"Speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart." Ephesians 5:19

Everyone is welcome!  Through our music...

  • We praise God.
  • We grow closer to God.
  • We tell others about God. 
  • We bless the congregation.
  • We make something beautiful.
  • We grow closer to one another.

Summer Sunday Sings

Have you always been curious about what goes into preparing a choir anthem for a Sunday morning? Have you thought it would be neat to sing from the front of the Sanctuary in the Chancel, but been intimidated by robes, music folders or singing in a foreign language? Now, you can join in for a special opportunity on two Sundays over the summer, July 13 and Aug. 3, when we will meet at 7:45 a.m. to learn a simple and fun song that we will then sing as part of the 9 a.m. worship service that same morning. We'll learn (and review) the basics of how to sing in a group, so no prior choral experience needed. All ages are welcome, and observers are welcome, too, but don't be surprised if you're singing by the end! RSVP to Joshua Velez, and bring a friend!


Did you know that there is a digital suggestion box for Gary Church's music ministries? You are welcome to provide your ideas, feedback, or requests for a favorite hymn, worship song, or piece of music, as our worship through music is an integral part of our shared community. Share your thoughts here.


Call for Summer Musicians

Do you sing, play an instrument, whistle, or have a clapping ensemble? Share your musical gifts in worship this summer! There is room for all ages and abilities. Contact Joshua Velez for more information and to sign up.


Pipe Organ Celebration

Former and current Gary Church organists came together in May 2025 to celebrate 95 years of the church's 1930 Austin pipe organ. The organ has led and supported worship every week for nearly a century. Music directors have changed, pastors have rotated in service, and musical styles and tastes have continued to evolve, but the organ has remained a constant. Even though recent years have been particularly hard on church music programs, Gary Church remains committed to a vibrant music ministry and the pipe organ as foundational to the worship life of the congregation.

Hear about the history of the organ here.

Hear the organ concert here.

 

  • The original organ in the present building was built in 1930 by the Austin Organ Company of Hartford, Connecticut at a cost of $15,900. It contained 26 ranks and was divided between two chambers located in the Chancel of the Church and completely under expression. It was an instrument of 3-manuals plus pedal and served Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton, IL, for 60 years without change. In 1990, a solid-state combination action was installed in the console and a few tonal additions made.

    In 2003, the Bradford Organ Company of Evanston, Illinois took charge of the maintenance. Under their direction, several tonal changes and additions were made and a completed specification drawn up based upon plans set forth in 1990. In 2006, the console underwent a complete renovation including new stop jambs and keyboards. At present, the organ contains 45 ranks plus console preparations for 3 digital ranks in the pedal.

    A trompette-en-chamade was added in 2011 and first used on Easter Sunday that year.



    Organ: Austin Organ Company, 1930 (Op 1737)

            Rebuilt, tonal additions, 1990

            Console rebuilt, tonal additions, 2006-2011


    GREATSWELL
    16'Gemshorn (Ch)16'Lieblich Gedeckt
    8'Diapason8'Diapason
    8'Bourdon8'Gedeckt
    8'Gamba8'   Salicional
    4'Octave8'  Voix Celeste
    4'Harmonic Flute4'Principal
    2'Fifteenth4'Flat Traverso
    IVFourniture2 2/3'Nazard
    16'Contra Tromba2'Flautino
    8'Tromba1 3/5'Tierce
    ChimesIIIMixture
    16'Contra Trumpet
    8'Cornopean
    8'Oboe
    8'Vox Humana
    4'Clarion
    Tremelo


    CHOIRPEDAL
    16'Gemshorn *32'Double Open Wood
    8'Rohr Flute32'Contra Bourdon
    8'Gemshorn*16'Open Diapason
    8'Gemshorn Celeste16'Principal
    4'Koppel Flute16"  Bourdon
    2'Spitz Flute16'Lieblich Gedeckt (Sw)
    1 1/3'Quint16"  Gemshorn (Gh)
    IIIScharf8'  Octave
    8'Trumpet-en-Chamade8'Flute
    8'Clarinet4'Choral Bass
    Harp*32''Contra Bombarde
    Celesta16'16'  Trombone
    Cymbelstem16'16'  Contra Trumpet (Sw)
    Tremolo8'Trumpet
    4'Clarion


    * Console Preparation Only

11:11 a.m. music playlist

If you've been wanting a way to worship through singing at home or on the road, Collective Joy! now has a playlist on YouTube and Spotify of the songs that we regularly sing at the 11:11 a.m. Sunday service! Feel free to listen throughout the week so you can be even more familiar with the songs we are singing on Sunday mornings.


Children's Choir
Wednesdays, 6:15-7 p.m., Choir Room
Age 3–Grade 5
This group will make music with friends and praise God in worship. Register here.


4:12 Gary Youth Band

4:12 Youth Band: (7th-12th grade): Tuesdays, 6-6:45 p.m.


Do you play an instrument? Want to learn an instrument? Love to sing? Come and join 4:12 Youth Band as we play worship music together. All skill levels welcome. Register here to learn more.


Men’s Chorus
Saturdays, 9-10 a.m., Choir Room (meets twice a month)
High School–Adult: tenors and basses

Celebration Singers
This group for adult sopranos and altos is on hiatus until we can provide leadership.

Chancel Choir
Thursdays, 7:30-9 p.m., Choir Room
High School–Adult: sopranos, altos, tenors, basses

Usually leads Sunday worship at 9 a.m.


Collective Joy!

Thursdays, 6–7 p.m., Sanctuary

High School–Adult

Praise band, usually leads worship at 11:11 a.m.


Festival Choir and Orchestra
Meets weekly at the beginning of the year to sing and play in worship before or during Lent. The music is the sermon for the day.


Please contact Director of Music Joshua Velez to find out more about our singing groups!


Hear the 2025 Festival Choir and Chamber Orchestra

Enjoy Maurice Duruflé's Requiem, with organ and chamber orchestra. This deeply moving and spiritual work served as the musical message during our Sunday worship services on the second Sunday of Lent.

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Music Ministry Examples

Below is a sampling of many of our music groups. Click the upper left of the video for the drop down menu to view a specific group.


Hear the 2024 Festival Choir and Orchestra:

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