Music Ministry

Music has long been an important element in worship. From the psalms, to the hymns of praise, to the praise songs, we have been a singing people. John Wesley, the founder of the United Methodist, was very aware of the importance of singing in the church and instructed Methodist how best to sing the hymns during worship. True to the Wesley tradition, the Music Ministry at Rome First has had a rich tradition of presenting quality music throughout its history. Whether singing or playing instruments, the goal is the same, to give the best one has to the musical art through worship.

Wednesday evenings, from August to April, our children meet for choir from 5:30 to 6:15 pm. The goal for our Children's Choirs is to teach our children to appreciate the role of music in worship, whether it is in the traditional or contemporary services, by singing regularly throughout the church year. The choirs learn music appropriate for both styles of worship. Cherub Choir, 4 & 5 year-olds Celestial Choir, 1st & 2nd graders Carol Choir, 3rd, 4th, & 5th graders (There is a music activity for 3-year-olds.) The Children's Choirs have a variety of opportunities outside the church to sing in festivals, combine with other church choirs, and go on tour.

The Youth Choir, like the Children's Choirs, sings throughout the church year in both the traditional and contemporary worship services. In addition, the Youth Choir tours and sings at choir festivals alternately each year. This choir is open to all youth in grades 6-12. Youth Choir meets from 5:00-6:00 pm on Sunday afternoons. The Youth Choir has a variety of opportunities outside the church to sing in festivals, combine with other church choirs, and go on tour.

The Chancel Choir has long been the centerpiece of the Music Ministry at Rome First. The leadership this choir brings to worship each week in the traditional service, along with a variety of special services and concerts throughout the year, continues to enrich, not only the worship at Rome First, but the community as well. The Chancel Choir provides an opportunity for adults who love to sing to participate in presenting music that represents all styles church music. The Chancel Choir meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm. Rome First provides scholarships to students from both Shorter and Berry to sing in the Chancel Choir. These students sing in worship at both 8:45 and 11:00 traditional services each week.

The Praise Band faithfully leads worship in the contemporary service each week. This group offers quality music that is familiar and easy for congregational singing, while consistently learning new music to add to the worship experience each week. Music includes work by Chris Tomlin, Charlie Hall, Hillsong, Hillsong United, Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, David Crowder, and more.

The Roman Chimes is our hand bell choir for adults. This group rehearses on Wednesday evenings at 5:00 pm, from September through May, with the goal of playing at least once a month in worship. The Roman Chimes is open to members and non-members from the church and community.