Chancel Choir - Come Sing with Us!
 Chancel
Choir will meet with the following schedule: May 18, 29 and June 1 for
1/2 hour after church. There are no other Thursday rehearsals
scheduled for May. The final Sunday for
Chancel Choir in the morning service is June 8. Chancel Choir will
sing for Patriotic Sunday on June 29 with a single Thursday rehearsal
scheduled for June 26 at 7 PM.
WANTED: CHOIR MEMBERS
POSITIONS OPEN:
Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass. If unsure, see Director.
PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Must be able to carry light musical notes part way across the sanctuary.
Must have sufficient vision to see Director twenty feet away.
EXPERIENCE:
No application accepted from persons who have not sung, hummed, or
whistled in the tub or shower.
WAGES:
Satisfaction and joy in God’s service.
FRINGE BENEFITS:
Social Security - we promise you the security of social fellowship with
other members of the choir.
HOURS:
Sunday mornings, with occasional opportunities for overtime (at above
mentioned wages).
VACATION:
Missed rehearsals and worship services are primarily a matter of
conscience and ability to return the glares and pointed remarks of the
Director.
RETIREMENT:
No particular age, but it is generally determined by prayer, printed notes
getting too small, robe too heavy, notes too high, sanctuary too hot (or
cold), or organist unable to play the notes you sing.
REHEARSAL:
Every Thursday at 7:30 pm, beginning September 7th.
APPLY:
By attending next rehearsal or by contacting the Director.
Come Make a Joyful Noise with Our Music
Ministry!
Wayne Whitten’s Final Day
Sunday, February 19, 2006
After 16 years as the music director at First Baptist, Wayne has
accepted a position as the organist for First Presbyterian Church in
Maumee. Wayne felt that this was an opportunity that he could not pass
up. The Presbyterian Church recently completed a $300,000 renovation of
the organ. His only responsibility will be to play the organ. It is an
incredible opportunity for Wayne, and even though we will miss him and
his musical talents, we wish him well.
During the church service on February 19, there was a formal thank you
and tribute to Wayne and Marcia. After church we gathered for a
reception in their honor.
Thanks For The Memories
“Thanks For The Memories” was once a popular secular song.
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Music Director Wayne Whitten
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For the past 16 years our extremely talented, choir master, organist,
Minister of Music, Wayne Whitten has gifted First Baptist Church with
many wonderful musical memories.
Early in his tenure on a Sunday afternoon the chancel choir under his
direction dressed in costumes of the 1800's delighted the congregation
with the performance of “Old Songs.” An early system cassette recording
of that performance is a treasured memory to keep. It was fun! Thanks
Wayne!
Extra curricular participation as the “lounge pianist” is one OF the
very first dinner theater productions. And he didn’t even have a bowl on
the piano for an extra collection! Thanks Wayne!
Weekly choir rehearsals, what a privilege. If you have not ever been in
choir, you’ve missed a great learning opportunity. A choir is only as
good as the choir master that teaches, cajoles, leads, and has extreme
patience with sometimes many non music readers. Each week was a free
lesson with sensitive interpretation of the music from a superb and
wonderful director. Thanks Wayne!
The Toledo Symphony’s performance at First Baptist was surely a
highlight. Wayne as the featured artist, performing a very difficult
and, probably impossible for the ordinary organist, an incredible
musical score. Our ears and hearts were filled and we were popping our
buttons with pride. Bravo and thanks Wayne!
Not enough bell ringers? No problem! Wayne directed and played at the
same time. Thanks Wayne!
Sixteen Christmas Eve’s and Easter seasons with familiar and new musical
treasurers. Working with imported musicians for outstanding performances
and Hallelujah memories. Thanks Wayne!
Suddenly a special lady began attending services. During the sermon,
Wayne took a seat beside her away from the organ bench. And then it was
revealed...the wedding of the year!
The choir privileged again to participate with an anthem chosen by
Wayne. Thanks Wayne and Marcia!
The parties! Choir auctions, unloading a special item on unsuspecting
new choir members, along with fun, food and gracious hospitality in the
beautiful home of Marcia and Wayne. Double thanks now!
Wayne’s decision to leave First Baptist, is painful for us that have
grown accustomed to and appreciative of such wonderful music. Saying
“good bye” is never easy. We take solace knowing that the career change
for Wayne will be exciting and we pray that another congregation will
learn to love and appreciate him as he begins to create new memories for
them on their newly expanded keyboard.
For myself and the Music, Art, and Drama Team, we wish you God speed,
and beaux coup “Thanks For The Memories” Wayne!
Mrs. Gigi Mawer, Lay Pastor
Team Chairperson
A Biography of Our Former Music Director
Wayne Whitten holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a music major and a Master of Music degree in organ performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music where he studied with Dr. David Mulbury. He has served as organist and music director at churches of varying denominations in Cincinnati, Columbus and Toledo since 1978. He
was the music Director and Organist at the First Baptist Church of Greater Toledo
for 16 years. Mr. Whitten also received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from The Ohio State University and a Master of Science degree in manufacturing management from GMI Engineering and Management Institute. He is employed full-time as a Senior Project Engineer with General Motors Corporation. Wayne and his wife Marcia reside in Lambertville, Michigan.
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