Calling All Musicians!
Psalm 33:3 calls for us to be "skillful" in our musical offering to the Lord. Here at Silver Spring UMC, we strive to glorify God through the presentation of beautiful music from diverse genres. We seek to edify and lift the hearts and minds of our church community.
If you are interested in joining one of the musical groups, please contact our Director of Music Ministries, Leona Lowery Fitzhugh.
Instrumental Groups
Bell Choir for Children & Youth
This group is a great opportunity for kids in elementary and middle school to learn about music and teamwork. No experience needed! Contact Chelsea Dorman at Chelsea.dorman@gmail.com for more information.
Bell Choir (Adult)
Our fine adult bell choir helps to lead some Sunday morning worship services and during the Christmas holiday. High School students and adults are welcome! Sign up at the event page.
Vocal Groups
Children’s Choir
Children in grades K-6 are invited to join this group! Sign up at the event page.
Women’s Ensemble
Women and teenage girls are welcome! This group helps to lead worship service music.
Sign up at the event page.
Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir sings at the 10:00 am service each Sunday from September – May as well as for special programs during Christmas and Holy Week. The group rehearses on Saturdays at 3:00 pm. You can also join a Zoom session on Thursdays to get acquainted with the group and the music! Sign up at the event page.
Praise Band
The Praise Band leads singing during the 10 am service and engages the congregation in authentic celebratory participatory and Christ-centered worship. The band meets on Sunday morning at 8:00 to set up and prepare for worship service. Music includes contemporary worship songs and traditional hymns. Sign up at the event page.
Dorothy M. Horton Memorial Concert Series
Dorothy M. Horton, soprano soloist and Chancel Choir member at Woodside UMC (now Silver Spring UMC) from 1965 until her passing in 2008. Mrs. Horton was born in Louisiana and graduated from Macalester College in St. Paul Minnesota. She moved to Washington D.C. where she was a featured soloist in metropolitan churches, The Camerata Chorus and The Evelyn White chorale. In 1965, she was barred from singing at the predominantly white Metropolitan Memorial UMC in Washington D.C. because of her race. One of the pastors from Woodside (now Silver Spring) UMC invited her to church to sing and she stayed and brought her family here. She refused to return to Metropolitan until the pastor apologized and when he did so, she performed Beethoven with the choir there.
The Music Ministry is thankful for Mrs. Horton’s stand for racial justice and legacy of musical excellence. We thank the family for allowing us to share her story with the community and most of all, we thank God for her life and music. The Dorothy M. Horton Memorial Concert Series will highlight music and performers from marginalized communities and share that music here at Silver Spring United Methodist Church.
Upcoming Concerts
March 9th – 4:00 PM – Faure Requiem featuring SSUMC Chancel Choir and Christ Congregational Church Chancel Choir
April 13th 4:00 PM – NIH Community Orchestra Concert
April 20th 5:00 PM – Inscape Chamber Orchestra Concert
May 18th 5:00 PM – Washington Women’s Chorale 10th Anniversary Concert with Artist Group Chorale