First United Methodist Church of Mesa is blessed with an outstanding musical program. Directed by Jeff Harris, our numerous choirs and bands fill our each of our services with beautiful music that uplifts us and praises Him.

Our Director

Director of Music Ministries: Jeff Harris

Jeff Harris holds a Bachelor of Music degree (1977) and a Master of Music degree (1978) from Arizona State University where he studied under Dr. Douglas R. McEwen. Mr. Harris has continued his studies at ASU toward a Doctor of Music degree. He is currently the Director of Choral Activities and Chairman of the Performing Arts Department at Westwood High School in Mesa, AZ. His is also the founding director of the Sonoran Desert Chorale. He has served as choral clinician and adjudicator for state music contests and area festivals. He is a past president of the Arizona Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association, and the Choral Section of the Arizona Music Educators Association. Mr. Harris' performance credits include solos on two recent recordings of the Veritas Chorale.

About our Organ

Organist: Bonnie Loney

Our organist Bonnie Loney provides exceptional organ music for our services. The organ in our Sanctuary has an interesting history and is the only handmade pipe organ in Arizona. Technical Info...

Choirs

Chancel Choir

For: Adults
Rehearsal: Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Director: Jeff Harris
About: FUMC has as it's choir in residence the Desert Sonoran Chorale. Visit www.sonorandesertchorale.org for more information on The Chorale and their mission. To get more information about the concert schedule for the 2010-2011 season, check out our concert brochure.

Bell Choir

For: Adults
Rehearsal: Wednesdays at 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the Adult Lounge
Director: Margaret Desenberg
About: The Bell Choir contributes special music to the worship services on the fourth Sunday of each month. We welcome new members. Our only requirement is that you have a desire to belong to this dedicated group, and that you have a knowledge of music.

Children's Music Programs

Our goals for the choirs of First United Methodist Church are that the children learn, through music, more about the Bible and God, increase their love for singing, and serve Christ by singing in His Church and in the community. Furthermore, we strive to increase the children’s knowledge of music. It is our hope and prayer that they will keep what they have learned hidden in their hearts and live it out in their lives.

Parent support for the choirs is vital. By registering your child for the choir program, you should commit to getting your child to all rehearsals on time, bringing him/her to church on Sundays when he/she sings, and helping out when given the opportunity. Your child’s presence is essential to what God has called us to do, and that is to witness to others through music. We are grateful for all of our parents because without them, we would not exist!

We are here to minister to children, and if you need to talk to one of us, please feel free to call.

Many Blessings,

Gavin & Lisa Rittenhouse - 480-831-9965
Alison Jordan - 480-357-5417

Youth Choir

For: High School and Junior High
Rehearsal: Wednesdays at 7:20-8:15 p.m. in the choir room south of the Sanctuary.
Director: Gavin Rittenhouse
About: Description coming soon...

Celebration Choir

For: 4th-6th graders
Rehearsal: Wednesdays at 6:35-7:10 p.m. at the Family Life Center.
Director: Lisa Rittenhouse
About: This choir is made up of 4th-6th graders. They sing once a month at one or both worship services and provide leadership for their annual spring musical.

Kingdom Kids

For: 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders
Rehearsal: Wednesdays at 6:00-6:30 p.m. at the Family Life Center.
Director: Lisa Rittenhouse
About: This choir is composed of1st, 2nd and 3rd graders. They sing once a month, at one or both worship services. They inject a great deal of energy into the spring musical, the high point of the year!

Bethlehem Choir

For: 3-, 4- and 5-year olds
Rehearsal: Wednesdays at 6:00-6:30 p.m. at the Family Life Center.
Director: Alison Jordan
About: This choir is for three, four, and five year olds, and they sing approximately six times a year at one or both services.