OUR MUSIC PROGRAM

Music has always been a high priority in our congregation and is an essential part of the Sunday worship service. Under the leadership of the Reverend Dr. EdWard Thompson,  Minister of Music, the Unitarian Church in Westport offers a program of music that is  drawn from various times, places and cultures.  On a Sunday morning one might hear a South African freedom song, a Gregorian chant, a Mozart sonata, acoustic folk, a Bach aria or 20th century jazz. We believe that such diversity is enriching, challenging, and nurturing to our spiritual growth. Far from being entertaining, music is a means of touching deep levels within an individual that words alone cannot reach.

The heart of our music program consists of seven choirs which range in ability from professionally trained singers to beginners.  Besides the five adult and two youth choirs, guest artists occasionally are invited to provide an added dimension to our worship services. 

An equally important goal of the program is to foster the musical growth of individuals through choirs, classes and other performance opportunities.  When appropriate, the Minister of Music invites special guest artists, teachers and facilitators to offer workshops and/or classes. There is room for everyone in the music program at a level appropriate to the talent, time and interest of the individual.

OUR MINISTER OF MUSIC

EdWard Thompson, D.M.A., has been at this Church since 1978.  He holds a Masters Degree from the Juilliard School and his Doctorate from the University of Hartford.  Dr. Thompson is a past Dean of the Fairfield West Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and has concertized throughout the United States and Europe.  In addition, he teaches privately, coaches, composes and accompanies throughout the area.  He is an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Musician's Network.

THE MUSIC COMMITTEE

The Music Committee supports the music program of the church and the work of the Minister of Music. It meets on an occasional basis to assist in the planning, organization and production of special musical events. One need NOT have musical skills to be of help on this committee. Some of their activities include the production of special concerts; the bi-annual "Spring Fling"; Cabarets; the Christmas sing-along; classes and other events.

MUSIC PROGRAM ACTIVITIES 

Anyone interested in music, from professional singers to those who just love music will find a place to get involved in Westport.  Choir rehearsals are held most Thursday evenings from September through June in the sanctuary.

The Bell Choir meets every Thursday, from 6:30 to 7:30. It is led by Jo Shute. While the ability to read music is strongly recommended, it is not a prerequisite. The Bell Choir rings on an occasional basis during one of the services. You are welcome to be in touch with Jo Shute or Ed Thompson if you have questions.

The Women's Choir sings a wide variety of music: everything from Monteverdi to Rutter to traditional spirituals. On occasion they also premier new compositions. They rehearse most Thursdays and usually sing twice a month.

The Men's Choir also sings a wide variety of music: everything from Bach to Randall Thompson to spirituals. On occasion they premier new pieces of music written for them. They rehearse most Wednesdays and usually sing twice a month.

Special Projects Choir  presents three special musical services each year in December, March and June that serve to broaden the scope of repertoire offered.  These programs feature longer and more challenging choral works such as: the Faure Requiem, the Poulenc Gloria, the Mozart Vespers.  The Special Projects Choir rehearses on the four Thursdays prior to each event. The ability to read music is a prerequisite for this group, as it presents larger and more complex works with a minimum of rehearsal time.

Once & Again Folksingers meet and sing on an occasional basis a repertory of spiritually based acoustic folk music that speaks to our UU principles.  The repertory of the O&AFs includes not only songs of Pete Seeger, Peter, Paul & Mary and Phil Ochs,  but also folk songs associated with the sixties, civil rights and the anti-war movement. More recently they have been exploring world music with African rhythms and Latin beats that speak to the universality of our human experience.  Music reading skills and some prior choral or folk singing experience are desirable but not required for this group.

Youth Choir  meets every Thursday from 5:00 to 6:00.  The age range for this group is 8 through 12.  In this choir one learns songs, hymns, and simple musical pieces that reflect Unitarian Universalist values.  The primary function of this group is to experience singing in an ensemble.  Some fundamentals of music are taught including tone production, blending, dynamics, and the use of rhythm instruments. Because the voice is used in a constructive and expressive way, one of the side benefits that these young singers frequently experience is an increased sense of self-esteem.  They participate in the Sunday morning worship service on an occasional basis. They sing on an occasional basis at the services.  This group always makes a substantial contribution to the annual Religious Education Sunday in June.

Teen Choir  meets every Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00. This choir is comprised of young people who are 13 and older.  It is designed to teach musical repertoire that reflects  Unitarian Universalist values.  The musical pieces are more advanced, including some two- and three-part pieces and some pieces without accompaniment. The need to be sensitive to other members of the group and the value of each individual contribution are important aspects of this ensemble. Tone production, blending, and dynamics are some of the musical teachings of this group.  Since the voice is used in a constructive and expressive way, these young singers frequently experience an increased sense of self-esteem. They participate in the Sunday morning worship service on an occasional basis and at other events in the life of the congregation. 

The Chamber Choir consists of singers who are chosen by the Minister of Music. Although they sing a variety of music written for chamber choir that spans the centuries, their specialty is Renaissance music by composers such as Byrd, Lassus, and Palestrina.

They rehearse and sing on an occasional basis.

Sight-singing Classes are offered in sight-singing at least once each year. Some of these classes are designed for beginners and some are for intermediate level singers. Often these classes provide an easy entry into greater involvement with one of the church choirs.  Those who attend find a place to improve their music reading skills and meet others involved in choir or in the music program. These classes are usually held on Saturday mornings.

Voice Classes are offered on an occasional basis by professional voice teachers to those who are already singing in a choir as well those who might be interested in joining.  Participants are able to develop their vocal techniques, improve their musicianship and enhance their repertoire and have a wonderful time as well. All of this occurs in a mutually supportive atmosphere.

Cabaret Evenings are usually scheduled twice each year on a Saturday evening.  The sanctuary at the church is set-up with round tables and candlelight.  Attendees bring their own food and drink and enjoy an evening of music, dance and surprises offered by the talented and creative members and friends of the Unitarian Church in Westport.  Participation is open to anyone who wishes to sing, play, tell a story, or recite a poem. 

Other events such as master classes, concerts, and workshops occur with some regularity and are designed to add another dimensions to the program.

ADDITIONAL  SUPPORT 

There are many ways of being supportive to the musical program that are not of a musical or performance nature.  Here are some ideas:

• Becoming a member of the Music Committee.
• Making a contribution to the Bernhard Endowment Fund, and endowment fund that helps to support special musical events.
• Subsidizing a concert performance at the church to commemorate an event or person in your life.
• Helping the Minister of Music with choral library duties.
• Being on call to help with various Music Committee activities
  (Cabaret set-up, concert set-up, flyer distribution, tickets)

Please contact  Rev. EdWard Thompson or a Music Committee member for more information.

Church number 227-7205, extension 18 or email Rev. Ed Thompson