on the second floor directly behind the Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary Choir provides inspiring music for the 11:00 a.m. worship service. The Sanctuary Choir also sings major concerts, including seasonal special events. No tryouts are necessary—only a love for the Lord and ability to sing. When you come, you will be greeted by friendly choir members who will quickly get you settled with music and seated next to someone who will help you through the rehearsal. Be prepared to have a good time working hard together on the many different styles of music we are getting ready to sing for worship or other events, including classical, traditional and contemporary anthems, hymn arrangements, and spirituals.
Rehearsal: Wednesday 6:45-8:15 p.m. in the Music Suite
Three Year Music Activity is for preschoolers, age 3. The children are introduced to music through games and simple songs.
Rehearsal: Wednesday 6:00-6:40 p.m. in 102 North (Preschool Suite)
Kinderchoir is for preschoolers, age 4 - 5. Spiritual concepts that help develop a child’s sense of worth and knowledge that “Jesus loves me” are affirmed through music. Preschool Choirs sing at Christmas and at the Spring Concert which features all the children’s musical groups.
Rehearsal: Wednesday 6:00-6:40 p.m. in 121 North (Preschool Suite)
Young Musicians is the choir for elementary children. They begin developing choral skills and continue to learn musical vocabulary. They learn to use body, mind, spirit, and voice to worship God. They lead in worship from time to time throughout the year, and present concerts at Christmas and at the end of the school year. Young instrumentalists are also encouraged to share their gifts through this choir.
Rehearsal: Wednesday 6:00-6:45 p.m. in 202 South
The Chapel Chorale is a select auditioned ensemble for adults. It sings for worship services and special programs on a regular basis, and is capable of singing more difficult and challenging music, tonally and rhythmically.
Rehearsals as announced
Media Ministry: Media influences many aspects of our lives. First Baptist has broadcast its worship service live on radio since 1927, and live on television since 1978. These broadcasts expand the witness and ministry of the church to many thousands throughout the Mid-South across a four-state region every week. Audio and video recordings are made of each service and other special programs.
The church is looking for new volunteers to serve with our media ministry in various roles. Our current needs are for people to serve in audio, video, graphics, lighting and recording areas. If you are interested in more information, contact the Minister of Music, Rev. Ray Hatton: ().
Musical Instruments: The Sanctuary Organ is an 83-rank* pipe organ built in 1950 for the new Sanctuary by Wicks Organ Company of Highland, Illinois, and enlarged by the same company in 1985. The organ is a four manual instrument capable of playing an extreme range of organ literature, and provide dynamic leadership in the accompaniment of congregational singing, choral anthems, instrumental and vocal solos. Containing 5,123 pipes, it is one of the largest organs in the Mid-South. A
*A rank is a set of pipes that make the same sound and there are 61 pipes in most ranks.
