MUSIC Program at UUCE

The Music Program of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Eugene is multi-generational, and includes Adult and Children’s Choirs, instrumentalists, a wide variety of musical genres, concerts, talent shows and a large dose of fun.

The Children’s Spirit Choir

The Spirit Choir is open to children in grades 4 through 8. Rehearsals will be held Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:00pm in the church Breezeway. To accommodate peoples schedule, 6 weekly rehearsals will lead to a Sunday morning presentation. This will be followed by a 3-4 week break without rehearsals. Children can join at any time between performances. Singers will be asked to make a commitment to the performance.

Our Spirit Choir Directors, Fehlya McCabe and Natasha Ashworth, both sing with the UUCE Chamber Singers and have formal music training at the college level. In addition to our dual Directors, we are fortunate to have Alex Phillips continue as Accompanist.

For more information please contact:
Fehlya McCabe (971) 998-3623, felimccabe@gmail.com
Natasha Ashworth (541)868-6857, natashaashworth@gmail.com

Sanctuary Choir

The 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 12-16 vocalists exploring music of the Renaissance and contemporary anthems. In addition to singing for occasional Sunday services, the group presents a concert in December and sings for community gatherings outside the church. Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 5:15-6:45pm.
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Chalice Choir

The women’s Chalice Choir is for those who want to sing together under a less demanding schedule than the other adult choirs. It is a great place to get started in choral singing. The Chalice Choir sings about once a month and joins in other special musical events. Rehearsals are Mondays from 7:00-8:30pm in the Sanctuary.

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.

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, tesears@comcast.net
Lynn Smith, Accompanist/Pianist 343-3240, violinmomma33@comcast.net
Fehlya McCabe, Spirit Choir co-director (971) 998-3623, felimccabe@gmail.com
Natasha Ashworth, Spirit Choir co-director (541)868-6857, natashaashworth@gmail.com

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.