Enjoy the World of Music and Arts at NUMC
Children & Youth Music
Carol Choir (Grades K-2)
Kindergartners through second graders begin their musical journey here with us. These little people learn to sing from the heart, begin to learn good singing technique and how to work as a team to make music with each other. They usually sing once a month at the 9:30 worship service.
Sunday Rehearsals – Begins September 13th
10:45 – 11:15 AM
Raelyn Luft, Director
CruYou Choir (Grades 3 - 12)
Our third through twelfth graders continue to make music at a higher and higher level, learning to read music and further widen their appreciation and knowledge of vocal production and musical styles. The choir is a combination of the Crusader Choir (grades 3-6) and Youth Choir (grades 6-12). They sing once a month at the 9:30 worship service and offer one or two concerts in the community per season.
Sunday Rehearsals – Begins September 13
10:45 – 11:45 AM
Rob Kennan, Director
Children & Youth
There is nothing quite like the sound of children and youth singing from the heart. “Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven’” (Matthew 19:14). “And [Jesus] said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven’” (Matthew 18:3). We celebrate our young people at NUMC and encourage them to learn the language of music so they can worship with body, mind and soul.
Adult Music
Adult Music Programs
Our adult musical offerings include our Chancel Choir and First State Ringers. We will occasionally invite younger participants into these groups as well. Additionally, we offer a number of specifically intergenerational ensembles for children, youth and adults to participate in together.
Chancel Choir
Our Chancel Choir serves as the musical backbone of our traditional 9:30 worship services. This ensemble sings at most of the services and provides leadership to the congregation in songs and hymns, as well as special offerings of praise, prayer and adoration. Some of our choristers have musical training and an extensive musical background in voice, most have limited music-reading skills and only the vocal training that they have received in the Chancel Choir. As you can see, you are welcome regardless of musical capacity and background. Give us a try!
Adult Choir
Thursday Rehearsals – Begins September 10th
7:15 – 8:45 PM
Rob Kennan, Director
First State Ringers
Sharing music in the community – that’s what this advanced handbell ensemble, out of NUMC, does! Our mission is to introduce audiences to the varied repertoire of handbell music, not solely holiday music. We are an auditioned group performing concerts throughout all of our Delaware counties. Handbell ringers with previous experience may contact our director, Ruthie Toole, at rtoole@udel.edu for more information.
Experienced Handbell Ringers
Tuesday Rehearsals – Begins September 8th
7:00 – 8:30PM
Ruthie Toole, Director
Inter-generational Music
Genesis Ringers (Grades 3+)
This is truly a multi-generational group! Our group of beginning level handbell ringers, levels 1 to 2, is tasked with learning how to properly ring the bells, read simple music, and share the gift of music at the 8:00 and 9:30 worship services a couple of Sundays each semester. We also ring in our annual Christmas concert. If you or someone you know is interested in joining, don’t be afraid to reach out to our director Ruthie Toole at rtoole@udel.edu.
Inter-generational Handbells
Sunday Rehearsals – Begins September 13th
6:00 – 6:45 PM
Ruthie Toole, Director
NUMC Orchestra (Grades 3+)
Director Rob Kennan formed this group and arranges all of the music for it. It is made up of orchestral instrumental players of all ages and abilities, from youth just learning how to play to adults who are revisiting making music on their instruments after decades of ‘retirement’. Sheet music and often recordings are distributed early in the semester, then we get together for one rehearsal (usually a Sunday at noon) a week or so prior to worship. We play a wide variety of music. This group also plays in our annual Christmas concert.
Rehearsals are usually one Sunday before playing in church. First rehearsal on October 4th.
Rob Kennan, Director
SonSpirit Band
The SonSpirit band is a group of performers of all ages who lead music for our contemporary service on Sundays at 11:00am. The band maintains a core group of guitars, bass, drums, keyboard, vocalists while also incorporating other instruments when available, such as violin and clarinet. Our once a week rehearsals maintain a fun-loving and relaxed environment, and new musicians are always welcome to join! This group is directed by Sara Gaines, whom you are encouraged to contact for more information: osumusicat@comcast.net
Contemporary Worship Band
Wednesday Rehearsals – First Rehearsal September 9th
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Sara Gaines, Director
Intergenerational Music Programs
The diverse body of Christ is made up of people of all ages and artistic abilities. Our music represents the people making it. NUMC demonstrates this beautifully with our SonSpirit Band, Genesis Ringers and NUMC Orchestra.