Sanctuary Music Ministry

Music and Arts have a vital role at First United Methodist Church as we engage people to worship God. Music imprints Scripture and truth on our hearts. Especially for children and youth, these words learned and sung will remain steadfast for a lifetime.

At First United Methodist Church, traditional worship and music have rich legacies of excellence. The Music Ministry provides high caliber opportunities to engage the congregation and greater Baton Rouge community. Edifying the Word, music elevates the liturgy through hymn singing, choral repertoire, and instrumental music offerings. First United Methodist Church also provides an accessible place for children and adults, both the experienced professional and the dedicated volunteer, to develop their faith and musicianship in community with one another.

Music ensembles provide a poignant opportunity for shared ministry. Each unique voice and individual contributes to the communal experience, as we strive to glorify God and demonstrate love to our neighbors. In return, are nourished by meaningful texts and music. Ultimately, we seek to draw people closer to Christ through our worship, music, and love for one another.

Services are held on Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. in the church’s historic sanctuary.
We’re excited to welcome you!

The Children’s Music Program at First United Methodist Church is inclusive of every child and built on the fundamental truth that children are not only the future of the church; children are the church here and now. We live into this reality through faith formation, music education, and leadership in worship. Take advantage of this formative and interactive offering on Sunday evenings as part of Kids’ Night from 5-6:30 p.m. Music has two age groupings for Kindergarten-2nd grade and 3rd-5th grade. We are fortunate to have the community’s most prominent music educators providing worthwhile experiences for children. Hear their philosophies and beliefs by watching this short video. Reach out to Holden Miller, Associate Director of Music and Organist, for more information.

Concerts with a Cause at First United Methodist Church presents world-famous musicians to the Baton Rouge community each year. Generous donors enable us to offer the concert series free of charge to the public. A voluntary offering is collected as your opportunity to support this community-service enterprise benefitting local service organizations. Throughout history, Christianity has fostered great works of art and beauty, expressing the inexpressible and transcending the earthbound. We believe these concerts help audiences find God here.

The Chancel Choir is the primary adult choral ensemble that leads worship each Sunday in the Sanctuary during the 11 o’clock service. No audition is required, and rehearsals are Wednesday evenings 7-8:30 p.m. during the program year. Contact Lamar Drummonds, Director of Music, for more information. All are welcome! Click here for Joy’s story about how the Chancel Choir plays a central role in her faith.

The Woodland Ringers handbell ensemble is a longstanding tradition at First United Methodist Church. They ring on select Sundays of the church year and give outreach concerts at assisted living facilities in Baton Rouge. Contact Lamar Drummonds, Director of Music and Worship, for more information.

Hymns, choral accompaniments, and voluntaries played on the organ are an integral to worship at First United Methodist Church. In 2020, Casavant Frères were engaged to build Op. 3932 for the Sanctuary. It is used at Sunday services, weddings, funerals, and world-class concerts.
For an in-depth tour of the instrument, check out this video produced by the Organ Media Foundation.

Click here to view The American Organist Cover Feature, March 2021.

Past Performances

• Dr. Bradley Hunter Welch
• Chelsea Chen
• Ken Cowan
• James E. Bobb, Hymn Festival