Our core values provide the foundation for the making of all forms of music in the life of Dublin United Church. As disciples, we discover and share spiritual musical gifts and commit to welcome all into this transforming ministry in both the congregational and smaller ensemble contexts. Director of Music Ministry, Michael Bloss, welcomes you to "find your voice" through sharing in the music of all God's people at worship.
We share our faith in God in forms of music and styles of text which ground our lives. We strive to love the way Jesus did by welcoming people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds as participants in our music ministry. We celebrate our community with a diverse, creative blend of music and text. Choral, instrumental and congregational music which is led by the Spirit also reaches out to the world beyond us. Additionally, Dublin's music ministry operates as a small group ministry and, through "Musical Moments" and other educational programs, recognizes our need for Growth and Love.
CONGREGATIONAL
The congregation - you - serves as the "big choir" singing Hymns, Psalms and Spiritual Songs. The great hymn text writer, Wesley, writes about the power of a group singing with soul and conviction. Every Sunday you respond to the Word through the emotion of the music which paints it. As you enjoy the familiar in the traditions of our sung worship, "Musical Moments" will help broaden the experience with newer responses and congregational songs. Instrumentalists are a further example of this response. We would love to have you share some of your favourite music on your instrument as a part of music preceding worship or at times where an instrumental part joins with a choral selection. On occasion we will require such players as guitarists, bassists, string and woodwinds for Taize worship.
ADULT MUSIC
The Chancel Choir presents choral music during weekly Sunday worship and at other special moments in the church liturgical calendar. You are invited to be a guest member of the Chancel Choir at certain Sundays in the year to form Men and Women's Choruses. (Thursdays 7:30-9:30 pm; Sundays from 9:30 am)
The Handbell Choir plays English handbells in worship services and occasionally at special events outside the church. Conductor Anna Tribe-Rowan eagerly welcomes a variety of musical backgrounds into this ensemble exciting the group to a high musical standard to God's praise. (Tuesdays 7:45-9:15 pm; Sundays as scheduled)
CHILDREN'S MUSIC
Some changes are taking place in the format of Dublin's children's music programs for 2010-2011 as we welcome our new Music Associate, Anna Tribe-Rowan. Instead of three separate groups for Chimes, Cherubs, and Joyful Noise, there will be only two groups separated by age alone. The new names will be left up to the youth to decide, but for now they shall be referred to as group A and B. Group A will be grades Kindergarten to 3, and group B will be grades 4 to 8. Both groups will sing and play chimes/bells, and will alternate presentations to the congregation with each other on a monthly basis. Rehearsals for these groups will be held on Thursday evenings, A from
As a continuation of previous years, the high school Youth Ensemble will be meeting once a week at a time that has yet to be decided upon. Any interested high school students are encouraged to contact Anna.
Music is an ever-present delight to all. It calls forth expressions of joy as well as reflection. You are invited to enjoy this series of concerts – a diverse line up of music which feature musicians who share this exhilaration with you - Sunday afternoons at 3:00pm, monthly. These afternoon informal concerts are for those new to classical music, as well as for the seasoned connoisseur. Come join us for a musical adventure that you will want to share with others! There will be refreshments served following each concert; admission of $20 at the door assists with the musical outreach which is on-going at Dublin.