Music Ministry Notes (Page 6)

Despite the pain and isolation of the quarantine, and the ominous reality of a worldwide pandemic over our heads, your church musicians are flourishing under the challenge of quarantine. Twelve of them, including two youth, performed for our biannual (but first-ever online) Music Under the Stars concert. 15 singers participated in our first virtual choir piece, “Sanctuary,” and even more are participating with our next one, which will be out in a few weeks. And every Sunday, your musicians are…

We are living in unprecedented times. I’m sure you’ve seen and read news stories about people singing together from their balconies, or neighbors enjoying front yard concerts, or famous artists (and not-so-famous ones too) broadcasting live from their living rooms. Take a moment to reflect on how music is helping everyone manage their emotions and bringing a glimmer of hope and joy to humanity. I’m one of the lucky musicians since my church job and teaching jobs did not go…

Do you have your act together? March 7th is our annual Open Mic Night at 7pm in Daniels Hall. Bring your family-friendly act and share it with our community.It’s free to perform and free to attend. Performers, just arrive by 6:45pm that night to get on the roster. And mark your calendars for our semi-annual Music Under the Stars event on April 18. You’ll be treated to all kinds of musical performances by OCUUC folks and usually a few guests…

Do you have a hidden talent you’d like to share with the congregation? On March 7 we’ll be hosting our annual Open Mic Night. It’s open to all ages, all abilities, all genres. The only requirement is the act has to be family-friendly. It’s free to perform and free to attend this event. So start digging out those tap shoes, that ukulele, that journal full of your poems, or that song you wrote. Our Open Mic Night is a safe…

A big shout-out to all the musicians, readers, A/V volunteers, and setter-uppers who participated in the festivities of the last month. December has been a very busy time for our Music Ministries, with the Winter Solstice Singing Ritual and the Christmas Eve service, on top of our regular Sunday offerings. I was very pleased with how the Winter Solstice event turned out this year. Thank you to all the Singers and Readers, plus Rica Kaufel the Narrator, Andrés Triviño the…

‘Tis the Season for musicians to be super-busy. OCUUC’s singers are getting ready for our Christmas Eve service plus our annual Winter Solstice Singing Ritual. Readers, a drummer, a narrator, a singing-bowl player, and behind-thescenes volunteers are also helping out with those two services. For many of us, rehearsing and performing the music of this season brings us much joy and peace during this hectic time. We hope that our preparations provide you with meaningful and thought-provoking worship experiences. On…

Would you like to get involved with the Music Ministries?  Singing in the choir, playing an instrument with congregational songs, supporting behind-the-scenes, other ideas? There are lots of ways to be of service, and I’d be happy to chat with you if you’d like to get involved. Make sure to mark your calendar for these special events: Transgender Day of Remembrance, Wednesday, November 20, 7pm Thanksgiving Interfaith Music Festival, sponsored by Newport Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council, Sunday, November 24, 6:30pm,…

Orange Coast Choir has begun its 2019-2020 season with a bang. We have more people participating in choir this fall than we’ve had in a long time. But there’s ALWAYS room for more. If you’re interested in singing, contact Beth, or just show up on any Thursday night. We rehearse Thursdays 7:30-9:00pm in Daniels Hall. Note-reading is not necessary, though it’s a plus if you can do it. All that’s required is that you can match pitch and follow directions.…

Music Under the Stars is coming up on Saturday September 14 at 7pm outside in the courtyard at OCUUC. This is a semi-annual performance by your friends in the Music Ministries. We perform songs that you might not hear in a Sunday service -silly songs, parodies, sad songs, love songs, and instrumental pieces as well. This is an adult-ish event, not really suitable for kids. Music Under the Stars tickets are just $5 at the door. We’ll put out snacks…

I am so grateful that OCUUC gives me enough Professional Development funds each year so that I can attend the annual UU Musicians Network Conference. This year it was held August 1-5 at the big UU church headed by Rev. Bill Sinkford (former President of the UUA) in Portland, Oregon. Here is a brief summary of what I took away from the conference, which I lovingly refer to as “Music Camp for Grown-Ups.” The members of UUMN voted to change our name…

With deep gratitude to Rev. Sian, the Board, and all the volunteers who will help make this happen, I will be taking a medical leave through mid-June. I’ve been struggling with pericarditis (inflammation of the lining of my heart) for over a month, and I’m still not feeling better. I suspect the doctors haven’t unlocked the true diagnosis yet. So I’m taking a break from all of my jobs (church, lessons, college jobs) to focus on getting healthy again. In…

Last month our newest ensemble debuted. U3 (Unitarian Universalist Ukuleles) performed “Over the Rainbow,” with guest singer Triston Dyer. I was thrilled to have 11 of us playing during our annual Ingathering service, including two children and one guest who had never attended OCUUC before joining U3!  About half of the group had never learned ukulele before preparing this song.  They had been meaning to learn uke, but this occasion to perform at church gave them a reason and a deadline…