Music and Arts
The Music Ministry of West End United Methodist Church is an active ministry involving over 200 people of all ages.
There are six singing choirs, three handbell choirs, and various opportunities for instrumentalists. They all lead in worship life from the chancel of our English gothic church, accompanied by the largest pipe organ in Tennessee. The organ, a 1983 M.P. Moller, has 136 ranks. The chancel organ has a five manual console of 114 ranks, and the gallery organ of 22 ranks has a three manual console. The entire instrument can be played from either console.
For adults and children there are several choir opportunities. Learn more by selecting one of the links above.
Hand Bell Choirs
West End United Methodist Church has a wonderful handbell choir that puts on inspiring performances throughout the year. Check our announcements section for more information about choir practice and performances.
Adult Handbell Choirs
The Joy Ringers, an advanced handbell choir, rehearse September through April on Sunday afternoons. On Thursday mornings, September through April, the Wesley Ringers, an intermediate group, rehearse. Both handbell choirs rehearse in the fourth floor theater and invite people to be a part of their musical experience.
Youth Bell Choir
The Youth Bell Choir rehearses and rings during the school year. It is open to all youth in grades 7-12. It is a fun group and is a way for youth to share their talents with their church. They rehearse Sunday afternoons.
Music Camp
Each summer rising 2nd through 7th graders are invited to be a part of a musical production in the theater. The week long camp combines singing, acting, costumes, sets, and a retelling of a Biblical story that ends with a production on Sunday for the whole church. West End members and as well as people in the Nashville community are invited to be a part of this fun, learning experience. There are parts for everyone. For dates and times contact
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West End Choirs
Children's Choirs
The Children's Choir program runs from mid-September through Palm Sunday, rehearsing on Wednesday evenings, 5:45-6:45. Three choirs offer opportunities for children from age four through the sixth grade. Along with leading in various Sunday worship services, the children learn music theory, and use Orff instruments and drums in their choirs.
Sanctuary Choir
The Sanctuary Choir rehearses Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9:00. This friendly group of singers enjoys making music and serving as the worship choir for the 8:45 service. Only a few years ago, there was no choir for the early service. Now the group has grown in number and musicianship to become a vital voice in ministry, and to lead their own Choral Services of Evening Prayer at various times during the year.
The Chamber Choir
Upon occasion a Chamber Choir of 16-24 singers, auditioned from the Chancel Choir, sings for special events to lead in worship, present selections within a Chancel Choir concert, or perform a concert of their own.
The Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir, eighty voices strong, rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7:15 to 9:15. Professional musicians along with talented amateur singers perform major choral works with full orchestra. The Chancel Choir has also made recordings, including several for the music industry located in Nashville. Five of their CD's are available by calling the music office. The Choir has made eight international tours to Europe as part of the church's ministry since 1986, and sang for the opening service of the American Guild of Organists 1995 Region IV Convention. In 1999, the choir sang for the national convocation of The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts. In 2004, the choir by request performed for a regional convention of the American Choral Directors Association. You may click on the photo for an enlarged version.