Bellevue Heights Church is blessed to have a group of 40 to50 men and women dedicated to offering praise and thanksgiving to our Lord through vocal music in the form of octavos featuring sopranos, altos, tenors and basses.
The choir meets on Thursdays from 4 to 5 PM and also on Tuesdays from 4 to 5 PM at various times of the year in preparation for special concerts.
During September through May, the choir offers an anthem in the worship service and leads the congregational hymn singing. In addition to the worship services each Sunday, the choir prepares for two special concerts. The first concert is part of the “Festival of Lights” held on the first weekend of December. The second concert is a “Gospel Jubilee” held on the third weekend of March featuring gospel favorites and special music that has stood the test of time and lives in our hearts.
No experience is necessary. In addition to the singing experience this group loves, cares and prays for each choir member on a regular basis.
Plan to attend as many rehearsals, services and concerts as you can, in order to present music of the utmost quality to our Lord and Savior.
BellevueHeights Church
Music Ministry
HANDBELL CHOIR
The Handbell Choir meets in the Music Room every Thursday, September through May at 3 PM and plays in the worship service every third Sunday of the month. At present, the Choir is playing three octaves of music. There is the capability to expand to five octaves, with the addition of new members.
No experience is necessary. Come with the desire to be enchanted by the glorious sounds, and worship our Lord through the fascinating music medium of handbells.
MIXED ENSEMBLE
This vocal ensemble is comprised of both men and women who rehearse on Tuesday afternoons after the choir from 5 to 5:30 PM.
Their music is in the ranges of first and second tenor, baritone and bass. The literature varies from familiar hymns to gospel/praise music. No experience is necessary. They offer anthems to our Lord on the fourth Sunday of the month, from September through May.
This group allows women who have lower voices to sing in a smaller ensemble, in addition to the larger choir.
WOMENS ENSEMBLE
This wonderful group of ladies rehearses on Thursdays after the regular choir rehearsal from 5 to 5:50 PM, during the months of September through May.
The group sings three to four part women’s music, first and second soprano, first and second alto. Their songs encompass familiar hymns to gospel. The group offers an anthem to the Lord every first Sunday of the month as special music.
For those who stay in the Valley during the summer months, the group meets at 9 am on the first Sunday of the month and presents a familiar anthem at that service.
SPECIAL MUSIC
All members of the congregation who have gifts of music to offer are encouraged to give their gifts to the Lord as vocal, instrumental solos, trios, quartets, etc. Special rehearsals can be arranged with the director at any time during the entire year.
Diane Johnson
Music Director
Diane Johnson was raised and educated in Phoenix. She is a graduate of Arizona State University with a bachelor's degree in secondary choral music education. For more than 23 years, she served as choral director, children's music director, organist/ accompanist, and handbell director at two valley churches.
Marcia Andrews
Pianist
Marcia Andrews has taught piano for over 40 years, served as accompanist for a USO troup, accompanied choirs and soloists in competitions, appeared at the Kennedy Center and been a church pianist for many years. She grew up in Washington State, and her college education was at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington.
Dwight Beacham
Organist
Dwight has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Chapman University and more than 45 years of experience. Included are 25 years as choir director and organist at a church in Pennsylvania, and similar positions at churches in California and Hawaii. He has made several recordings, including one with a pianist entitled “Great and Glorious Hymns of Praise.”
