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, their mission, and their concert schedule.
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.
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