Music & Worship Arts
The Music and Worship Arts ministries of The Memorial Baptist Church are built on a rich heritage. Throughout its long history, TMBC has employed music and the arts in the worship of God, in spiritual formation of people of all ages, and in communicating the Gospel.
When we gather each Sunday in the beautiful Sanctuary, our worship expressions include both ancient hymns and newer songs, we are stirred by the majestic sounds of the Casavant pipe organ and the grand piano. Choirs and ensembles for all ages lead and share in worship regularly. Often, the sounds of worship include other instruments.
TMBC offers music and worship arts groups for children, youth, and adults. Choral ensembles, handbell choirs, an instrumental ensemble and other opportunities for spiritual and musical growth are offered. Contact Dr. Andy Roby for more information about the Music and Worship Arts Ministries in general, or about any of the specific opportunities described below.
Dr. Andy Roby
Associate Pastor: Minister of Music and Worship Arts
Andrew Roby, D.M.A., has served as TMBC’s Associate Pastor for Music and Worship Arts since October 2017. Previously, he served as Minister of Music for First Baptist Church, Shelby, North Carolina for over sixteen years, and adjunct faculty member in the School of Divinity at Gardner-Webb University. Andy has served in choral conducting positions in academic, church, and community settings since 1981. Academic appointments have included Asbury College, Shorter College (GA), and Union University. He has served in church music positions in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina. Andy serves as the conductor and artistic director the Greenville Choral Society’s Concert Choir. Previously, Andy directed the North Carolina Baptist Singers and Orchestra, an organization composed of approximately 160 church musicians from across the state.
Andy has conducted choirs or led choral techniques seminars across the southern and eastern United States, and internationally in Germany, The Netherlands, England, Brazil, Cuba, Belize, Trinidad, and Nicaragua. An active member of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), Andy currently serves on the Board of Directors as Past President of the North Carolina Chapter. He has presented sessions on choral music in the church at both state and regional conferences of ACDA, and has published articles in state and regional publications, as well as The Choral Journal, the official journal of ACDA.
Andy received his undergraduate degree from Union University (TN). His Master of Church Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees were awarded by The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, where he studied conducting with Dr. Milburn Price, past national president of ACDA, and Dr. John Dickson, currently the Director of Choral Activities at Louisiana State University (LSU). His vocal pedagogy studies were with Dr. Jay Wilkey.
Andy’s wife, Mary, is Assistant Director of Laupus Library on the Health Sciences Campus of East Carolina University. Their daughter Rachel and son-in-law Daniel live in Raleigh, along with Andy and Mary’s amazing granddaughters, Karis and Ava. Their son David,and daughter-in-law Margaret currently reside in Birmingham, Alabama.
Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir is the weekly worship choir of the church and is open to adults. Auditions are not required to serve in this group, which rehearses weekly on Wednesdays, 7:15-8:30 PM. The Chancel Choir leads in worship most Sunday mornings, singing repertoire from a broad range of styles and genres. Cantatas during special seasons of the Christian year are presented, often with orchestra accompaniment.
Youth/Student Worship Arts
Youth and student music opportunities are a significant part of TMBC’s student ministry. The Student Vocal Ensemble, drawn from students in grades 7-12, meets on Sunday afternoons during the academic year at 5:00 PM, prior to the Sunday Night Youth Group gatherings. College students are also welcome to participate in the the Ensemble.
Every two to three years, the Ensemble embarks on a week-long music-missions trip. In 2019, the Ensemble toured and served in Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA. That trip included a day in New York City capped by attendance at the Broadway musical, Wicked, and a final fun day at Hershey Park in Hershey, PA.
Children’s Music: Growing in Grace
TMBC’s Children and Music Ministries work together in offering Growing in Grace groups for preschoolers and children up through sixth grade on Wednesday nights from September through early May, 6:15-7:15 PM. In these groups, children engage with stories from the Bible, missions and service opportunities, and music. We believe these groups are significant in guiding children in their growing understanding of faith and in learning to become true worshipers of God. The sessions are fun and energetic. All children are welcome to join us!
Handbell Choir
TMBC’s Chancel Handbell Choir meets on Sundays at 5:45 PM throughout the academic year.
Instrumental Ensemble
The Instrumental Ensemble, open to all who play a band or orchestral instrument, plays in worship several times through the academic year. Typically, the group rehearses about once a month on Sunday morning before Sunday School, and then plays in worship two weeks later.