Music Program - Debby Tyler, Music Director

At New Hope, all music - whether it be gospel, traditional, spiritual, contemporary - is integral to the celebration of life service we have each Sunday morning.   In the hymns and special music that are chosen for each service, much thought is given to choosing those songs that support the sermon and the time of year - whether it is a holiday, a change of seasons, the start of school, or a presidential election.  It is hoped that all “feel the thought” with the help of music at New Hope each Sunday morning.

The New Hope Family Choir rehearses every Sunday morning before service at 9:45 am.  Choir is open to anyone who has an ability and desire to sing and to participate in the ministry that is both given and received by their participation in choir.   No prior singing or music experience is necessary - just the ability to carry a tune and have fun!  Styles of music learned range from classical to contemporary, from American spirituals to Hebrew folk songs, from African ceremonial to American pop, and more.

New Hope encourages children and adults alike to nurture their musical interests and talents by featuring them as soloists during Special Music at Sunday services.  New Hope has enjoyed soloists on piano, violin, flute, harp as well as conga drums accompanying the choir.  Guest soloists from surrounding communities have graced us with their talents as soloists for Sunday services as well as recitals.  We have also been honored to host concerts and Sunday morning performances by Ann Arbor’s favorite folk-singing duo Gemini.  (http://geminichildrensmusic.com/index.html)

Our Music Director, Debby Tyler, is a member of the UUMN (Unitarian Universalist Musicians Network).  She has also played for numerous musical productions for Community Theatre of Howell, and enjoys accompanying vocal and instrumental soloists at recitals and other venues.  Debby is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University.