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MUSIC MINISTRY

At Williamsburg UMC, we eagerly experience God through awe-inspiring music. More than 150 adults, children, and youth participate in our ensembles and share their musical gifts with our congregation. As you explore the following sections, you'll find a range of opportunities tailored for all ages. From the timeless resonance of our choirs to the harmonious interplay of our bells, the symphonic richness of our orchestra, and the spirited energy of our praise band – there's a place for you to lend your voice and talents.

adult programs

BELL CHOIRS

Koinonia Belles: Our handbell choirs are incredibly inclusive and welcoming. The morning group has ranged from a trio to a sextet. If we have enough players, we'll even bring back the In Nomine Dei Ringers! Koinonia Belles meets every Tuesday at 12:00 pm.

Covenant Ringers: Covenant Ringers, our talented full bell choir, meets on Thursdays at 5:30 pm. You'll find the magical sounds resonating from the Bell Room (Room 112).

SIGN UP TO RING

SANCTUARY ORCHESTRA

Join us for rehearsals on Mondays at 5:15 pm, where musicians of all skill levels are welcome! Whether you're a beginner or have years of experience, you'll find a place in our diverse, supportive, warm and knowledgeable community. Please bring your own instrument. If you need assistance in finding one, we'll be more than happy to help! The Sanctuary Orchestra performs in worship about once a month, from September through May.

JOIN OUR ORCHESTRA

SANCTUARY CHOIR

Our Sunday morning worship service is open to everyone from young adults and beyond. Don't worry if you're new to the singing scene – experience isn't a prerequisite here. We're all about helping you shine vocally and spiritually as you find your groove. Members are asked to sing one service each Sunday – you can choose between the early bird service at 8:15 am or the 11:00 am service. Rehearsals take place on Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 pm, and/or a new option of Sunday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 am. If you're up for growing in more ways than one, and having an absolute blast, this is your invitation to be part of something extraordinary. 

COME SING WITH US

multi-generational praise band

The Praise Band is an instrumental and vocal ensemble dedicated to leading worship through uplifting and contemporary praise music. Our band includes a diverse range of instruments such as guitar, bass, drums, keys, and more, creating a vibrant and dynamic worship experience. We meet to practice weekly on Sunday evenings at 4pm. 

This multi-generational ensemble welcomes musicians of all ages who have existing knowledge of their instrument and a passion for worship. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a confident vocalist, we invite you to be part of our community, sharing your talents to inspire and lead our congregation in worship.

COME PLAY WITH US

annual messiah concert

Experience the timeless tradition that captures the essence and wonder of Christmas. For the past 25 years, Williamsburg United Methodist Church has proudly hosted our Annual Messiah Concert, showcasing the beloved masterpiece by George Frideric Handel: Part 1 - The Christmas Story. This cherished event attracts musicians and attendees from across the Hampton Roads Region. Last year, our concert united chorus members from 13 church choirs and 7 communities spanning Hampton Roads, Springfield, VA, and Elmhurst, IL.

Immerse yourself in the captivating performances of the Handel Chamber Orchestra and Chorus, led by our esteemed Director of Worship Arts, Lou-Anne Smith, accompanied by the mastery of our celebrated organist, Thomas Marshall. The concert is elevated by the vocal talents of featured soloists: Michelle Trovato, Soprano; Ceceli Mckinley, Contralto; Ian Lane, Tenor; Branch Fields, Bass. Explore the program from our 2024 concert here.

INTERESTED IN PERFORMING IN OUR 2025 CONCERT?

Rehearsals begin each November with the Concert being held the first weekend in December. Whether you're a seasoned singer or just looking to make melodious memories, your voice is the missing piece that will make this performance truly magnificent! We look forward to having you join us! 

SIGN UP TO PERFORMGIVE TO SUPPORT MESSIAH

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING

We are so grateful for the countless members and friends of our church who enthusiastically and graciously volunteer to assist with the many tasks for Messiah each year.  It truly is a community event! If you would like to join our Messiah Concert Prep Team, we would be so happy to have you!

Become Part of the Team!

PERAGALLO PIPE ORGAN

Our Peragallo Pipe Organ was installed in July 2011. It is a 62 rank, three manual and pedal organ. The main organ includes the Grand Orgue, Positiv, Pedal, and Recit Divisions which occupy the pipe chamber on the right side of the nave. The new Grand Choeur division is located behind the left casework and provides a foil to the main instrument and allows for a balance of tonal projection in the worship space to support congregational singing. The organ key desk is a low-profile French curved terrace design with select hardwoods such as cherry and mahogany. The tonal design was developed in collaboration with the church organist, Thomas Marshall. 

Organ Specifications Learn More About Tom

As part of the installation, the organ committee and the Peragallo's worked to improve the acoustics of the space by adding new tonal openings on both sides of the sanctuary and adding a new hardwood floor to the chancel area. The effect of these site improvements created a wonderfully balanced acoustic for the organ to project down the nave of the church. The architectural integrity of the sanctuary has been enhanced by the new facade pipe cabinets positioned in front of the tonal openings. The Peragallo firm designed these cabinets to match perfectly with the original architecture and fine 18th century millwork present throughout the church sanctuary.

The Peragallo Pipe Organ Company is a fourth generation of organ builders. It was founded in 1918 by Mr. John Peragallo, Sr., who was an apprentice with the famous E.M. Skinner Organ Company. Mr. John Peragallo, Jr., joined the company in 1949 and further enhanced the business with a close “father-son” relationship. Today, this tradition continues with John III and Frank now heading the company joined by their sons Anthony and John IV. Specialized personal voicing has been the credo of the Peragallo Organ Company with personal voicing by John III, Frank, and their sons. The Peragallo firm is a family organization whose pipe organs successfully integrate old world craftsmanship with modern day technology. For more information, visit their website at http://www.peragallo.com/