We are a community that appreciates the musical expression of faith. The Chancel Choir leads us in song during worship most Sundays. We also have multiple children’s choirs, handbell choirs, and the popular Third@First concert series featuring world-class musical artists. We’d love to have your musical gifts become part of our music ministry.

The Third at First Concert Series offers a place to hear musicians perform on the third Saturday of each month, October through July. Musical offerings range from intimate piano and chamber music recitals to jazz to full-scale orchestra-choral works. All concerts are offered free of admission charge. 

 Chancel Choir sings in Sunday services at 10:00 am, plus additional Christmas and Easter services or concerts.  

They meet for rehearsal on Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., and Sundays at 9:15 a.m., prior to Worship service. The choir’s repertoire includes traditional choral music, contemporary worship music, and a variety of music from other cultures. Choir is open to all adults (age 18 and older) regardless of membership.

Scott Lehmkuhl

Director of Music Ministries
Scott Lehmkuhl has been a singer, music educator and conductor for many years. In addition to his work at First UMC, Scott is also the Artistic Director of Pasadena Pro Musica and a lecturer in Applied Music at Pomona College.

Aaron Shows

Organist
Aaron Shows serves as an organist and pianist. His original compositions have been performed throughout the United States as well as in Europe. He has composed original scores for features, short films, web series and commercials. Follow him on his YouTube page.

Megan Goldstein

Handbells Director
As Director of Handbells at FUMC since 2005, Megan conducts handbell groups for all ages (children, youth, and adults).  The various groups enjoy performing not only in Worship but also at various events in our larger community.

Eleen Hsu-Wentlandt

Cherubs Choir Director
Since Fall 2021, Eleen Hsu-Wentlandt has been serving our pre-shoolers, the Cherubs, in our Children's Music Ministry.  She leads them in first experiences in music education, which includes skills in singing, verbal, movement, and percussion instruments.

Chrissa Hayes

Cantate Choir Director & Coordinator of Children’s Music

Chrissa Hayes was raised in the church and has worked for the FUMC music program since the year 2000. In 2008, she was assigned to lead the Cantate Choir and serve as Coordinator of the Children’s Music Program. She loves working with the kids on reading music, vocal skills, and especially fostering a love of sharing their gifts with the community. 

Caleb Dehn

Cherubs Choir Intern
Caleb currently works as an intern for the Cherub choir with Eleen Hsu-Wentlandt and as an accompanist for the youth choir with Scott Lehmkuhl. Playing instruments, singing, and dancing with the children is the highlight of his week!

Outside of church, Caleb works as an Emergency Medical Technician and studies at the University of Southern California, pursuing a B.A. in Music and a B.S. in Neuroscience with minors in Healthcare Studies and Philosophy.