Williamsburg UMC is thrilled to extend an open invitation to our dynamic Music Ministry offerings this Fall. Within these notes and rhythms, we discover more than just music – we discover a path to connect with our spirituality, our community, and our innermost selves. 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. 


For more information, contact one of the directors:

Registration Information

If you’ve participated in the past, please renew your membership by filling out a registration form via the links below (paper copies are located on the large bulletin board between rooms 107 and 114 in the basement).  If you are joining an ensemble for the first time, please complete a registration form and attend the first rehearsal.  


We are a Safe Sanctuaries church. To view our policy, click here.

Adult Programs

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Covenant Ringers: Covenant Ringers, our talented bell ensemble, meets on Thursdays at 5:30 pm. You'll find the magical sounds resonating from the Bell Room (Room 112).
  • Sanctuary Choir: Come rock with a choir that's all about worship, music, and a whole lot of fun! 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. 

CHILDREN & YOUTH MUSIC PROGRAMS

  • Wesley Choir: Students in grades 1-5 meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. in Room 173 to rehearse unison and two-part music that they will sing in worship about once per month.
  • Mini Melodies: This group offers a unique opportunity for preschoolers and pre-readers to dive into the world of singing, discover the magic of their own voices, and share in a joyful ministry experience. Join us in the parlor on Sundays from 10:00 - 10:30 am for an engaging musical adventure. Afterward, students can either be picked up or smoothly transitioned to the nursery. It's a wonderful way for the little ones to start their day with music and togetherness! 
  • Canticles of Praise: Students in middle and high school rehearse choral music for worship. Rehearsal is Sunday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in Room 173. 
  • Bells of Praise: A bell choir for middle and high school students meets on Sundays from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. in Room 112. 
  • Youth Praise Band: Our vocal and instrumental band for middle and high school students meets on Sundays from 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. in the Youth Center. They lead worship in Sunday School and Messy Church, as well as in Sunday morning worship several times per year. 

Learn about other opportunities for Youth here

HANDEL'S MESSIAH 2023

Singers in high school, college, and adults from both our church and the community come together to perform the 24th annual concert presentation of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah. 


Rehearsals will be Sunday evenings, November 12, 19, 26, from 6:30 to 9:00pm and Thursday November 30 from 7:00 to 10:00pm. 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! 


Williamsburg United Methodist Church is thrilled to share with our congregation, community and guests that our live and in-person Messiah Concerts will return on Friday, December 1, at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 2, at 5:00 p.m. 


Our soloists include Michelle Trovato, Soprano, Dr. Kelly J. Montgomery, Contralto, Ian Lane, Tenor, and Chris Mooney, Bass. They will be accompanied by our Handel Chamber Orchestra.


To volunteer to join our Messiah Chorus, please click here.


If you have any questions, please email Lou-Anne Smith (lsmith@williamsburgumc.org).

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. For a list of the Organ's specifications, click here.


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. To learn more about our organist, Thomas Marshall, click here.


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/.