Chapel Choir Tour Home Concerts

The Chapel Choir return from their 40th Annual Spring Break Tour on Saturday, April 2, having journeyed to Toronto and back presenting concerts in Michigan and Ontario. You can hear their performance here in Downers Grove at two concerts directed by Belford Hernandez on Sunday, April 3, at 4pm and 7pm.

About The Chapel Choir

The Chapel Choir has a rich history at First United Methodist Church. It has led Sunday worship at the 9:30 Sunday morning service during the school year since 1960.

For the past 39 years, the choir hasparticipated on a week-long Spring Breakmusical trip spreading God’s message inwords and song to congregationsthroughout North America, including such places as New York City, Boston, Denver, St. Simon’s Island, Memphis, Pensacola,Nashville, Toronto, Myrtle Beach, Orlando, Philadelphia, Virginia Beach, Ft. Worth, NewOrleans, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Wilmington, and many communities in between.

Choir members practice Sunday morning after the 9:30 worship service as well as Wednesday night in preparation of their Christmas Concert and choir tour. Members also give their time through fundraising and mission trip activities at church. The youth are actively involved at their schools in athletics, speech, band, choir, dance, and many clubs.

The 2011 Chapel Choir is comprised of approximately 55 students from 10 different highschools in the Downers Grove area.

Belford Hernandez, Director

Currently serving his 10th year as Chapel Choir Director, Belford Hernandez is an accomplished music arranger and composer for vocalist, choral groups, and instrumentalists. In addition to directing the Chapel Choir, Belford is a Choral Director and piano collaborator at Downers Grove South High School. He is also the director of the newly formed Cantores Community Choir. He previously served as the musical director at Montini High School and accompanied the world renowned Glen Ellyn Children’s Treble Choir of Illinois. A featured artist and chamber music player in Venezuela, Columbia, and the United States, Belford has travelled to many South American countries and Jamaica as director and piano accompanist for professional choirs and vocal ensembles.

His vibrant and energetic performances and compositions are a true interpretation of his personality and love for music.