Glorifying God through Music & Worship

Music draws us into worship, lifts our hearts toward God, and helps us experience God’s presence in meaningful ways. At West Market Street UMC, music is woven throughout the life of our church—from Sunday worship and seasonal concerts to choirs, handbells, instrumental ensembles, vocal groups, and special events.

Whether you love to sing, play an instrument, attend concerts, or simply worship through music, there is a place for you. Explore the opportunities below and discover how you can get involved.

Music & Worship

Ways to Get Involved

  • Chancel Choir

    The Chancel Choir is the heart of our 11am Traditional Worship Service, leading congregational singing and sharing inspiring anthems. Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 7–8:15pm, and Sundays at 10:30am. High school students and adults are welcome to join!

  • Praise Band

    Led by Music Director Marshall Johnson, Rising West is the heart of our 9am Modern Worship service. Made up of professional and volunteer musicians, the band reflects the diversity of our church while leading worship with excellence, authenticity, and joy.

  • Handbells

    The MarketBell Ringers welcomes high school students and adults who want to worship through handbell music. Rehearsals are Mondays, 6-7pm in Room 316. Beginner handbell sessions are offered Mondays at 5:15pm.

  • Instruments

    West Market Church has long been known for fine music and musicians, including one of the best organs in the city of Greensboro and ownership of our handcrafted harpsichord. Instruments are featured in concerts and seasonal performances.

  • Summer Chancel Choir

    Join the Summer Chancel Choir (June thru August) in a summer of anthems based on familiar hymns. No robes are worn and rehearsal is done before each worship service. It’s a lot of fun and a very easy way to share your gifts and meet other music-lovers.

  • Music for Youth

    West Market Street UMC is blessed with many musically talented youth! We have various ensembles to be involved with and look for seasonal music opportunities coordinated with the Youth Ministry.

Concerts & Special Music Events

Experience the beauty and inspiration of live music at West Market Street UMC. Throughout the year, we welcome acclaimed composers, guest artists, and exceptional musicians for concerts that enrich our community and inspire worship. From seasonal Advent and Christmas performances to organ recitals, choral concerts, and special musical events, there's something for every music lover.

Whether you're a longtime concert enthusiast or simply looking for an uplifting evening, we invite you to join us. These performances are a wonderful opportunity to experience outstanding music, celebrate the arts, and gather with our community in a spirit of joy, reflection, and worship. Everyone is welcome.

Recent Performances:
Tom Trenney, renowned Composer & Musician
Hymn Fest, a worship experience with favorite hymns
All the Keys Concert with Piano, Harpsichord, and Organ

Look for updates on upcoming performances coming soon!

Dreama Lovitt

Dir. of Traditional Music & Organist

As Director of Worship Ministries and Organist, Dreama Lovitt leads the Chancel Choir and MarketBell Ringers and oversees music ministry at West Market Street UMC. She is passionate about helping people experience and share the joy of faith through music and the arts.

Dreama enjoys a wide range of musical styles and working with musicians of all experience levels. A private piano and organ instructor, she holds a Master’s Degree from the Eastman School of Music and has additional training in Dalcroze Eurhythmics in the U.S. and Geneva, Switzerland.

Passionate about sharing the pipe organ with the community, Dreama has helped lead numerous organ concerts, workshops, camps, and educational programs throughout the Piedmont Triad. She also serves as Visiting Director of Choral Activities at Salem College, where she directs the Salem College Chorale.

Beyond music, Dreama enjoys visual art and serves as staff liaison to West Market’s Visual Art Team. She is also a wood block printmaker and enjoys spending time in her gardens—usually accompanied by her cats.

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MJ Johnson

Dir. of Modern Music

MJ joined the Modern Worship Service in 2017 and serves as Music Director for Rising West and Modern Worship Team Leader, overseeing all aspects of Modern Worship @ The Corner. Raised in a musical Methodist family, his passion for worship music grew through summers at Lake Junaluska’s Music Week and a lifelong involvement in music ministry.

MJ holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from UNCG and a Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting from Ohio State University. A longtime K-12 music educator, he has earned National Board Certification, the Grimsley High School Excellence in Teaching Award, and other honors.

An accomplished vocalist, MJ has performed in world-class venues and sang with the internationally acclaimed ensemble Chanticleer, earning a Grammy nomination for the 2002 release Our American Journey. He continues to lead the Grimsley High School Vocal Music Department and enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter and performing locally with his band, Bandemic.

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FAQs

  • There are opportunities for a variety of experience levels, from those who simply love making music to accomplished musicians. Our music staff can help you find the ensemble or opportunity that best fits your gifts and experience.

  • Rehearsal schedules are made available to each ensemble for each season. Our Chancel Choir and handbell groups typically rehearse weekly, while instrumentalists and other musicians may rehearse as needed for worship or special performances.

  • Commitments vary depending on the group and season. Some ensembles participate throughout the ministry year, while seasonal choirs, concerts, and special worship services offer shorter-term opportunities.

  • The time commitment depends on the event and may include several rehearsals leading up to a concert or special service. We provide schedules in advance so you can choose opportunities that work well for you.

  • You’re welcome! You don’t need to be a professional singer to share in the joy of making music and worshiping together. Our music ministry offers opportunities to learn, grow, and find a place where you feel comfortable participating.