Music Ministry Notes
The regular column talking all things music at OCUUC.

Drummers and Strummers
Do you wish that you could drum along with others in a percussion group? Or have you been looking for a reason to get that Ukulele, Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Dulcimer, or some other lute-type instrument out of its case, and strum along with others? If so, Susan Shaw has created just the group for you – the “Drummers and Strummers” group. We meet on Thursday evenings, starting June 12th, in Daniels Hall at 6:30PM for rehearsals, and we will be…
Embracing Joy Through Song
At OCUUC, music has always been a source of connection, reflection, and celebration. This April, as we explore the theme of Joy, our music program will bring uplifting melodies and inspiring harmonies to enrich our worship. From choral anthems to soul-stirring instrumental performances, each Sunday will offer a musical experience designed to remind us of the joy that can be found in community, resilience, and gratitude. We’re excited to feature a diverse range of musical expressions this month including beloved…
Music in Our Schools Month
Music in Our Schools Month (MIOSM) is a nationwide celebration held every March to highlight the importance of music education in fostering well-rounded, engaged, and emotionally healthy students. Music programs provide children with a creative outlet, helping them build confidence, discipline, and teamwork skills that extend beyond the classroom. Research has shown that students who participate in music education often perform better academically, develop stronger social connections, and exhibit improved emotional well-being. By recognizing the value of music in schools,…
Choral Music and Society
Choral music holds a vital place in society as a unifying and transformative art form. It brings individuals together from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose through the collective act of singing. Beyond its ability to create harmony in a literal sense, choral music serves as a powerful medium for storytelling, preserving cultural traditions, and expressing the breadth of hu-man emotion. It provides opportunities for education, connection, and personal growth, teaching discipline, collaboration, and empathy. In…
Everyone CAN Sing!
Singing is one of the most natural human expressions, and everyone is capable of it! Contrary to popular belief, singing isn’t just a gift some are born with; it’s a skill that can be developed, as vocal cords are muscles that respond to practice and care. Often, when people say they “can’t sing,” they simply haven’t had the chance to explore their voices in a supportive setting. Studies show that singing activates pleasure centers in the brain, releases endorphins, and…
Back in the Swing of Things
It’s always nice to be back in the swing of things! The choir’s “comeback performance” from their summer hiatus was on groundbreaking day, and I don’t think I could have asked for anyone better to celebrate that with! I am always filled with such kindness and with such elation when music is back in my life, especially after these long summer breaks. Even though some music is still present in the service during the summer break it’s always nice to…
A Year in Review (Sorta)
It’s hard to believe that it has almost been a year since I’ve been at OCUUC. Time flies when you’re having fun! There are just too many things to highlight in one short article, but I do want to say some thanks. First of all, I would love to thank the amazing Music Director Search Committee for giving me this amazing opportunity. I’m sure it was a tough choice for them and I’m excited that I also get to work…
Looking Ahead
As February comes to a close my role as a choir director starts to ramp up. The 2024-2025 choral season as I like to call it is quickly approaching. But how does that affect me? It simply just means that I need to start finding music! This article will give a little preview of what’s to come for my first Music Sunday in May as the Director of Music Ministries. It will be titled: Rise Up! Music by Women Composers.…
Significance of Black History Month on Choral Music
In the music world, so much of the musical influences and genres that we have today have come from Black composers and musicians, but how has that shaped the way we look at and perform choral music? Let’s first look at the world of spirituals, some of the earliest songs of those who were enslaved. The spirituals provide us with raw emotion, whether it be joyful or sorrowful. These songs were how they communicated with each other, how they knew…
New Beginnings
It’s been over a month since I have been the Director of Music Ministries at OCUUC and I could not have asked for a more inclusive and more welcoming congregation and staff! As always, the first day at a new job comes with the first day jitters and nerves. It’s been a journey of discovery: learning new things, new processes and meeting new people. It’s been a journey of excitement: finding new music, planning future services and music sundays. It’s…
Amazing Gratitude
September has been a big month of transitions and change throughout our music program. When Susan Shaw and I started in our roles as Interim Co-Directors of Music Ministries, we, with trepidation, thought our theme song would most accurately be described by Roy Zimmerman’s “Hope, Struggle, and Change.” However, as we reflect on our wonderful experiences throughout September and what we are anticipating in October, we think a more appropriate song is Hal Walker’s “Amazing Gratitude” — with train whistles…
Transition and emotions
Over the years I’ve written over 200 Reach articles, and this will be my last one. My time at OCUUC is quickly coming to a close. This transition brings about lots of emotions for me – gratitude, sadness, nostalgia, and excitement – all rolled in one. The famous therapist Virginia Satir created what we now refer to as the Satir Change Model: I find this Change Model to be very helpful when I’m in that uncomfortable Chaos phase. Knowing that…