Music Ministries

First United Methodist Church has a strong commitment to an active music program with a rich and long tradition. It is the mission of the music ministry to serve the church and the greater community with musical programs of classical, sacred and contemporary content. With a beautiful sanctuary that houses the newly-renovated Zimmer Pipe Organ the church is blessed with excellent acoustics that make it ideal for classical music program and recitals.
 
Butler Organ Recital Series

The Butler Organ Recital Series is a monthly presentation of organ works by the great organ master composers of the past. The magnificent Zimmer Pipe Organ, with well over 1,000 pipes, amplified by the natural acoustics of the sanctuary, produce thrilling organ concerts by the Organist of FUMC. Recitals are held the second Wednesday of each month at noon. All concerts are free of admission charge and are open to the public.p>
 
The Youth Choir

The Youth Choir meets weekly on Wednesday afternoons at 4:00. In addition to singing once each quarter, the choir learns music fundamentals and singing skills. A social component each week helps to build friendship and strong Christian bonds among the membership. Youth Choir is open all youth from 6th to 12th grades. Students need not know how to read music to join.
 
Jubilate Bells

Jubilate Bells is a very active organization that provides service music for the traditional services throughout the year. The bells meet each Wednesday at 5PM. Membership is open by consultation with the director. Participants should know basic music reading skills. The organization requires strong commitment from its members due to the nature of bell-ringing ensemble.
 
The Caribbean Steel Drum Band

The Caribbean Steel Drum Band is open to high school students and adults who want to learn to play the steel drums. Rehearsals are held each Wednesday (during the fall, winter and spring seasons) at 6PM. Although music reading skills are not required, it is helpful to have some reading knowledge of music. The Caribbean Steel Drums plays in worship services several times throughout the year.
 
The First Arts Program

The First Arts Program is one of the great success stories of the music ministry of First United Methodist. For more than twenty years, First Arts has sponsored classical, contemporary, jazz and story-telling programs that have reached the greater Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa Counties. Attendance is by season ticket membership, which is offered at low-cost to the community. These programs are always well attended and many fill the sanctuary to its maximum capacity.
 
The Children’s Choir

The Children’s Choir is a very active and committed group. This choir meets each Wednesday at 3:30 PM. Each year the Children’s Choir performs two musicals, one in the Christmas season and another at the end of spring. Students, not only sing, but get to act, work together on scenery and enjoy good times together. To join, contact the Children’s Choir director.
 
Sanctuary Choir

Sanctuary Choir provides leadership each Sunday morning for traditional worship services. The choir is of a mix of music readers and novices who are highly committed to giving excellent quality of performances. The music library, with over 1000 anthems, is rich in traditional and contemporary literature. The Sanctuary Choir meets weekly on Wednesday evenings at 7PM. In addition to providing regular Sunday service music, the Sanctuary prepares two large works, many times accompanied by orchestra, each year, including the Christmas and Easter seasons. Sanctuary Choir is open to adults of all ages.
 
The Contemporary Band

The Contemporary Band, Balaam's Donkey, is organized through the ministry of the Contemporary Service. The ensemble meets weekly for rehearsals and performs at the Contemporary Service and other special events. Contact Jimmy Whited with specific questions.

Balaam's Donkey
 
Various Small Ensembles

First United Methodist Church is filled with talented musicians who are eager to serve the music ministry. Ad hoc musical ensembles are formed to provide special music for worship experiences. Interested instrumental musicians should contact the Music Director for participation in these ensembles.
 
5th Sunday at 5

5th Sunday at 5 is a program geared toward music held the fifth Sunday of months that have a fifth Sunday. All programs are held at 5PM. Especially popular are the Cokesbury Hymnfests and the special “Hanging of the Greens” service with a carol sing at the beginning of the Christmas season.