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Music Ministry at Simpsonwood UMC

Simpsonwood UMC Music Ministry

“Those who sing…..Pray Twice.” This adage echoes the writings of Augustine, 5th Century Saint and theologian. St. Augustine’s writing greatly influenced the development of Western Christianity. Singing and music have always played an important role in the church. When we gather and lift our voices together, the spirit enters into our songs, lifting and shaping our understanding of so much that confounds us in our lives. The song itself becomes a meeting with God where we all become one in Christ.

Simpsonwood UMC offers a variety of styles of worship through music as well as opportunities to serve in music ministry with us.

Chancel Choir

The workhorse of our Traditional Worship service is The Chancel Choir — a group of committed individuals who rehearse once a week to lead congregational worship.  While we have some outstanding soloists, most of us are ordinary folk who like to sing and feel a “calling” to our role as worship leaders.  Rehearsals are held Wednesdays at 7:00 in the Choir Room on the lower level of the Sanctuary Building (Building A).  The Chancel Choir is often accompanied by an orchestra for seasonal Christmas and Easter programs. There are no audition requirements for participation. The only request made of all members is to keep the director informed of your attendance.

The Contemporary Band

This band leads our Contemporary Worship service. With great guitarists, musicians and singer, they rock the 11:10am worship with Contemporary Christian songs that many people know and listen on their radios.  Simpsonwood has many talented musicians and listening to this group will enhance your worship and bring you closer to God.  They rehearse regularly and arrive early on Sunday mornings to provide strong leadership for our Contemporary Worship hour.

Instrumental Ensembles

Instrumentalists enhance our worship services throughout the year.  Musicians who play flute, clarinet, oboe, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, french horn, baritone and percussion accompany our choir and perform in duets, trios, and full ensembles.  Christmas and Easter are special times when instrumental ensembles and orchestras perform and accompany choral groups.

If you are interested in joining any of these talented groups of musicians please contact Director of Music, David Troy Francis.

Music Ministry Leaders

David Troy Francis
Director of Music

David Troy Francis joined SUMC as Choir Master and Director of Music in 2021.  David plays the organ, piano, directs the choir and offers up special music performances, Sunday to Sunday.

David is an accomplished concert pianist and recording artist.  In addition to his work with various United Methodist Churches, he was a former featured artist at Junaluska Methodist Conference Center.  He has taught music at many levels, including private lessons, the Memphis City Schools and on the college level.

One of the outstanding pieces in his background is that he wrote and produced the longest running musical in Los Angeles called Bark!  The Musical.  So he has the chops for writing, producing, fund-raising, promotion and recruiting.  One fascinating side note to David’s resume is that he worked with Sister Helen Prejean to produce the Opera for Dead Man Walking.  Plus, for TV fans, he composed scores for The Young & The Restless episodes.

He eagerly and wholeheartedly welcomes you to join the choir.  Choir members will tell you that they love singing holy music, but David makes it so fun and energetic that everyone loves coming to practice.  Please reach out to David – whether you sing, play an instrument, or want to be involved in other ways.

Our Typical Ministry Schedule of Activities Follows

  • 11:10AM  Band and Musicians rehearse Thursday evenings at 7pm
  • Choir for Sanctuary service rehearses Wednesday evenings at 6:00pm