McDonough First United Methodist Church
Ministry of Music
Mr. Scott Keesey, Music Minister
Mrs. Sandra Edmonson, Church Musician
Mr. Scott Keesey
It gives me great pleasure and an enormous amount of pride to have the opportunity to work with you, the members of McDonough First UMC. To think that my placement here happened only by chance as I, along with my then fiancée Jill, searched for a church to be married in. Not only did we find a beautiful sanctuary for our wedding, we found a congregation of wonderful, exuberant people with open arms, welcoming us to this wonderful church!
It is a pleasure to be given the opportunity to serve on the music staff here at McDonough First UMC. I look forward to getting everyone involved in a music ministry through our many choirs, ensembles, bells, and orchestra.
Scott Keesey
Church Musician: Mrs. Sandra Edmondson
The Chancel Choir
Our Chancel Choir adds music to our worship experience each Sunday morning at the 11:00 a.m. service. The Chancel Choir does a wonderful mix of many styles of Christian music. Our worship music includes hymns, classical, contemporary, spiritual and gospel music. This group of adults is very versatile, and always open to experiencing new music. We grow as we are challenged. We also love to have a good time. Practice time is 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, and we love to have newcomers join us in lifting songs of praise to our Lord.
The Youth Choir
Currently our youth have two musical outlets, "Blessed" and our youth "Praise Band."
Praise Band
The youth praise band has been providing music for youth functions for several years now, and are still a very active part of our youth ministries. Mr. Danny directs the Praise Band and they serve regularly as special music for our morning services, and have been featured at Shingleroof Campmeeting and the citywide Easter Sunrise Service. The Praise Band also provides the praise music for the youth group's Youth Rallies.
"Blessed"
We are so proud of "Blessed," our youth / young adult ensemble. "Blessed" does a variety of Contemporary Christian songs. They are led by Mr. Tim Wilson. "Blessed" has become a very important part of the worship experience at McDonough First Methodist. Over the years, they have also shared their music ministry with many churches and groups in our community.
The Children's Choirs
Our children bring a joyful noise to our services. Our choir year follows the school year and we always look forward to the special music that our children bring to us during this time. We are blessed with some beautiful children that love to sing praises to the Lord. Our children also bring us two special musicals each year. Currently we have three children's choirs with a total of over 45 voices, and there is an age appropriate choir with openings for any newcomer. All children's choirs practice on Wednesday evening at 6:30, just after family night supper. We are so thankful to have our children, and our adult volunteers, who with Scott, put this exciting ministry together each year.
The Hand-bell Choirs
Our Hand-Bell Choir is back in full swing. We have three octaves of bells, and two octaves of tone chimes. Our bell choir practices on Sunday afternoons at 5:30 pm, and there is always room for one more ringer. We have also started a beginners bell choir which also meets on Sunday, starting at 4:30 pm. This group is for the absolute beginner. Even if you cannot read music, you can learn to ring a bell. If you are interested in joining either of these fun groups, contact Scott for a station assignment. The rich beautiful tone of the bell choir is like no other sound, and we are proud to have this group that adds so much to our worship experience at McDonough First United Methodist Church.
McDonough UMC Worship Orchestra
The newest addition to the music program here at McDonough First United Methodist Church is our Worship Orchestra. Our Music Minister, Scott, is putting together many of our own talented musicians to provide worship music and orchestral accompaniment for the choir. This promises to be a wonderful addition to our music program.