No matter who you are, what you do, or your age group, there's a place for you here. Whether you hope to sing in a choir, ring chimes in harmony, play strings, lead worship with an instrument, or run sound and camera behind the scenes, Worship Arts at Ankeny First is an invitation to belong, create, and make music together — offering our gifts for the praise and glory God deserves.
Capella Nova
Capella Nova is Ankeny First's newest choir, created for millennials, Gen Z, and college-age singers looking for a place to connect through music. This laid-back group sings in worship once a month and joins in special events throughout the year — no formal experience required, just a willingness to show up and sing.
Rehearsals: Sundays, 1:00–2:00pm, Room 211, Uptown
Jose Clavell, Co-Director; Eric Mohlis, Co-Director
Rehearsals: Sundays, 1:00–2:00pm, Room 211, Uptown
Jose Clavell, Co-Director; Eric Mohlis, Co-Director
Chancel Choir
Chancel Choir helps lead worship every Sunday at Ankeny First, with hymns and special music on the first and third Sunday of each month. Open to singers of every background and ability, from senior high students through adults, this SATB ensemble sings everything from sacred classical to spirituals to contemporary arrangements.
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 7:00-8:15pm August through early June, Room 211, Uptown
Jose Clavell, Director
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 7:00-8:15pm August through early June, Room 211, Uptown
Jose Clavell, Director
Bells of Faith
Bells of Faith is our chime choir, ringing in worship every second Sunday of the month. Rehearsals are relaxed and welcoming, making this a great entry point for anyone curious about ringing — no experience required.
Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 10:00am, Bell Room, Uptown
JoAnn Orthel, Director
Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 10:00am, Bell Room, Uptown
JoAnn Orthel, Director
Praise Ringers
Praise Ringers is our adult handbell choir, bringing a distinctive, joyful sound to worship on the fourth Sunday of the month (fifth, when the month allows). Ringers of all experience levels are welcome — come learn to play as one instrument, together.
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 6:00pm, Bell Room
Kim Field, Director
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 6:00pm, Bell Room
Kim Field, Director
Instruments of Peace
Instruments of Peace is our instrumental ensemble, supporting Uptown worship with preludes, offertories, and hymn arrangements once a month during the school year. The group also performs at our annual Christmas concert and Easter cantata. This ensemble is for 10th graders+ and adults.
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00pm, August through May, Room 212, Uptown
Nathan Newhard, Director
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00pm, August through May, Room 212, Uptown
Nathan Newhard, Director
Audio Visual Team
Audio & Visual Team is a place to belong and make worship happen from behind the scenes. Whether it's running sound, operating cameras, managing livestream, or handling lighting, this team helps every service — traditional and contemporary — reach the congregation in the room and online. There's no set weekly rehearsal; volunteers serve as they're able and needed, with training available through our worship directors.
Jose Clavell, Uptown
Jose Clavell, Uptown
Walnut Street Players
Walnut Street Players is our string ensemble, playing in the 10:30 service once a month and offering special music at select events throughout the year. Open to high school students through adults, this self-directed group welcomes musicians ready to make music together.
Rehearsals: Thursday, Room 212 or in the Chapel, Uptown
(Self-Directed - Contact Jose Clavell for more information)
Rehearsals: Thursday, Room 212 or in the Chapel, Uptown
(Self-Directed - Contact Jose Clavell for more information)
Seasonal Opportunities
Easter Cantata
Easter Cantata brings together singers of all ages each spring to prepare a special musical celebration of Holy Week and Easter. Like our Christmas Concert Choir, it's a joyful, low-commitment way to make music and connect with others during one of the most meaningful seasons of the church year.
Rehearsals: Seasonal
Jose Clavell, Director
Rehearsals: Seasonal
Jose Clavell, Director
Men's Bass Clef Ensemble
Bass Clef is our men's voices ensemble, gathering high schoolers through adults to sing together for special occasions like the Christmas Concert and summer services. It's a low-commitment, high-camaraderie way for men to belong and make music — no ongoing rehearsal required, just a willingness to show up and add your voice when the group comes together.
Jose Clavell, Director
Jose Clavell, Director
Women's Treble Ensemble
Treble is our women's voices ensemble, bringing together high schoolers through adults to sing for special occasions like the Christmas Concert and summer services. It's a joyful, low-commitment way for women to belong and make music together, gathering as needed rather than on a weekly schedule.
Jose Clavell, Director
Jose Clavell, Director
Christmas Concert
Christmas Concert Choir is a seasonal, all-ages ensemble that comes together each year to prepare our annual Christmas concert. Open to singers of every age and background, it's a short-term, low-commitment way to make music and be part of one of Ankeny First's most beloved traditions.
Jose Clavell, Director
Jose Clavell, Director
