The FUMC Music Ministry
Fairfax UMC’s Music Ministry is charged with proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ through our gifts of music. We offer several opportunities for individuals of all age ranges and musical abilities to participate in this calling. Reflecting the diversity of our congregation, the Music Ministry of Fairfax UMC encompasses multiple musical styles among and within our music ensembles.
Facilities
The campus of Fairfax UMC is blessed with great spaces and resources for musical offerings. Our beautiful Sanctuary presents wonderful acoustics for all types of musical performances and contains a powerful mixing board for any electronic needs. The church houses two Kawai grand pianos, five upright Yamaha pianos, a Sabathil and Son harpsichord, timpani, Schlumeric handbells, Malmark handchimes, and an extensive library of choral and instrumental music.
Organ
Our Sanctuary houses a three manual 42 rank pipe organ built by Zimmer and Sons with pipe work by Laukaff of Germany. The instrument features a movable console, which allows it to be in full view of the audience for recitals. Our organ is in constant use by the church and students and has been featured in many articles and used for recordings and workshops sponsored by the American Guild of Organists and George Mason University.
Handbells
Fairfax UMC is blessed to have a robust handbell program and the instruments to support it. We have a 3-octave and a 5-octave set of Schulmerich handbells, 7 octaves of Malmark Choirchimes, and Malmark F2 and G2 aluminum bells. Additionally, the church owns 3 timpani and a harpsichord. The handbells are often joined by additional percussive instruments including the timpani, glockenspiel, congas, bodhran, triangle, cymbals, and other handheld instruments.