Music Ministry
Music is a vital part of the Desert Skies community. Our Houghton campus houses an Adult Choir, the Desert Skies Ringers (handbells), and Houghton Praise Band. Our Vail campus features our Vail Praise Band. Each ensemble rehearses weekly to enrich our Sunday services by continuously building repertoire and skill level.
Adult Choir
Rehearsals every Wednesday | 7pm - 8:30pm
This 15-25 voice ensemble welcomes members of all ages and skill sets. The choir season runs from September-May. Our vast library ensures a yearly repertory that rarely repeats, while ensuring space for the highest quality music. We perform a Christmas cantata every year, with rehearsals beginning in September. Those interested in joining the choir should come to any rehearsal, or contact Ryan Phillips for more information at ryan@desertskiesumc.org.
Desert Skies Ringers (Handbells)
Rehearsals every Wednesday (September-May) | 6pm - 7pm
The Desert Skies Ringers enriches our services one Sunday a month and plays handbell literature for 3-5 octaves. Ringers often join the choir on handbell parts and play in our Winter concert every other year. Those interested in joining should contact Raymond Ryder at musicraymond@desertskiesumc.org.
Houghton Praise Band
Rehearsals every Saturday | 2pm - 3pm
The Houghton Praise Band plays both services every second and fourth Sunday of the month. Each quarter, we invite youth to join the praise band for one song during a single service. With a repertory that spans the last two decades of praise band charts, this band works at a quick pace to learn and polish new music for worship. Those interested in joining should contact Ryan Phillips at ryan@desertskiesumc.org.
Vail Praise Band
Rehearsals based on band availability
This band provides music for the entire service at our Vail campus and is always looking for new musicians to join. They perform around five praise songs per service and work at a quick pace to learn new music. Musicians interested in playing or singing in the praise band should contact Alison Davis at alison@desertskiesumc.org