There are many opportunities to get involved with the musical life of First Unitarian Church! From our choir that performs weekly, the First Unitarian Choir, to our intergenerational choir that rehearses monthly and performs on special occasions, the First Church Voices, to other opportunities like playing in our band, or being part of the ad-hoc musical group that supports our monthly Vespers services, the possibilities are endless! Not sure how you might contribute your talents best?
Check out our Music at First Unitarian Church YouTube playlist to see examples of service music from March 2020 to today.
Listen to our special collaboration with the Mother Bethel AME Mass Choir for WXPN’s “Gospel Roots of Rock and Soul” series under the musical direction of John B. Hedges and Jonas Crenshaw, Jr.!
Ways to Participate
First Unitarian Choir (FUC):
FUC is our main choir. We meet weekly and sing in most Sunday services. The repertoire spans the choral canon from Renaissance and Spirituals to Bobby McFerrin and U2. All skills levels are welcome. Rehearsals take place Thursday evenings from 7:30-9PM in the Parish room, and Sunday mornings from 9:45-10:45AM. You are welcome to join any rehearsals, but please email the Music Director, John B Hedges, in case the meeting was canceled or moved to another room.
First U Band:
First U Band is a rotating cast of musicians who support our Sunday services. The mission of the First U Band is to serve the ministry through musical genres beyond choral. Our values are: 1) To actively create space for new members, 2) Prioritize diversity and 3) Prepare so that performances are of high-quality (both musically and spiritually).
Participating in First U Band is a way for congregants to maintain a sense of community, fellowship, and a chance to contribute to the services. We are always looking to expand the base of contributors and while the quality of the end product is important, the song’s connection to the service message and the emotional power of the performance are prioritized.
First Church Voices:
If your child loves to sing and so do you, this is for YOU. FCV is an intergenerational choir for anyone who is interested in choir, but would like a less involved experience than the FUC choir. FCV meets the Fourth Sunday of the month after worship. No prior experience is necessary and this is a fantastic low key opportunity to participate in the musical life of the church. For information regarding rehearsals and repertoire, reach out to John B Hedges.
