Music

UCMI MUSIC MINISTRY

The mission of the Music Ministry is to encourage, enable, and to proclaim the church’s song. Through musical leadership with singers, organ and instruments, we lead God’s people in their songs of praise, songs of proclamation and prophesy, and songs of prayer. In hymns, anthems and responses, we flesh out the story of God’s love. As stewards of God’s gift of music, our task is to allow the church’s song to find expression.

The Music Ministry directly engages the energies of many faithful volunteers. These volunteers, honorably designated amateur (“one who loves”), are people who want to experience personal growth by building musical skills, who want to belong to a goal-oriented group, and who live out their belief that choral singing, handbell ringing, or playing instruments is a joyful and worthy expression of their faith.

We heartily welcome new members, whether full-time or part-time residents on the island. Prospective members need not be trained musicians; all that is necessary is a sincere dedication to our tasks as musical worship leaders. Each ensemble in the church has its own rehearsal schedule and participates regularly in worship. From time to time, we invite gifted professionals, whether singers or instrumentalists, to bring their gifts to our worship experiences. The choir presents weekly offerings in worship as well as more extended musical works, usually during the Lenten season.

The Music Ministry also brings quality music to the Marco Island community through our annual Concert Series. These concerts, by established musical artists, bring many people into our facility and fulfill a need for classical and popular music events on the island. The concert series is funded by ticket sales and special contributions.

For information about upcoming concerts or participation in the Music Ministry, please call the Music Office at (239) 394-5096.

OUR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

The Hansford Memorial Organ, a two-manual, 23 stop mechanical-action instrument, was built by Helmuth Wolff and Associates of Laval, Quebec, in 1997. This lovely instrument, the gift of deceased member Jane Hansford in memory of her husband and son, was commissioned by the church and especially designed for the new sanctuary. Pipe organs are uniquely equipped to lead the church’s song, and our instrument sounds forth to bring us to praise and prayer each week. It is regularly featured in performances of the organ literature.

Our sanctuary Boston grand piano has been a wonderful addition to our musical resources. Gifted by memorials and special contributions, this piano is regularly featured in worship and concert settings.

The church owns a five-octave set of Malmark Handbells and two octaves of choir chimes. Our collection of Orff percussion instruments is also used for worship.

Choir Rehearsals