Wednesday, August 4th, 2010
Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
Choirs for 1st-12th Grades Beginning Soon!
Our music and arts ministry is getting back in the swing of things as the school year fast approaches. There will be a new and exciting look to our children and youth music program this fall, including a more family-friendly schedule and new director.
ARC resumes on Wednesday, September 1st and our children’s music program will be part of that weekly meal and discipleship opportunity for the whole family. Our younger choir, the Joy Singers, will be open to all WHUMC and Ridge 1st-4th graders and will meet from 6:15-7:00 pm in the choir room. They will not only learn music but more about the worship arts and how to be a leader in church. Our goal is for this group to participate in worship once a month at Western Hills or the Ridge. From 7:00-7:30 pm they will meet for a further discipleship opportunity that builds upon what they are learning in choir.
Our 5th-6th grade music and arts group has been renamed “Celebration Arts” this year, and will consist of movement ministry, music, drama, chimes, and other worship arts. They will meet from 6:15-7:30 pm in the Sanctuary. Both the Joy Singers and Celebration Arts will begin on September 1st with the start of ARC.
After 2 years of dedicated and talented service as our children’s choir director, Dennis Margheim is assuming the accompanist role with our Joy Singers and Celebration Arts groups this year. We are thankful for his continued service and leadership. Dr. Cindy Jay is our new Director of Children’s Choirs and will be directing both children’s groups. As you may have seen with her direction of the Young El Paso Singers that meet at WHUMC, her energy and enthusiasm are contagious and her experience is rich. We look forward to what she has to offer. We are also excited that Mitzi and Mary Underwood along with Amanda Petty will be leading the movement ministry portion of Celebration Arts this year. Your kids won’t want to miss out on these groups!
Finally, the Sounds of Truth youth choir for 7th-12th graders will begin rehearsals on Sunday, August 22 from 4:00-5:00 pm. Dr. Jay will be directing this group as well on an interim basis until a new full-time director of music comes on board. Make sure to be there as this group gets started, and invite a friend.
Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
Welcome to our New Music Staff!
Dr. Bill McMillan, Interim Director of Music Ministries
William McMillan is Associate Professor, Director of Choral Studies and Assistant Chair in the Music Department at the University of Texas at El Paso. He conducts the University Chorale and the Men’s Glee Club. He teaches conducting and music education classes. He has taught at the collegiate and secondary level for over 30 years. He also has extensive experience in the areas of church music and community choruses. He is frequently invited to serve as clinician, judge and guest conductor throughout the United States. Dr. McMillan received a Bachelor of Music from Chapman University, his master’s degree from the University of Redlands and the doctorate from the University of Northern Colorado. He has held multiple chairmanships and responsibilities in state and national choral organizations.
Dr. Cindy Jay, Director of Children’s Choirs
Dr. Cynthia Jay is a native Washingtonian and a diverse performing artist and educator. She has studied and performed dance, piano and voice. She has written musical theater and served as choral conductor. These ventures have brought her numerous awards and much opportunity for growth as an artist and educator. Since arriving to El Paso in 2002, Dr. Jay has served with a variety of organizations for the arts. She was the Artistic Director for El Paso Youth Choir and continues as Founder and Artistic Director of Young El Paso Singers. In addition, Dr. Jay currently has a private Performance and Wellness Arts studio for voice, piano, acting, movement, and health and wellness. Throughout her teaching, Dr. Jay’s motto has always been, “Be better tomorrow than you are today”. In her ministries she believes “all our gifts are worthy when offered to the Lord full of heart”. She is passionately called to help young people discover and explore those gifts, and ultimately, to celebrate them as their own unique offerings to God.