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in praise

Band / Orchestra Ministry


Our Band and Orchestra ministries bring life, energy, and a sense of worship to many of the services at Ankeny First. We are also proud to have these groups represent our church outside the walls of our 3-site church!

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  • Instruments of Peace:

    Instruments of Peace is an orchestra for students (10th grade and up) and adults. They rehearse Wednesdays, August through May, from 7:00-8:00pm in the Uptown Chapel. This group supports and enhances Uptown worship once a month during the school year, by providing preludes, offertories, and hymn arrangements. They also support presentations such as the annual Christmas music concert and Easter cantata. (Nathan Newhard, Director)

  • Walnut Street Players:

    Walnut Street Players is a string group open to high school students through adults. Rehearsals are Thursdays, (time to be determined), Uptown Room 3. Walnut Street Players are available to provide special music, dinner music, and background music at church and select events. They regularly perform at Faith Chapel and Trinity UMC worship services. Additionally, they perform at outreach events at Millpond Senior Center, Sunnyview Senior Center, Valley View Senior Care Center, Wesley Acres Senior Center, and the Des Moines Botanical Center.