Music at OUMC

The Oxford United Methodist Church offers a variety of
worship music for people of all ages and experience levels.

The Oxford United Methodist Church Chancel Choir specializes in singing high-quality, uplifting choral literature and has been a memorable and inspiring part of worship at OUMC for generations. Within the church, the ensemble has sung several Christmas and Holy Week major works including John Rutter's Magnificat, Vivaldi's Gloria, Mass in G by Franz Schubert, and Gabriel Faur's Requiem Op. 43. These major works are often accompanied by the talented instrumentalists of the church, community, and Miami University. The Chancel Choir also sings in gospel, traditional hymnal, folk, and contemporary styles. In 2005, the OUMC Chancel Choir lifted their voices in song with several Oxford church choirs and raised over $2500 for Habitat for Humanity in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

The Chancel Choir meets Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:30pm and regularly rehearses from September-May. During the school year, the Chancel Choir sings in the 11:00am Sunday worship service and rehearses at 10:00am. The choir is non-audition and is open to all who enjoy fellowship and singing God's praises.

Within the Chancel Choir, two men's groups also sing regularly for church services and events. The first, the Oxford United Methodist Men's Quartet, sings close, four-part harmonies in a variety of styles. The quartet is part of the larger Men's Chorus, which was founded by OUMC member John Douglas after a trip to Wales where he heard a group of men singing in the traditional Welsh style. Though comprised mostly of Methodist men, singers from other churches have occasionally joined this group for the experience of singing together in this fine tradition. The Oxford United Methodist Men's Quartet and Men's Chorus sing nine Sundays a year and rehearsals take place as needed. The Men's Chorus is directed by Tim Kingman and both groups are supervised by John Douglas.

Bel Canto, the adult handbell choir of Oxford UMC, is a group of talented ringers under the direction of Tim Kingman. The choir plays for church services and throughout the Oxford community from September to June. In addition to its regular five octaves of well-maintained Malmark handbells, the group recently was blessed with a new three-octave set of Malmark handchimes which add beautiful depth to the choir's rich sound. Bel Canto has also played in special concerts and at The American Guild of English Handbell Ringers conventions. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings, September-May, and membership is open to all who enjoy ringing, fun, and fellowship

2005 saw the premiere of the Ginx Peck Annual Memorial Concert in honor of former OUMC organist Ginx Peck. In 2007, the concert will be included in the Miami University Performing Arts Series. Featuring some of the world's finest organists, the first annual concert showcased the newly refurbished organ in the OUMC sanctuary and showcased works by Saint-Saens, Elgar, and Bach. OUMC hopes to share this beautiful experience with the Oxford community for years to come. The 2006 Ginx Peck Annual Memorial Concert featured organist Ron Matson of Richmond, Indiana. The 2007 concert will feature acclaimed Oxford organist Frank Jordan.

The Oxford United Methodist Church has had wonderful children's choirs and bell choirs in years past. The church would like to see these ministries thrive again and is looking for enthusiastic people who feel called to serve God in this way. If you are interested in leading a children's or youth choir or bell choir, please contact Dawn Gallehue, Director of Music at the number listed below.

If you are interested in other styles (contemporary, gospel, praise band) or would like to play or sing in different capacities than those mentioned above, the Oxford United Methodist Church welcomes your gifts and would love for you to share them in our 9:00am and 11:00am services. Please contact Dawn Gallehue, Director of Music, at 513-280-0676 if you are interested in starting up a new group or simply in sharing your song at a service or event occasionally.