Music Ministry

Make Music With Us.

The music ministry at First Church is a vibrant community always looking to welcome new members! Below are a few of the opportunities to share your musical talents and
become involved.

ADULT ENSEMBLES

Sanctuary Choir is the core of our music program.
We sing Sundays throughout September-May. No audition
is required, and all adults are welcome. Additionally, we are gathering interest for a Youth Choir (6th grade through
high school students). If you’re interested, contact our Director of Music.

View Sanctuary Choir members >

Carillon Handbell Choir – We currently have one
advanced handbell choir open to adults with handbell experience. We are gathering interest for a beginner handbell choir, as well. If you’re interested, contact our Director of Music.

View Carillon Handbell Choir members >

Instrumental Ensemble – For advanced high school students and adults that play at a moderately advanced level. All band and orchestral instrumentalists are welcome.

View Instrumental Ensemble members >

CHILDREN’S & YOUTH ENSEMBLES

Children’s Choirs – For K through 5th grade. This group sings monthly in worship and typically presents two musicals per year.

Children’s Handchime Choir – meets for 6 week periods throughout the year. Watch for more details.

CHORAL SCHOLARS

The First Church Choral Scholar program was established in 2008 with the intention of providing current CSU students a “scholarship” to participate in the Sanctuary Choir at First Church. Students are selected by the Director of Music & Arts each year and should be enrolled in a singing ensemble at CSU as a prerequisite. They are encouraged to be active “vocal leaders” in their sections and well-prepared musically for rehearsals and Sunday services each week. First United Methodist Church, Fort Collins and the Sanctuary Choir are proud of this collaboration with the CSU Music Department and look forward to welcoming our choral scholars each year.

View the 2025 - 2026 First Church Choral Scholars here >

Please contact our Director of Music, Nathan Payant, if you’re interested in joining any of our groups or have questions at music@fcfumc.net.

MUSIC & ARTS CALENDAR

View all Music Events and Activities at First Church >

Upcoming Events

Laudamus Chamber Chorale
Duruflé Requiem
Sunday, November 2 • 6:00pm

Laudamus will present the stunning complete organ version of Duruflé’s Requiem on Sunday, November 2 at 6:00PM to commemorate All Souls Day. This special FREE concert will feature organist, Dr. Joel Bacon, on the church’s renowned Marcussen organ. Join us later in the month on November 21, 2025 • 7:00 pm to hear the work again, along with Hagenberg’s Illuminare with a 50-piece orchestra.

More info & tickets here >

CSU Holiday Choir Concert
Tuesday, December 9 • 7:30pm

The CSU choral program presents the annual “All-Choral Holiday Concert.” Get in the holiday spirit with the Chamber Choir, conducted by Dr. James Kim; Concert Choir, conducted by Dr. Nathan Payant; and the University Chorus, conducted by graduate teaching assistant Carly Neumann, for an evening filled with “good cheer” and festive favorites.

Please note: This popular concert sells out and early ticket purchase is recommended. There will not be a box office for ticket purchases at the venue. Please purchase tickets online or at UCA during box office hours.

Get Tickets Here >

Music Sunday
Sunday, December 14 • 9:00 am & 10:30 am

Join the FUMC Adult Music Ensembles for our annual “Music Sunday,” featuring joyful and festive music to celebrate the Christmas season. From the soaring sounds of classical works to beloved carols the whole congregation will enjoy, this worship service promises to be a beautiful experience of inspiration and joy.

Colorado Bach Ensemble
Handel’s Messia
Sunday, December 14 • 2:30pm

Handel’s beloved Messiah returns to CBE, highlighting the holiday season with a complete performance of this brilliant and inspiring masterwork. Composed in 1741, its Dublin premiere began a remarkable ascent as one of the great pillars of classical music in the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide.

Messiah’s endurance is rooted in a message that transcends its formal context: “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people.” Handel’s dramatic orchestration, exquisite Baroque counterpoint, and evocative word painting breathe drama and intimacy into the unfolding narrative of Christ, culminating with a promise of new life, redemption, and enduring hope.

Get Tickets Here >

FUMC Children’s Christmas Pageant
Monday, December 15 • 6:00pm

Join the FUMC children for our annual Christmas Pageant. Children are invited to act out the Nativity story accompanied by many beloved Christmas carols.