Middle School Group and Music Rotations

The Middle School School Program is a holistic approach, similar to the YMCA’s approach of mind, body, and spirit, through the study of hymns, liturgy, scripture, music theory and fundamentals, and fun and fellowship through organized recreation and socializing. The Wednesday night Middle School group will include Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, & Eighth grades. The Middle School leaders and kids will eat together and then head up to “Heaven” rooms for a time of study, recreation, and fellowship. They will them move to the music rotatations. Each youth that participates is automatically a part of a Hand Bell Choir with the goal to give each individual  oppotunities to have fun, grow, learn, and actively partcipate in in the larger body of Christ during Sunday worship. Participation on Sunday mornings is completely voluntary.  First Presbyterian is committed to encouraging ALL AGES to be actively involved in the life of the church.

The Middle School Stations are listed below as follows (In no particular order):

  1. Bible Story/Study - The kids read and discuss the scripture(s) that will be used in worship for the upcoming Sunday or use a study for several weeks at a time.
  2. Voice Fundamentals  - VOICE for LIFE, an acclaimed structured choral training guide that provides a framework for choral singers to develop their vocal skills, musical understanding, and knowledge of the repertoire is used.
  3. Hymns & Liturgy - The teachers breakdown and simplify the hymns and liturgy for the upcoming Sunday’s worship to help the children appreciate and become familar with each piece.  Also this time is used to directly work on parts of the order of worship that the youth may be helping with for the upcoming Sunday.
  4. Youth Handbell Choir - The youth participate in Sunday morning worship at the 8:45 a.m. Chapel Service  or 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary Service about once a month during the year. The choirs’ primary purpose is to equip the youth as both worshipers and worship leaders. These Youth experience learning and growing through music, worship, and the arts through the RSCM Voice for Life program and the Alleluia Worship & Arts curriculum.
  5. Recreation/Socializing - It’s important to develop a sense of community and build trust among the kids and leaders. There will be intentional times of fun, such as games and ping pong and informal discussions to “catch up’ on each others weeks.