Music at Sunday Services
A special part of our Sunday worship is provided by the wonderful musicians who bless us with their gifts. Ensembles include Chalice Choir and Spare Parts (contemporary band). On other Sundays, First Unitarian welcomes guest singers, instrumentalists, and performance groups from the congregation and larger community. We enjoy a wide variety of musical styles in our worship.
The Chalice Choir
Chalice Choir
Our adult choir fulfills part of the church’s mission through religious education, mutual support, social bonds, and the search for authentic expression. They sing repertoire supporting UU principles and beliefs, evoking an emotional understanding of these ideas.
The Chalice Choir performs monthly for Sunday worship from September through May. Rehearsals are in the sanctuary, from 6:30-8:00 pm on Thursdays, August through May.
No audition is necessary, and church members and friends ages 14 and older are welcome. While singing experience is helpful, it is not necessary. Choir members only need the ability to match pitch, willingness to learn, and commitment to attend weekly rehearsals. If you’re unsure of your vocal range, come 15 minutes before rehearsal to check in with the director.
The Chalice Choir performs monthly for Sunday worship from September through May. Rehearsals are in the sanctuary, from 6:30-8:00 pm on Thursdays, August through May.
No audition is necessary, and church members and friends ages 14 and older are welcome. While singing experience is helpful, it is not necessary. Choir members only need the ability to match pitch, willingness to learn, and commitment to attend weekly rehearsals. If you’re unsure of your vocal range, come 15 minutes before rehearsal to check in with the director.
The choir is a great way to make new friends in the church, with social opportunities throughout the year—we’d love for you to join us!
Spare Parts
Spare Parts
Spare Parts is our church’s contemporary band, made up of church members. The band rehearses on Sunday evenings and plays in worship once a month. Participation is by invitation; we hold occasional jam sessions to get acquainted with new musicians.
Sol Singers
Sol Singers is a group for all ages and abilities to “learn music by heart; take love to the community.” Sol Singers meet in song circle tradition, learning music in the aural tradition, with repertoire drawn from UU hymnals, folk traditions, world music, pagan chants, justice songs, and healing tunes. Singers are invited to suggest songs for the group to learn. Sol Singers are available to make pastoral care visits in the community, bringing the healing power of music to those in need of comfort. Sol Singers meet 5:30-6:30 pm every Monday in Memorial Hall.
String Band
String Band started as a ukulele group, and expanded to include guitar, banjo, mandolin, and percussion. All hummers, strummers, and drummers are welcome! Meeting every Sunday after worship in the Arnold Room or in the courtyard, String Band plays fun folk and pop tunes from the 60s to the present.
Guidelines for Guest Musicians
Our Director of Music, Joe Mitchell, is in charge of arranging musical performances for worship. The director generally auditions musicians, often by going to a concert or listening to a CD. Please call the church office at (505) 884-1801 or email Joe for more information.
Musicians provide music for our Sunday worship service. Gathering music begins 10 minutes before the start of the service as people arrive. The order of service includes a musical interlude and an offertory. The Director of Music will work with you to select pieces that complement the sermon theme.
Musicians who are church members usually donate their time, while visiting musicians are paid for their service. Guest musicians may sell CDs during coffee hour at a table in our courtyard or foyer.
