Montrose United Methodist Music Department

The music department, headed by Norman Smith, serves the church with a variety of musical offerings. The music ministry not only adds beauty to the worship services, but is also a wonderful fellowship during rehearsals. There are three vocal choirs at the Montrose United Methodist Church, one handbell choir, and we have three keyboard players.

The Sounds of Faith:
Sounds of Faith serves the church offering anthems on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month on a regular basis. The choir is involved in many of the special worship services during the special seasons of the year: Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter. This choir rehearses Wednesday evenings at 6:45 pm in the church Sanctuary. The Sounds of Faith is under the direction of Norman Smith. Membership is open to anyone. If you are interested, please call the church office at 249-3716.

Praise Team Choir:
The Praise Team is a contemporary choir specializing in the wonderful new music of the Christian faith. The fourth Sunday of each month Montrose United Methodist Church has a Celebration Service at the 8:30 am worship service. The Praise Team provides music for the special service. The choir is also involved in special services throughout the year, such as Christmas Eve service, joining the other choirs. Kelly Thompson is the director of this choir. Praise Team rehearsals are in the church Sanctuary, Sunday at 9:45 am.

Children's Choir:
Directed by Kelly Thompson, the children's choir offers special music at the Sunday services, as well as other special services during the year. This choir is open to all children grades 1-5. Rehearsals are held in the choir rehearsal room in the basement of the church, Sunday at 9:30 am. The children offer special programs throughout the year, such as the Christmas play, caroling and many other events. Karie Hassell, the children's program director, helps organize the music events for this choir and the church.

Hand Bells:
The church has a full set of handbells and supports the Handbell choir. This group performs on the 2nd Sunday of the month alternating with the Children's Choir on this Sunday. Directed by Kelly Thompson, the bell choir welcomes new people and focuses on teaching the techniques of playing the bells. Ages for this choir range from 8 up to any age. Rehearsals are Wednesday evening at 5:45 pm. Call the church for more information at 249-3716.

Church Accompanists:
The church is blessed to have three outstanding keyboard players serving the church with their talents.
Church Accompanist - Laurie Burke. Laurie has a degree in music. She teaches private lessons in the Montrose area. Laurie plays for worship services on Sunday and special services.
Organist - Connie Stoutt. Connie has played for churches all over the country for many years. Connie has been a choir director and accompanist and a great talent and blessing. The church features Connie playing the organ on the 2nd Sunday Services and many special services during the year.
Piano/Organ - Kelly Thompson. Kelly is a man of many talents. Along with directing the Praise Team, Kelly plays the organ during the Sunday Service, and piano. Along with special services Kelly helps with the youth music program, and is the accompanist for the Thursday night services.

Special Music:
Many people perform special music for the services during the year. We have a great number of talented musicians in our community, and it is a blessing to feature them anytime they want to present special music during the services. Contact Norman Smith at 249-3716 if you want to offer a special performance for our church.