Please see below for specific information about each choir's rehearsal schedule!

How else can I get involved?

• As a pianist or instrumentalist, we invite you to share your talent at a Sunday Service, Music Soiree or other special church function -- contact Tom or the Music Committee to tell us about your talent!
• Musicians and non-musicians alike are invited to become involved in our dynamic Music Committee. 
• Childcare is available for participants in all music events.

Sanctuary Choir - Wednesdays, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

The Sanctuary Choir is open to all members and friends of the church who like to sing and can carry a tune. The SC provides a varied blend of music two Sundays each month.

Chamber Singers - Wednesdays, 5:15-6:45 p.m.

The UUCE Chamber Singers is an auditioned group of 16 vocalists exploring a cappella 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.

Chalice Choir - Mondays, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

The All Women's Chalice Choir is open to any woman who like to sing and can carry a tune. Our repertoire covers a wide range of genres and styles. The Chalice Choir sings every 4-5 weeks.  We have a lot of fun.

Music News

2013 Choir Calendar has been a moving and creative process.  Here are some important dates:

Sun, Feb 24, Sanctuary Choir

Sun, Mar 3, No Choir

Sat, Mar 16, Missa Gaia Rehearsal, Sanctuary choir at UUCE 9:00-noon

Sun, Mar 10, Chamber Singers

Sun, Mar 17, Chalice Choir

Sun, Mar 24, Sanctuary Choir

Sun, Mar 31, ALL CHOIRS for Easter Sunday, singing Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen

Sun, Apr 7, Chamber Singers, (Worship lead: Dennis Reynolds)

Sat, Apr 13, Missa Gaia Rehearsal 9-12 at UUCE

Sun, Apr 14, Chalice Choir

Fri, Apr 19, Missa Gaia Rehearsal for instrumentalists and choir, 7-9 pm

Sat, Apr 20, Missa Gaia FULL Rehearsal at UUCE, 9-12

Sun, Apr 21, Music Sunday: Sanctuary Choir: Missa Gaia at UUCE 10:00 Service; at 4:00 presentation at Methodist church, 1376 Olive

Sun, Apr 28, No Choir (Rollins)

Sun, May 5, No Choir (Rollins)

Sun, May 5, Chamber Singers, 4:00 (Dennis Reynolds' Ordination)

Sun, May 12, Chalice Choir (Coming of Age Ceremony)

Sat, May 18, "POPS" Concert? -- to be announced

Sun, May 19, Sanctuary Choir?

Sun, May 19th 4:30 (Building Dedication!)

Sun, May 26, No Choir (Memorial Day)

Sun, June 2, Chamber Singers (Flower Communion)

Sat, June 8, ALL CHOIRS -- Spring Choral Rehearsal 9:00-noon;

Sat, at 7:00pm Spring Choral CONCERT

Sun, June 9, Chalice Choir (Final Service & Annual Meeting after)

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.

"Thank you, choir members, for sharing your talent with all of us. Your dedication and hard work is an inspiration. I so enjoy working together with you. Thank you, also, to the members of the music committee. You are an active force behind the scenes helping to keep us organized and on track."

-- Tom

Music 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.

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.