Music

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The Music Ministry at First Parish seeks to enrich and enhance our experience of spirituality, community and creative service through music.

 

For a printable version of the First Parish Music Ministry Brochure, click FP_Music_Ministry_Brochure_2009-2010.pdf


Choirs at First Parish

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First Parish Choirs sing Paul Winter's Missa Gaia - May 2009

Adult Choir

Elizabeth Norton, Director

 

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The Adult Choir is the cornerstone of the First Parish music program singing almost every Sunday for at least one of the two services. In addition to regular Sunday services, the choir sings on Christmas Eve and prepares at two larger works each year, one during the winter holiday season and one for the May "Music Sunday." The choir's wide repertoire includes choral classics, jazz, gospel, folk songs and world music. The Adult Choir is open to adult men and women and high school singers who love choral singing and wish to enjoy the unique fellowship of a choir. The ability to read music is helpful, but not required.

 

Also see the choir schedule.
Rehearsals: Wednesday nights from 7:45 to 9:30 PM

 

For New Members: 

Adult Choir Information Form

What Every Choir Member Needs to Know

 

Junior Choir – for children in grades 1 to 3*

Gail Carey, Director

 

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Members of the Junior Choir gather in the safety of a song circle where they are encouraged to discover the inherent beauty of their voices through shared song. Song selections reflect the wide diversity of cultural and religious traditions welcomed and celebrated in our UU faith. The Junior Choir sings at approximately 8 worship services during the year, including Christmas Eve, sometimes combining with other First Parish Choirs.


Rehearsals: Wednesdays 4:30 - 5:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall

Printable registration form: General Registration Form

Printable Choir info: Choirs for Children and Youth

 

*Note: Third graders who have sung for at least one year with Junior Choir are able to join Chalice Choir. Please bring any questions about placement directly to Gail.

 

Chalice Choir – for children in grades 4 to 6

Gail Carey, Director

 

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Members of the Chalice Choir are empowered to assert their choral voices and take fun risks as they begin to learn about their integral role within worship leadership. Song selections reflect the wide diversity of cultural and religious traditions welcomed and celebrated in our UU faith. The Chalice Choir sings at approximately 8 worship services during the year, including Christmas Eve, sometimes combining with other First Parish Choirs.


Rehearsals: Wednesdays 5:15 to 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall

Printable registration form: General Registration Form

Printable Choir info: Choirs for Children and Youth

Gospel Choir – for youth in grades 7 - 12

Anderson Manuel, Director

 

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Through learning and performing music of the Gospel tradition, singers will be empowered to share their musical talents with the congregation and to develop their leadership potential for the benefit of our church. Singers and instrumentalists (keyboard, bass, and percussion) are invited to join the group. The Gospel Choir will provide music leadership in several services scheduled throughout the church year, including Christmas Eve, sometimes combining with other First Parish Choirs.


Rehearsals: Sundays from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Wright Tavern

Pringable Registration Form: General Registration Form

Printable Choir info: Choirs for Children and Youth

 

 

 
 

 

Handbell Choir

 We are happy to announce that Bell Choir Director Martha Goodman, will be returning to First Parish for two limited engagements leading to worship services on November 4 and March 17.

 The fall season will begin with rehearsal on Sunday, September 23 at 1:00 PM and continue for five consecutive Sundays, culminating with the worship services on November 4. The winter/spring season will begin with rehearsal on February 3 and continue through services on March 17.  Ringers may join for both sessions or for either the fall or spring as schedules allow.

 If you can count to four and identify a whole, half and quarter note, and if you can commit to attending most--if not all--rehearsals, then this is the opportunity for you!  For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

By Your Side Singers

By Your Side Singers is First Parish's group of pastoral singers. We are a group of musicians who practice together to deepen our experience of music’s comforting power. We are not performers so much as partners.  Through our singing, By Your Side Singers provide a musical presence for people who seek comfort and strength during times of illness or transition.

By Your Side Singers sing songs and chants from our hymnals and other sources.  Through singing we support and comfort one another as we share our own challenges and hopes. When invited, we go to parishioners’ homes or hospital rooms in groups of 3 or 4 to share soft, soothing song. Our singing has evoked smiles, tears, laughter – even dancing!

Meets first and third Thursday of every month. For more information, or to arrange a visit from the By Your Side Singers, contact Beth Norton, Music Director.