Connecting people with God and Neighbor
Music at Edmond First
“Above all, sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing Him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to do this, attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve of here, and reward when he cometh in the clouds of heaven”
From John Wesley’s Directions for Singing – 1761
As United Methodists, we are heirs to a vibrant tradition of music. At Edmond First, we carry on this Wesleyan heritage through a dynamic music ministry that includes a large adult choir, a handbell ensemble, an active pool of instrumentalists and, of course, energetic congregational singing. There is truly room for everyone to join in the song here at Edmond First!
Congregational Song
Congregational song is our main musical expression. Drawing heavily from our denominational resources The United Methodist Hymnal and The Faith We Sing, our congregation gives voice to the gospel through songs of prayer and praise and are strengthened to engage in Christ’s mission.
Chancel Choir
Edmond First is blessed to have a 40 voice adult choir that enhances our worship and outreach. The Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:15 and Sundays from 5:00-6:15 in our choir room in the basement of the main building and generally sings at both the 8:30 and 11:00 services every Sunday. While that may sound like a huge time commitment, it actually provides much flexibility. Many of our members only attend one of those rehearsals and one of the Sunday services. Of course, you are more than welcome to sing as much as you’d like! For those of you who cherish worshipping with your family or friends and are afraid that choir would prevent that – don’t worry – we usually sing an introit and anthem early in the service providing the time to return to the congregation early on in the service. Twice a year, the choir presents a larger work, such as a cantata or small oratorio. The choir also takes the month of July and early August off.
Everyone is welcome to join the choir! Absolutely NO auditions are required. Stop by and join us for a rehearsal to try us out, or contact Andrew Schaeffer,
Director of Music Ministries at 405-341-0107 or e-mail
Handbell Choir
Do you feel more comfortable playing an instrument than you do singing? If so, our handbell choir may be for you! (Of course we’ll also take people who are comfortable singing and ringing!) Rehearsals are most Mondays throughout the academic year at 7:00 in room B4 of the Main Building. For further information, contact Claudia Hampton, Director at 405-341-0107
Instrumentalists
God has richly blessed our congregation with a variety of talented musicians ranging from professional classical pianists to professional spoon players(!) Every week, one of our musicians offers a solo as part of our worship. People of all instruments and skill levels are invited to participate. For more information, contact Andrew Schaeffer, Director of Music Ministries at 405-341-0107 or e-mail
Music Scholarship Program
About 20 years ago, Edmond First developed a unique program to provide an opportunity for students at the University of Central Oklahoma to participate in our music program by singing in the choir and providing other musical leadership in exchange for a modest stipend that assists with their educational expenses. Students gain hands on experience in conducting, vocal training and general church music planning – skills that we hope will further quality church music for years to come.
For more information about participating in this program, or to financially help sustain
this wonderful ministry, please contact Andrew Schaeffer,
Director of Music Ministries at 405-341-0107 or e-mail.
Pipe Organ
We are proud to boast one of the only pipe organs in Edmond. In 1928, when our present sanctuary was built, the Pilcher Organ Company of Louisville, KY installed a modest instrument of two keyboards and about 800 pipes. This served the church faithfully for about 75 years until it was realized that many of the organ’s perishable components were failing. In 2005, local organ builder Roger A. Banks fully restored the instrument and significantly expanded it with new pipes. The current organ boasts about 1,250 pipes ranging in size from 8 feet tall to just shy of the size of a pencil. If you are interested in trying the instrument or hearing a demonstration of it, please contact Andrew Schaeffer, Director of Music Ministries at 405-341-0107 or e-mail.
