Rock the House (of God)

Church music is supposed to be about pipe organs and pianos, right?  What about violins and guitars?  Sure, that’s acceptable.  But what happens when you throw bass guitar, drum set, electric guitar, harmonica, flute, tambourine and who-knows-what into the mix, along with vocalists ranging from children through “upwards of 80”? 

If you happen to be sitting in the pews of the First United Methodist Church on Freehold's West Main Street on Sunday mornings between 8:30 and 9:30, you’ll find out what happens. 

What started out as a few guitars playing "Silent Night" on Christmas Eve grew to an informal bunch of accompanists for the Sunday School children's music program.  But then, mysteriously, guitars started popping up everywhere in the congregation, and soon other instrumentalists and vocalists began gathering in a church-version of a garage band.

"We decided to call the group ‘Joyful Noise’ because it pretty much summed-up what we are about. The 100th Psalm says, 'Make a joyful noise unto the Lord,' after all.  And we also wanted to honor that were a mostly amateur bunch; it’s something of a hint that while we may not be exactly polished, we're going to be joyful anyway," according to Kathy Mulholland of Freehold Borough.

The band grew to include so many peopl that the church removed several of the front pews to accommodate them. "The carpet looks a little funny right now," says Mulholland, "but it's great having room for everyone."  Recently the church installed a new multimedia and sound system so lyrics are easily projected for everyone to sing-along.

The congregation has responded enthusiastically to the presence of the praise band in the 8:30 a.m. worship services.  "I look forward to hearing them every Sunday morning. It’s worth waking up early for," says church member Mary Sterling of Freehold Township.  

"Participating in the music certainly makes the weekly service more personal, and enjoyable for my entire family," says Manalapan resident Alan Davala, whose wife Gail organizes the lyrics and images projected during the worship services.  "I look forward to practicing and playing each week, and thrilled that this appeals to my entire family."  Both of the Davala children are involved in the band, as well.

What type of music does Joyful Noise perform? "We get suggestions from the congregation, each other, and we also look for music that's appropriate for different worship services," Mulholland says. Songs range from renditions of U2 to Hank Williams to spirituals; from old hymns to new contemporary Christian top 40 hits. "We’re up to over 250 songs now, including some original pieces. We don't call it performing, though. We're leading worship in song. The congregation sings with the band all the time."

At the center of it all is Marlboro resident Ken Budka.  "Ken really holds everyone together. We couldn't do it without him," says Annabell Minty, former music director.  Budka's son Colin plays bass. 

The newest member of Joyful Noise is the only professional musician in the group, music director Brittany Montoro.  “Brittany’s an incredible musician.  She has a master’s degree from Westminster Choir College, but her genius goes beyond anything that can be taught.  And she’s so versatile.  You should hear her rock the pipe organ; it’s unbelievable,” according to Mulholland.

Joyful Noise is having a free concert at 4:00 p.m. on April 7 to officially usher-in the church’s new sound system.  “The whole community's invited.  We’re calling it, ‘Inspired by Heaven, Turned Up to Eleven.’”  People who have seen the “mockumentary” This is Spinal Tap may get a chuckle from the name.  Mulholland admits, “I had to look it up; I’d never heard of the Spinal Tap thing before some of the band members mentioned it.”

The First United Methodist Church is located at 91 West Main Street in Freehold.  Joyful Noise leads music at the 8:30 a.m. Sunday worship service.  There is also an 11:00 a.m. service with traditional hymns and choir music.