We learn, we connect, and we heal through music.

It’s a way we live our mission:  nurturing the human spirit for a world made whole. 

It’s Pledge time and Julie Milner asked me to write a newsletter article on this week’s Pledge focus:

the UCE Music Program.   Of course, the music making at UCE could not take place without your generous donations!  Thank you for your financial commitment to UCE!

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how our UCE Music Program aligns with our “Who Do We Want to Be in this World” End Statements, and I thought it might be nice to share this with you.

Spiritually Aware

We perform pieces that have music and/or texts that have been chosen to fit the services and have been influenced by many different beliefs.  Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Humanism, Hinduism, and Pantheism, to name just a few.  Also, when time allows, at choir rehearsals, we discuss the deeper meanings of the pieces.  And often people are lifted to a new place when singing or listening to the music.

Intellectually Excited

The process of music making very much involves the intellect. Counting rhythms, learning intervals, hearing the harmonies, learning the nuances involved in using one’s body as an instrument, and learning what’s involved in blending one’s instrument (voice or other) with other instruments are all ways to excite the intellect.  Add to that the chance that musicians get to explore and discuss the background and history of the piece, the composers, and the meanings of the texts and poems and it becomes a very rich experience for the intellect.

Community Builders

Choir is small group ministry.  Singing in a choir is the epitome of community.  It is the vocal version of a team sport where all strive to work together.   And music, whether solo or ensemble, performed in front of others is collaborative as all are experiencing that music together as it’s being performed.

We build community through (to name a few) . . .

  • Hard work, laughter and communication during rehearsals
  • Choristers working together as music is learned and, when learned, phrasing and blending together
  • Singing Happy Birthday to choristers and sending cards to choristers who are sick or grieving
  • Socializing after rehearsals while enjoying treats brought by choristers
  • Collaborating with Gregory through the rehearsal process and when the piece is performed
  • Collaborating with solo singers and instrumentalists
  • Collaborating with other communities (2U Choir this weekend, Evanston’s Children’s Choir last year)
  • Collaborating with the congregation – hymn singing and joining in on the occasional choir piece
  • Collaborating with other groups within UCE – youth, Sing Thing, Dances of Universal Peace
  • Collaborating with volunteers who have read in pieces that have narration
  • Collaborating with volunteers and staff who have helped with the projected lyrics
  • Collaborating with AV
  • Collaborating with the Ministers in so many ways including working to make the music selections fit the themes of the services
  • Choirs can be, and have been, a strong source of community support following tragic events such as the 9/11 attacks. Singing at such times is both healing for the individual and builds community.

Diverse in belief

As with any group of UU’s, the choir is made up of individuals from a variety of backgrounds
and with a variety of beliefs.

Acting for justice

The choir, Gregory, and guest musicians often perform pieces that deal with justice
(“Never Turning Back” and “Make Them Hear You” to name just two).

I’m so grateful to have such committed and wonderful staff, choristers and other volunteers, and guest musicians to work with.  As we each think about how much we’d like to Pledge to UCE, I want you to know that I am grateful for the gifts given by members and friends of the church that help us continue to provide music for UCE!   Your generosity helps us to buy sheet music, helps us pay composers and arrangers for new pieces, helps us to buy instruments and keep the instruments maintained, helps us hire guest musicians, and helps ensure that we continue to have great staff (I love my colleagues!)!

Thank you to Julie Milner for the work you are doing for the UCE Pledge Drive.

Thanks to all who are involved in our music program and thanks to all who help to support the music making!  Your contributions – whether they be a kind word said about the music, “sweat equity,” or financial donations – are all very much appreciated!

With Gratitude,

Vickie Hellyer, UCE Director of Music