There are many ways to get involved musically at Duke Memorial. If you want to play an instrument or sing in worship or join one of the many groups below, contact Minister of Music Bradley Naylor.
Sanctuary Choir
Rehearses Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30pm (Choir Room), Sundays 10:15-10:45am (Choir Loft)
This choir of adults offers music during Sunday worship and occasional additional services and events. In addition to anthems from the Western choral tradition, they also sing contemporary and folk settings and music from around the world. Bradley Naylor directs the choir and organist Fred Mason, Jr. serves as their accompanist on piano or organ. Adults and youth in 9th-12th grades are invited and encouraged to join; no expertise is required.
Joyful Noise
Rehearses occasional Sundays, 6:00-7:30pm (Choir Room)
Joyful Noise is a new, informal vocal group that seeks to meet the interest of those who want to sing but who cannot commit to the weekly rehearsal and worship schedule of the Sanctuary Choir. Joyful Noise sings in worship service once every other month (on average) and rehearse one or two times per month in preparation for those services. Lee Galbreath directs Joyful Noise and Bradley Naylor serves as its accompanist.
Wesley Singers
Rehearses Sundays, 5:15-6:00pm (Choir Room)
The Wesley Singers, named for Methodism’s founder John Wesley, is Duke Memorial’s children’s choir. Comprised of children from Kindergarten through 5th grade, the group sings music in Sunday worship on a monthly basis. The Wesley Singers are directed by minister of music Bradley Naylor, Tim Turkington, and parents of ensemble members.
Bethany Bells
Rehearses Wednesdays, 6:15-7:15pm (Bell Room)
The Bethany Bells are Duke Memorial’s adult handbell choir. They are led by Murray Simpson and offer music in Sunday worship on a monthly basis. They also help maintain the church’s handbells and chimes. There is a place for you in Duke Memorial’s handbell ministry if you can (1) spell the word FACE, (2) learn what the acronym GBDFA represents, (3) count to four, and (4) pretend to drive a nail into a wall. If you can do each of these, you have what it takes to make a beautiful noise for the Lord!
Kinderbells and Carol Choir
Rehearses during Sunday School, 9:45am
Duke Memorial’s youngest musicians (2-5 year olds) are led during Sunday School by Kim Doughty and Kim Bowers. They work on simpler music and occasionally offer that music during Sunday worship on days like Children’s Sabbath and Mother’s Day.
Youth Ensemble
Rehearses select Sundays, 4:30-5:15pm (Choir Room)
This ensemble of youth (6th-12th grades) offers music during Sunday worship and works on other projects such as music for Youth Sunday. Drawing on the talents in the group, their music will range from contemporary Christian band music to a cappella vocal music. The group is advised by Bradley Naylor. For the Fall 2011 schedule, go to the music resources page.
Sacred Dance
Rehearses on select Sundays at 6:00pm (Sanctuary
Duke Memorial’s sacred dance ministry is led by Shelley Turkington, and assisted by Katie Moorehead. The three age groups are OMEGA (1st-4th grades), TWEEN (5th-8th), and ALPHA (9th-12th), and often join forces depending upon repertoire and choreographic demands. They dance on a regular basis in worship, particularly on Children’s Sabbath and Youth Sunday.
Tower Bells
Meets on Sundays, 10:30am (Bell Tower)
Duke Memorial’s Tower Bells have been tolling over downtown Durham since 1908; Every Sunday morning since 1932 they have welcomed worshipers to the church. The current carillonneurs are Al Buehler, Fuller Sasser, and Stuart McCracken. Recent refurbishments to the bell tower by church members have made it an inviting place to come view the church neighborhood and learn to play the church’s oldest musical instrument.
