Any music that is used in a worship setting that glorifies God, regardless of the style or genre, can be defined as “praise and worship” music.  In some of our worship services the music is led by the Praise Band, which mirrors the configuration of many modern “rock” bands – guitars, drums, bass guitar, keyboards and singers.  Lyrically, Contemporary Worship Music uses a language of relationship – bringing the singer/congregation into a one-on-one conversation with God – encouraging the participant to relate to God personally.

The Praise Band leads music using today’s best new Christian songs along with new stylings of the great hymns and songs of the church.  Contemporary worship music features generally short and easy to sing (and remember) choruses that repeat several times. This is part of what makes the style perfect for corporate worship because even people who aren’t familiar with a particular song can sing along with ease after hearing one or two repeats of the chorus.

The Praise Band is a diverse and welcoming group of amateur singers and instrumentalists who are excited to explore their spirituality through music and share that joy with others. It serves as the foundational instrumental accompanying group in our worship services.  The group is open to seventh and eighth graders, high school age, and adult who have a heart to express their love for the Lord by playing an instrument.  If you do and you play an instrument such as guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, drums, or piano, then we would love to hear from you. The only prerequisite to joining our praise band is a strong desire to express oneself musically. The central goal of the Praise Band is to find enjoyment and spiritual fulfilment through performing an imaginative variety of sacred genres and musical approaches from the latest Christian pop!

We warm-up and rehearse at 8:15 a.m. on a Sunday morning and go live to the public at 9.30 a.m. as part of the service – feel free to drop in on a Sunday to sing/play. We are always looking for new singers and instrumentalists to share in our passion for music and make an invariably rewarding and satisfying offering to their church, their community and God. If you are interested in joining the praise group talk to Michael Grippo, our Director of Music Ministries, anytime between services on a Sunday morning, contact him via the church office, or, better still, just turn up at 8:15 a.m. on a Sunday. You will be given a warm welcome, support and encouragement and copies of all the music.

  • Who are they? Praise Band is the contemporary music ministry of the First United Methodist Church of Palatine. We are an all-volunteer group of instrumentalists and singers. We share our combined musical talent as part of our service to God and our community.
  • What do they do? Praise Band leads worship on the first and second to last Sunday’s of the month in the Fall, Winter, and Spring and various times in the summer. Praise Band supports the service theme and sermon with music, with song selection spanning multiple genres and styles including rock, pop, jazz, and acoustic.
  • How can I Become a Member? Anyone who would like to become a member of the choir may do so simply by showing up to rehearsal.
    • Do I have to audition?   All you need is a love of music and the passion for singing and playing.
    • Do I have to be a trained musician? No musical training required.
  • What are rehearsals like? Praise Band rehearses on Sunday mornings from 8:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in the church basement.  We practice upcoming music in an atmosphere that is fun and laid back.
  • When does Chancel Choir sing? At the 9:30 a.m. service. We also sing at special services such as Blue Christmas, Christmas Eve, and Good Friday each year.
  • Whom do I contact if I have more questions? Director of Music Ministries Michael Grippo – michael@fumcpalatine.org or (847)-359-1345.