Since its founding in 1921, one of the great strengths of the
First Christian Church of Decatur has been its dynamic music ministry.
Music is an important part of worship at The First Christian Church of Decatur, and there are many opportunities available for you to explore the gifts and talents the Lord has given you. A love and desire to give God your best are all that are required for you to use your musical ability to minister to others.
We encourage you and your family to take full advantage of our church’s rich musical heritage and to join us in the study and making of beautiful music. It will change your life and heighten your worship experience.
The Chancel Choir is open to all who wish to serve in the main service choir for the 10:50am worship service. Members are asked to commit themselves to regular attendance at weekly rehearsals, Sunday services and occasional special events. Extra rehearsals are held when special events are near, but these are kept to a minimum and are scheduled well in advance. Childcare is regularly provided for Chancel Choir events.
Rehearsals are scheduled on Wednesday evening from 7:30 - 9:00pm and on Sunday at 10:30am. Contact the director, William E. Garner, for more information 404-378-3621 ext. 225 or WilliamGarner@aol.com.
Listen to us play - click here
The Handbell Choir is an ensemble that presents handbell music for four octaves. Sight-reading and musical background is requested but not required. From August through June they rehearse each Wednesday evening from 6:30 - 7:30 P.M. and perform approximately once each month for the 10:50 A.M. worship service.
The Handbell Concert on April 15 with the Handbell Choir "Believer" from Hüttenberg, Germany was wonderful! The Handbell Concert on April 15 with the Handbell Choir "Believer" from Hüttenberg, Germany was wonderful! The two choirs put together a very enjoyable concert, complete with candlelight, but what made the evening most special were the friendships forged. The Believer youth and chaperones found the concert a particular high point at the close of their tour of the Southeastern US. The members of the First Christian Church Handbell Choir were uplifted by the energy of the young bell players and are very excited about being invited to make a reciprocal visit to and tour of Germany! The concert was presented in conjunction with the Atlanta Sängerkreis.
| The Handbell Choir “Believer” from Hüttenberg, Germany, is one of only about 30 handbell choirs in Germany, and the only one made up entirely of students. The ringers range in age from 12 to 18 years old and have been playing handbells on average for five years. They play a mix of sacred and secular music. They are under the direction of Ms. Christa Dörr. |  |
| The Handbell Choir of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Decatur, Georgia, is an all-adult handbell choir, consisting of ringers with various levels of experience, from professional musicians to brand-new ringers. They play mostly sacred music. The Handbell Choir of First Christian Church is a member of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers (AGEHR). They are under the direction of Mr. William Garner. |
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The Decatur Music Academy
at the First Christian Church of Decatur (Disciples of Christ)
The Academy Philosophy
It is our belief that each child is a unique individual with their own special needs and background, and should be recognized as someone special. In order for the pupil to grow and learn, each must first feel safe, accepted, and competent in an environment that is encouraging, nurturing, supportive and challenging.
Our Goals and Objectives
Our main objective is to provide a carefylly planned, stimulating environment which will help the child develop within himself the foundational habits, attitudes, skills and ideas which are essential for a lifetime of creative thinking and learning.
Our goals for the child are:
- to develop a positive attitude toward learning.
- to develop a sense of high self-esteem.
- to establish a habit of concentration for lifelong study skills.
- to develop and foster curiosity.
- to acquire the basic skills necessary for a lifetime of learning.
- to develop habits of initiative and persistence.
- to foster inner discipline and a sense of order.
- to develop socially acceptable behavior.
- to develop the child's innate, ultimate potential through high self-expectation.
- to develop skills, necessary to play, sing, understand and love the music for the rest of their life.
Lessons available in the following areas
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Violin, Group or Solo
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Cello
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Pipe Organ
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Piano
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Voice
*All instructors have advanced degrees in Music.
If you are interested in attending the academy, please list your contact information and area of interests below or Contact William Garner at 404-378-3621 ext. 225 or at WilliamGarner@aol.com