Music and Choir
Music is an important part of life at FPUU Church. Worship is celebrated with the help of a volunteer adult and youth choir, and many talented volunteer soloists. Children are also gathered and make beautiful music of their own. Many styles of music are heard on Sunday mornings. One Sunday you might hear classical organ or piano pieces and traditional hymns; the next worship service might be full of swinging gospel tunes and spirituals. You might hear a blues or jazz prelude, or folk songs and folk hymns. There are modern compositions by the best composers, and the occasional pop or rock song. If there is meaning for our lives, in the text or in the music, then you will probably hear it at our church. We are also blessed with a minister who sings beautifully and plays the guitar, and encourages all of us to express ourselves with musical sound. Our congregation sings with gusto, and claps a great back-beat when the spirit moves. The Choir of First Parish UU is open to anyone who might want to join. It is composed of many different ages, experience levels, and backgrounds. We embrace music of all styles, and find that such diversity opens us to new depths (and heights) of worship. Come make a joyful noise with us!
The Choir rehearses on Thursday nights from 6:45 to 8:30pm and sings every other Sunday, with small ensembles and solos often performing on "non-choir" Sundays. Any member of the congregation is more than welcome to offer their musical talents for any service. Just talk to Barbara or any member of the choir, or send Barbara an email. We'd love to hear from you! Director, Reverend Charles Grindle
Our new Music Director has a varied background; he is an ordained Interfaith minister, has an MFA in Musical Theater, holds the Colleague Certificate from the Organist's Guild, and a three year training certificate from Humanists in Leadership Training. Along the way, he has taught at the college and high school level, and run a Summer Theater program for 5-8 graders. Charlie has given organ recitals in Augusta, Maine, Barre, Vermont and Kolozsvar, Transylvania. But wait, don't let that calm, serious demeanor fool you - he has been a popular lounge entertainer in Portland, Ogunquit, Portsmouth, Boston, Laguna Beach, and San Diego. And he appeared in a community theater production in a gorgeous blue sequined gown. Charlie enjoys life, both the serious and the fun sides, and looks forward to working with the great people at First Parish. | |
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