First Parish Sherborn's Music Director, Laura Jensen, is retiring, and we are currently looking for a new music director. If you are interested in applying for this position, please read the job description for further information and contact info.
Welcome to the UUAC Music Ministry. Music is a vital part of our worship service. Congregational singing, anthems from the choir, performances by the children's choir, and instrumental music reflecting a variety of musical, spiritual, and cultural traditions enrich our worship experience.
During the church year the choirs participate in church services, and are occasionally supplemented by guest soloists and instrumentalists. We encourage all who have an interest in music to share their talents by participating in the musical life of the congregation.
The Meetinghouse Choir
The Meetinghouse Choir, numbering about 20 voices, sings during worship service nearly every Sunday, and presents music-centered services twice a year. Choir members often have the opportunity to share their voices in solos or duets. Our choral repertoire embraces all styles, including classical music from Renaissance to Contemporary, folk music of several countries and traditions, jazz arrangements, and more. Our all-volunteer choir is always eager to welcome new members. Being able to sing on key is important; the ability to read music is helpful but not required. Regular attendance at rehearsals is encouraged but not mandatory. Speak to Music Director Laura Jensen with your questions, or just come to a rehearsal:
- Thursday evenings 7 - 8:30
- Sunday mornings 9 - 10:15
Our congregation has enjoyed rapid growth in the last five years, with the children's religious education program growing from about 30 children each Sunday six years ago to well over 100 now registered and participating in the program. The Chalice Choir includes all children who love to sing who are in Grades 1 - 6. It is helpful if the children can read the lyrics and/or memorize easily by hearing. The children sing the choral introit at the beginning of the worship service at least once a month, and also sing at special services throughout the year. The Chalice Choir also participates in the monthly Children's Worship service.
Chalice Choir rehearsals are held on Sundays at 11:30 AM directly following the worship service. They are under the direction of Laura Jensen, with assistance from Tim and Kelli Roper, musical members of the congregation.
For questions about the Chalice Choir, please contact Cathy Leonard at musiccom@uuac-sherborn.com, or Laura Jensen at music@uuac-sherborn.org.
The Celebration Choir
The Celebration Choir is composed of the Meetinghouse Choir plus any singers who join the Celebration Choir for twice-yearly Music Sundays. On Music Sundays, usually held in December and May, the Choir performs a special program during the worship service. The most recent offering was May 23, 2010, and featured choral music selected in recognition of the achievements and work still to be done in support of Human Rights worldwide. A reflection by a member of the congregation introduced each work.
Previous Music Sundays have included a holiday program of carols by the contemporary composer John Rutter, Vivaldi's Gloria, Handel's Messiah, Mozart's Missa Brevis in C, Godspell!, and Africa to America: a Musical Journey. Upcoming Music Sunday programs:
Jan. 23, 2011: Spirit of Life: A Celebration of UU Hymnody
May 22, 2011: Faure’s Requiem
Guest MusiciansOur congregation is blessed with a number of talented musicians who from time to time share their gifts in our worship service. Guest instrumentalists include guitarists, oboists, pianists, violinists, and violists. The music program is occasionally enhanced by the addition of paid professional musicians. For example, both the Vivaldi Gloria and the Handel Messiah choirs included a string ensemble. Other paid guest musicians have supported various special services.