MUSIC Program at UUCE

Singing is a joyful art. It raises our spirit and allows us to touch deeper places within ourselves – hope, sorrow, compassion, and understanding. There are numerous studies proving the benefits singing makes to our health and to our ability to learn and recall information. This is wonderful in and of itself. Moreover, singing together creates community. Our effort to learn, to listen to others, to blend our voice into a seamless whole, even to breathe together creates a shared experience that brings people together. When we unite body, mind and heart to achieve a shared goal, it unites us. At its best, singing can elevate us to a level of sensitivity where we experience a connection to something greater than ourselves. I’m hard pressed to find a more beneficial activity than singing.

OUR CHOIRS

Sanctuary Choir

The 45-50 voice Sanctuary Choir is open to all members and friends of the church who like to sing and can carry a tune. Prior musical training, though useful, is not necessary. The SC provides a varied and colorful blend of music at both the 9:00 and 11:00 o’clock services two Sundays each month. Highlights of the year include the presentation of a major work at Music Sunday, the Music Soiree, and the Spring Concert in June. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 7:00-9:00pm in the Sanctuary.
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Chamber Singers

The UUCE Chamber Singers is an auditioned group of 16 vocalists exploring a cappella music. In addition to singing for Sunday services every 4-5 weeks, the group presents a Renaissance concert in December and participates in the Music Soiree and Spring Concert. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 5:15-6:45pm.
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Chalice Choir

The nearly 30 voice women’s Chalice Choir is open to all members and friends of the church who like to sing and can carry a tune. As in all the choirs, the repertoire covers a wide range of genres and styles. The Chalice Choir sings every 4-5 weeks and participates in the March Music Soiree and the Spring Concert. Rehearsals are Mondays from 7:00-8:30pm in the Sanctuary.

Rehearsal Schedule at-a-Glance

Chalice Choir           Chamber Singers     Sanctuary Choir

Mondays 7:00-8:30pm Wednesdays 5:15-6:30pm Wednesdays 7:00-9:00pm

Sunday Worship Services –

When scheduled, each choir sings at both the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Sunday services. A warm-up and short rehearsal begins promptly at 8:20.
The choir typically exits before the sermon in second service.  

Music Committee 2009-10

The Music Committee plays an active role in the Music Program at UUCE. Meeting once a month, they help with volunteer coordination for and scheduling of musical events, help to manage the annual music budget, support the Music Staff, and work on long-range Music Program Development. Their behind the scenes involvement is essential to the success of the Music Program.

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Staff

Tom Sears has been our Choir Director since 1994, and became our Music Program Director in 1999. After graduating from the U of O with a degree in Music, Tom and his wife, Elnora, moved to Boston where he worked for Powell Flutes. There he learned to make flutes and piccolos, which he has continued to do for Powell even after his return to Eugene in 1991. Tom has been part of an award-winning theater company for which he wrote music and conducted various ensembles; he started a community chorus in Hamilton, MA and, as a published composer, has written music performed by our Unitarian Universalist Church Choir. His popularity and leadership are evident in the size and quality of our music program.   

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Lynn Smith is the accompanist for the Sanctuary and Chalice Choirs and is our Sunday pianist. An accomplished musician, Lynn has experience in both instrumental and vocal music. Lynn graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Music Education. She then taught music in Issaquah, WA for four years. Lynn moved to Eugene in 1990 and is currently teaching general music and orchestra at Centennial Elementary School in Springfield. Lynn joined the UUCE staff in 2001.
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Contact Information:
Tom Sears, Music Director 686-5972
Lynn Smith, Accompanist/Pianist 343-3240

FAQ

How may I join the choir?

     Openings for new members are in September and January. During those months you may attend an evening rehearsal or call Tom Sears if you have specific questions.

I play a musical instrument. How might I volunteer my services as musician for Sunday services?

     Call Tom Sears to let him know your interest. He schedules instrumentalists for the Sundays when the choir is not performing.

I’m not musical but wish to support the Music Program. How might I do this?

• You can join the Music Committee and help organize musical programs (food, seating, tickets, etc.) and help determine how best to invest in the Music Program.

• You can volunteer to help at the Soiree, the Spring Concert, the Holiday Concerts in December, and for other music related programs.

• Attend church on Sundays and enjoy the choir and guest instrumentalists performances.

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