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 7:00 to 9:00 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 Nick or any member of the choir, or send Nick an email. We'd love to hear from you!
Director, Nicholas MacDonald
Nick believes that music in general and singing in particular are a direct expression of our spiritual being, a conduit of the soul, and that they provide a powerful and, for many, essential path to worship and meditation. All music and all musicians are welcome and invited to share the beauty of their selves through sound and song. Nick teaches private voice and guitar lessons in the greater Portland area and beyond, and sharpens his composing/arranging skills through collaboration with local musicians. He plans to attend graduate school for composition and conducting and has an abiding interest in art history, spirituality, and a good cup of coffee. He is recheable at paddington42@gmail.com | |
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This enthusiastic director began his work as music director of FPUU in 2009, having been granted a bachelor's degree in Music Education with a vocal concentration from the University of Southern Maine. He grew up attending Starr King UU Fellowship in Plymouth, New Hampshire, and is honored to continue his spiritual search through music in this new position. He has been a member of many choirs and ensembles since moving to Portland, and currently sings with the St. Mary Schola in Falmouth and The Choral Art Society in Portland.