Ensembles

Chancel Choir

Under the direction of Dr. Douglas Amman, the Chancel Choir leads the music of the eleven o’clock Sunday morning worship service each Sunday late-August through early-July. Comprised of thirty-five members and eight professional section leaders, the ensemble rehearses on Thursdays prior to those Sundays from 7:30p.m. until 9:00p.m. The group has an exhilarating dynamic as it is made up of retired persons, university personnel, community members, and a large number of university students. Members of the group consistently comment on the great experience that comes with being in a group of such diversity.

Having toured the United Kingdom in the summer of 2001 and Germany, Austria, and Switzerland in the 2004, the choir is beginning pre-planning for another International tour in the near future.   The choir sings a very wide range of music from classical works (sometimes with orchestra), spirituals, gospel pieces, and sacred jazz arrangements. 

College Ensemble

The College Ensemble leads the music of the nine o’clock traditional worship service on the first and third Sunday mornings of the months August through April. Comprised of student musicians from nearby Ball State University, the group performs with an intensity and drive that is unique to college students.

As the members of this group are also the section leaders of the Chancel Choir, the College Ensemble rehearses Thursdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Typically, the ensemble sings pieces that are a part of the repertoire of the Chancel Choir.

College Avenue Faith Encounter (CAFE)

Mr. John Emert directs the lively group that leads the ten o’clock CAFE services each Sunday morning and rehearses from 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday's. The group serves as both music leader and inspirational guide in the contemporary theme-based CAFE worship service.

Dueling pianos, guitars, brass, percussion, and talented vocalists share driving music of varying styles. Each Sunday the service begins with a medley of songs ranging from praise choruses to contemplative refrains. The music of the service draws growing numbers of persons seeking a contemporary, up-to-date approach to worship.

Memorial Handbell Choir

Under the direction of Dr. Lori Rhoden, the Memorial Handbell Choir participates in worship on a monthly basis. The ensemble rehearses Thursday evenings from 6:15 until 7:15.

With dedicated ringers who have been in the group since its inception ringing next to youth and newcomers to the art, the ensemble has a bond and unity that is especially evident through their music. The rehearsal atmosphere is friendly and inviting and full of laughs, support, and fervor.

Solos and Ensembles

Many talented members of the church who might be unable to participate in the ensembles of the church due to schedule conflicts prepare solos, duets, and small ensemble pieces for worship, as they are able. Some of the recent solo pieces have been by composers such as Aaron Copland, Gabriel Fauré, Morten Lauridsen, and W. A. Mozart. Some of the pieces are also in the styles of gospel, spirituals and jazz pieces.