Music Ministry
UUMC is proud of its rich tradition of outstanding music. Our choir began more than 80 years ago and continues to uplift our Sanctuary services with sacred music from a variety of genres and style periods.
Our director AV (they/them) practices identity affirming voicing and rehearsal language, and encourages singers to choose the section that is healthiest for their vocal longevity and their gender expression. If you’re ready to sing- email AV!
Sanctuary Choir
Rehearsals
7 - 8:45 pm
in the Choir room on the first floor
Sunday Mornings
Call time: 10:30 am in the Choir Room
Worship: 11 am - 12:15 pm
The Sanctuary Choir consists of adults, college-aged and beyond. This choir presents a variety of choral anthems each week in worship, supports congregational singing, and performs two major works annually.
Coming November 2024 - Brahms Requiem
May 2024- Bach’s Cantata “Lobet Gott in Seinen Reichen” BWV 11
November 2023- Morten Lauridsen’s “Lux Aeterna”
They also present a modern twist on the traditional service of Lessons & Carols annually during Advent.
Come as you are! We love new singers!
Teen Treble Choir
Our newest ensemble, the Teen Treble Choir debuted in worship on Pentecost this year! A select group of treble singers in 8th-12th grades, this ethereal ensemble performs complex music with great independence of parts. Check out their performances here!
Wesley Choir
Wesley Choir is for our Children and Youth. We learn music aurally (by ear) while building our music literacy. Wesley Choir sings twice a year, in the Fall and Spring. Rehearsals are scheduled ahead of performances. If you have a young singer or instrumentalist, email AV. They love to help young musicians grow! Here they are singing on Palm Sunday-
Instrumentalists
Do you play an instrument? We would love to have you play in worship! Throughout the year instrumentalists are incorporated into worship both as featured soloists and accompaniment for our singers. You can always count on strings on Good Friday, brass on Easter Morning, a string quartet on Christmas Eve, and a bluegrass band the Sunday after Easter. Some recent examples of instruments enhancing our worship include:
“A Jubilant Song” by Allen Pote, feat. our Easter Brass Quintet- Diana Gonzalez & Kirsten Boynt (trumpet), Danny Maldonado (french horn), Ulrican Williams (trombone), and Joelle Varner (tuba)
“Fire Flowers” by Timothy Corlis, text by Pauline Johnson, with vibraphone accompaniment by Carolyn Trowbridge (Teen Treble Choir)
“Create in Me a Pure Heart” by Mark Shepperd, feat. Kenzie Slottow on flute, and Katie Hobson on violin (Sanctuary Choir)
If you have a sacred solo piece in mind that you’d like to share with the congregation, please reach out to AV! They love to include instrumental features as offertories throughout the year. Recently, Joe Adams, church member, brought his own arrangement of “What Wondrous Love is This” as a lovely Lenten offering.
A. Villarreal
Music Director
AV strives to create rehearsal spaces where all musicians feel empowered, essential, and worthy.
Have a question? Need more information?
Dr. EunJoo Fierro
Organist & Collaborative Pianist
EunJoo is a thoughtful and skilled collaborative pianist, and the choir is so lucky and happy to work with her!
Check out a playlist of some of Eun Joo’s preludes and postludes!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes please! Even the best musicians need to know what the plan is for this particular performance of this piece. If you missed a rehearsal but feel like you’re prepared to sing in worship, feel free to text me and we can make a case by case decision.
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Attendance every Sunday is not required to participate in the UUMC Sanctuary Choir–we know you have full exciting lives! Use the sign-out sheet on the music table in the choir room to let AV and your section mates know when you won’t make it to worship so we can plan accordingly
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Nope! We do a lot of learning by rote (I sing, then you sing back), you will also learn SO MUCH from your peers sitting next to you. Some of our choir members have been singing in choir for many years and the best way to learn is by listening and then joining in. ALL experience levels are welcome!
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Every Communion Sunday (1st Sunday of the month) we will process. This is not required! If you are uncomfortable singing and walking for any reason, you can start worship at the front of the Sanctuary!
