Children's Choir Ministry

David Stephan, Minister of Music

Saxe Adams, in his article "Music Can Tenderize the Soul of a Child," says that "the quickest way to help a child learn a Bible truth is to help him sing it" in a way that he understands.  We hope each child will learn attributes and skills which will follow him throughout his life.  Music teaches group cooperation and self-discipline.  The child learns to express himself with others -- for his enjoyment and theirs.  Every child has musical capabilities which can be developed through group instruction.  First Baptist has leaders who love the Lord and who love to work with children.  They are looking forward to the priviledge of working with your child.

Our Children's Choir program basically coincides with the public school year for length and holidays.  Due to the nature of music learning and preparation, regular weekly attendance is important.  There are also many special events and activities planned throughout the year.

First Baptist Church offers choir for all age children:

Preschool Choir (Pre-K & Kindergarten)

Director:  Judy Sandefer

Assistant:  Catherine Gibson

This choir is for those children presently attending kindergarten and those who are the year before kindergarten (Pre-K). 

Preschoolers are beginning to learn music on an experiential level.  They hear music and respond to its moods.  Learning to listen helps them to build their world.

The singing voice is being discovered.  Their leaders sometimes will sing instructions, greetings and play singing games instead of using a speaking voice. 

The children learn that the Bible contains prayers and songs.  Through music they learn that God is everywhere, and He loves them.  Preschoolers learn the importance of the church, obeying parents, and that God planned for us to live in family units.

The Preschool Choir is not a performance choir, perhaps only giving one or two presentations during the year.

Music Makers Choir (1st & 2nd Graders)

Director:  Candra Smith

Assistant:  Mitsie Witherspoon

This choir is for those children presently in grades one and two.

Music Makers begin to discover music as it is written on the printed page.  The very basic symbols of notation and units of beat are learned.  Simple melodies, fun and action songs, good posture, and simple rhythm instrument accompaniments are a few examples of thier learning experiences.

This age child is developing an awareness of his/her spiritual condition.  The texts of songs used in this choir teach the children about salvation, that they can communicate with God anywhere and anytime.  Praise, adoration, and thankfulness are learned to be expressed.

By periodically singing in the worship services the children begin to learn how to become worship leaders themselves.  The children learn how music helps us to communicate with God and each other.

Young Musicians Choir (3rd - 5th Graders)

Director:  Pam Sliger

Assistants:  Amy Payne & Brian Smith

The Young Musicians Choir begins to learn the more complex aspects of rhythms, musical symbols, units of beat, and dynamic markings. 

Older children study a song in more detail such as phrasing, singing two-part songs, and playing more challenging rhythms and melodies on instruments such as keyboards, handbells, and Orff instruments.  Singing action and fun songs are still favorites at this age, and these songs teach more complex musical concepts.

By this age a child is thinking seriously about making a public decision to follow Christ.  Texts of songs being taught utilize more Christian doctrine than those learned in younger choirs.  The children learn they can worship God anywhere and anytime, that Christians should sing, and that music can help tell others about Jesus and His love for all mankind.  They learn that God inspires people to write hymns and church music.

Young Musicians take a more active role in worship by becoming worship leaders.  They sing on a regular basis as part of the evening worship time.