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Music at First†Metropolitan

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.

• Choirs
• First Metropolitan United Vocal Ensemble
• Pringle Bells
• Pageants
• Taizé
• Celtic vespers
• Visiting artists and musical programs

Choir

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. More tenors and basses would definitely be welcomed!

Highlights of the year are participating at the monthly Taizé services with other downtown churches, singing at Presbytery-wide concerts in massed United Church choirs and at local care homes during the Christmas and Easter seasons.

Choir Practice is 7:30 pm 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 Ensemble

This emsemble 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 just released a CD titled When the Stars Fall.

First Metropolitan United Vocal Ensemble

Children's Choir

Carolyn Howe

A children's choir offers children 8-11 an opportunity to sing. Co-sponsored by the Music Team and Children and Families Ministry, this program is led by Carolyn Howe, well-known to many at First†Met as a singer and children's conductor, having brought both SouthTuesday, April 8, 2008South Park Elementary School and director of the Mood Swings Chorus.

Pringle Bells

The members of the Pringle Bell ensemble, under the leadership of Frances Pollet, meet for practice on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 am. These talented folk occasionally play during the 11:00 am 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. Practices are 10:00 am Friday mornings.

Pageants

First Metropolitan produces outstanding pageants focused on the Christmas and Easter stories. Strong direction is provided under Britt Small (stage direction) and Sydney Sparling (dance) and Mona McGill (costumes and design).

Come all you experienced and or simply willing dancers, actors, readers, lighting experts, set designers, etc! We can create a place for you. Please speak with Fran.

Taizé

All are welcome to these beautiful one-hour contemplative services of simple repetitive chant and individual prayer in candlelight. Taizé services are held on the 3rd Friday of the month. Organized by the Downtown Churches Association. E-mail

Celtic Vespers

First†Met supports community music events

On the 2nd Friday of the month from October to May, First Metropolitan offers a Celtic Vespers service in the chapel. This quiet, meditative service is based on based on the resources of the Iona Community and uses Gaelic melodies.

Visiting Artists and Musical Programs

First†Met supports visiting artists, instrumentalists, concerts and community music events in its facility. Visit our Events or contact our Music Director, Frances Pollet for more information about all the programs offered by this important ministry: 388-5188 extension 231.