Smile

What makes Jeff Wright smile? “Working with the wonderful faculty members at Anderson University and with the dedicated singers in the Chancel Choir at Noblesville First United Methodist Church brings great joy to me. That makes me smile and makes life incredibly fulfilling. I consider myself a very fortunate individual to have the opportunity to create beautiful art in both of these settings,” said Wright of Fishers, in 2021, when he was Dean of the School of Music, Theatre and Dance at Anderson University. He held the position for more than 25 years and is now Dean Emeritus. He came to Noblesville First UMC in 2016 to be the church’s music director. The Chancel Choir meets Wednesday evenings September through May and sings at Sunday worship at 9 and 10:30 a.m. No audition is required, and members may join at any time during the year. Chancel Ringers handbell ensemble meets just before choir practice and its members must be able to read music notation. There is also a contemporary praise band. Wright is the contact for all of these. Wright directs the annual Christmas choir concert at the Christmas Festival of Music and Art, an event this year on the evening of Dec. 10 that collaborates with Janus Developmental Services. Also, at the church this month, donate and shop at UMC Women’s Rummage Sale Oct. 8-13 with donation drop-offs only 1-5 p.m. Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and 8-11 a.m. Tuesday; and shop 3-7 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon on Friday. Proceeds fund ministries that benefit women, men, children and those with special needs in Noblesville and around the globe. Noblesville First’s inaugural Arts & Music Academy for students K-5 begins with a fall break theater camp Oct. 16-20 at the church. A Trunk or Treat safe trick-or-treat experience will be 4-6 p.m. Oct. 29 with trunk hosts to decorate their cars with prizes for most creative trunks. For more about activities at UMC, visit noblesvillefirst.com. Also, Noblesville First UMC is partnering with Hamilton County Theatre Guild to present The Belfry Theatre’s holiday show, “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” directed by Eric Matters on Nov. 24-Dec. 3 in Celebration Hall at the church. Read more about Wright and Anderson University’s current musical production this weekend in the Betsy Reason column in today’s edition of The Times.