We at First†Metropolitan are especially proud of our Music Ministry. Services typically include the best of classical music as well as the newest hymns coming out of our church tradition. Hymns include old favourites and songs of celebration from other countries.
Accompanied by an Allen 4-manual digital organ, music soars to the heavens each Sunday morning.
Sanctuary Choir
Choir singing during a liturgical dance
Music can serve to uplift and inspire us as we explore the very nature of God. Under the leadership of Frances Pollet, the choir sings a broad range of sacred music from classical to modern. Some members also accompany the anthems on bassoon, flute, tambourine and wind chimes. A bursary program encourages young musicians to join the choir while attending university.
Highlights of the year are participating at the monthly Taizé services with other downtown churches, presenting special concerts and an annual benefit concert featuring young musicians of the congregation.
Choir Practice is 7:00 p.m. Thursday evenings in the Social Suite. Long-term visitors to the Victoria area are invited to join us for practices and our Sunday Worship while away from their home churches!
First Metropolitan United Vocal EnsembleThis ensemble conducted by Fran Pollet is already well-known for its renditions of traditional hymns, spirituals and folk songs which they have performed during church services and at Epiphany Explorations. The ensemble has released two CDs titled When the Stars Fall and Canticle, available at a cost of $20 from the church office.
Are you looking for a new musical adventure? Consider joining the Sanctuary choir for the upcoming season and become part of the ministry of music at First Met. We encourage those who have a reasonable voice and some music reading skills to come and join us. You will be part of a warm fellowship of music lovers.
We are also looking for students to participate in our bursary program. If you know of a university age person that would qualify, please be in touch with Fran Pollet, our Minister of Music.
Date: Sep 9, Oct 7, Nov 4 and Dec 2, 2011
Time(s): 10:45 to 11:15 am
Location: First†Metropolitan United Church Chapel
Once a month, during Mothers’ Morning Out, we will be offering a rhythm band for preschoolers. Mothers and all little ones are welcome to attend. Kirsten Davis, a member of the church, will be facilitating this program. She is a mom with two small children, Jeannie (aged 3) and Stella (9 months), who has a warm presence and skills in teaching music. Kirsten started piano lessons at age 4, flute at 9 and was a founding member of the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra. She is currently on maternity leave from her position with the Victoria Conservatory of Music and Victoria Hospice, where she provides music therapy services for seniors with physical and cognitive impairments and for patients and families receiving palliative care. She also delights in teaching flute lessons to students of all ages and performing with Allegro Con Trio chamber ensemble.
Celtic spirituality challenges the spirit and soothes the soul.
On the first Friday of the month from October to May, First†Metropolitan United Church offers a Celtic Vespers service in the chapel. This is a quiet, meditative service of prayer and song. The service is based on the resources of the Iona Community and uses Gaelic melodies. Check the Events calendar for the date of upcoming services.
Celtic Christianity: Island Pilgrims, based in Victoria, BC, are dedicated to deepen our own knowledge of all aspects of Celtic Christianity and to share its rich heritage with others.
Date: Sunday Mornings
Time(s): 9:30 to 10:30 am
Location: First†Metropolitan United Church
A children’s choir offers children aged 7 to 12 an opportunity to sing. It provides young musicians with a high quality choral experience and exposure to music that celebrates the presence of God in our world. Co-sponsored by the Music Team and Children and Families Ministry, this program is led by Sarah Quartel, a fine enthusiastic music educator with a gift of creativity. Our singers will practice weekly and present their music in services at First†Metropolitan about seven times a year.
The focus of our 2011-2012 season is “A Song from My Heart.” Educationally, singers will learn how to use their voices in a healthy way and be taught proper singing techniques. Spiritually they will be encouraged to use theirvoices to expre4ss themselves and to celebrate the things they are most thankful for. Choristers will enjoy working with global percussion instruments.
Sarah Quartel is an Ontario-born compser, educator and conductor, known for her fresh and exciting approach to the choral experience. Having received her first composition award at the age of eight, Sarah celebrates the musical potential of all learners by providing access to high quality repertoire and engaging music education. Sarah’s choral works are performed by children, youth and adults throughout North America and internationally by groups such as the Finnish a cappella group Rajaton. Kids will find her a joy and an inspiration to work with.
The members of the Pringle Bell ensemble, under the leadership of Frances Pollet, meet for practice on Friday mornings at 10:00 a.m.
These talented folk occasionally play during the 11:00 a.m. service or accompany the choral anthems four times a year in the Holy seasons of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Lent and Easter.
They also greatly enjoy playing for other events and are delighted to have acquired a four-octave set of Schulmerich hand bells.
Frances Pollet’s goal is “to reach the highest levels of performance standards in a variety of choral repertoire.” This goal is expressed in the artistry of the church choir, the Pringle Bells and the First†Metropolitan United Vocal Ensemble. In addition, she and the First†Met Music Team inivte a variety of guest artists, from within the congregation and in the community, to participate in worship and music events.
Fran has been Minister of Music and Organist at First†Metropolitan since the amalgamation of First United with Metropolitan United. Previously, Fran was Director of Music at St. Matthias Church for 18 years, Music Director for Grassroots Theatre Company for seven years, and coordinated and directed the Empress Hotel’s Christmas festivities for an equal length of time. In 2007, she resigned as music director of the Linden Singers, having worked with the choir since 1979.
Most recently, Fran has introduced and led monthly Celtic worship sessions based on the liturgy and music developed by the Iona Community at First†Metropolitan. Fran is very well-known and respected in the Victoria music scene and is a former executive member of Music United (formerly the United Church of Canada Association of Musicians), a diverse association of people passionately committed to furthering the cause of music within the United Church of Canada.
Date: Nov 19, 2011
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: First Metropolitan United Church Sanctuary
Tickets are now available for this special concert with the BC Bronze Handbell Choir, our guest bell ringers from around the province. Please bring your bell-loving friends. Also on the program are our own Pringle Bells and the First Met Vocal Ensemble. When BC Bronze recently performed in Kamloops, they were welcomed by an audience of 350! Let’s give them a fine welcome here. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for limited income. Children under 12 free. Tickets available from the Music Team after Sunday services or at the door.