Music & Arts

Riverbend United Church is blessed with a talented and diverse group of musicians including singers and instrumentalists of all ages. 

Paula Roberts, Music Director, conducts the Adult Choir, accompanied by Sherry Steele.  This SATB group which meets every Thursday evening, is part of Sunday worship most weeks.  They lead the hymns and present an anthem at each service. Every so often this group takes on a special project such as a Christmas or Easter cantata, and they have also put together musical fundraising events in support of organizations such as the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. New members are always welcome.

“The Ensemble” provides the music for Sunday worship every quarter. This is a smaller, self directed group who focus on contemporary music. They sing and accompany themselves on a variety of instruments including guitar, piano, bass, drums, flute, and anything else this talented group might bring to one of their Wednesday rehearsals!  

A few times a year, the Choir and Ensemble like to join forces for a special anthem, usually choosing an uptempo gospel style piece. The resultant sound is always big, energizing, and uplifting, and, needless to say, fun for congregation and musicians alike!

We welcomed a new Handbell Choir Director, Alison Grant-Preville on September 1, 2024.  Alison recently retired from over 25 years of teaching elementary school music and French.  Music has always been an essential part of her life, having studied flute performances at two universities, and sung in choirs all her life.  She has led a Francophone children’s choir, and been the assistant conductor for Vocal Alchemy, an exciting adult community choir.  Alison’s skills with many instruments includes experience with handbells.  Welcome Alison!  

Lois Samis Lund had been our Handbell Director for many years, and we will be honouring her and confering on her the title of Handbell Director, Emeritus following Sunday worship service on Sunday, September 22nd.  

The Handbell Choir rehearses on Monday evenings, and brings their sonorous music to church services about 4 times a year. They never fail to add that special “sparkle” to our annual Christmas Eve services in particular.

Riverbend United Church also has a Children’s Choir that rehearses after Sunday services and participates in special services a few times a year.