Music Ministry Notes

Greetings from Steve Morihiro and Susan Shaw, Co-Directors of Music at OCUUC. We thought you might be interested in how we choose new music for our services to recommend to Reverend Sian Wiltshire and our Intern Minister, Kellie Kinsman. Here is our general process:We look through the new songs in the virtual hymnal “Sing Out Love”. Some of these “New” songs have been in our “Singing the Living Tradition” and “Singing the Journey” hymnals but they are new to us.…

“There are numerous strings in your lute,Let me add my own among them.” –Rabindranath Tagore Refrain from “There Are Numerous Strings” hymn Each of us has a note to offer–and together, we make the music of community. At OCUUC, you’re invited to find your string and play along! Drummers and Strummers – Feel the beat and strum your spirit! A joyful, informal group for percussionists, guitarists, ukulelists, and rhythm makers of all kinds. We read through several pieces of music…

Would you like to improve your breathing and lung function, lower blood pressure, and reduce your stress? Well the OCUUC Sunday Morning Hymn Sing-Along, which we will try throughout the month of October, might be right for you. Singing in community can have many physical, social, and spiritual benefits. The Hymn Sing-Along will be in Daniels Hall at 10:00 AM on Sunday mornings.

Have you ever wanted to create music without worrying about the notes on a page? Do you love music but you’re not so crazy about performing? Have you ever thought about playing a poem on drums or flute? Join us, and experience a night where drums ground you, flutes lift you, movement frees you, and poetry opens the heart. Rhythm of the SoulThursdays 6:00-6:45 PMVictoria Room at OCUUCDrums, Flutes, Movement, and Ambient SoundsImprov Group 🎵 No Music Reading Needed: We…

“Take a music bath…and you will find that it is to the soul what the water bath is to the body.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes While we all know that listening to music is good for the soul, creating music with others offers a number of additional restorative benefits. We often refer to our “music community” because rehearsing and performing music with others fosters a sense of connection, belonging, and accomplishment that nurtures our community. One of the many goals…

We are noticing that Unitarian Universalists are fond of questions, so here are some questions for you. Guess Who?? We See You… We Thank You…

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…

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 (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 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…

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…

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…