How have you been enjoying our hybrid services so far? I've heard from several of you who are appreciating the flexibility and inclusivity of everyone, whether they feel comfortable in the sanctuary or not, and whether they are physically able to come in person or not. A big thank you to Steve Morihiro who continues to hone the tech set-up in Daniels Hall and has trained our new crew of camera operators and audio engineers. Thanks to all our volunteers on Sunday morning! It's definitely a team effort!
I bet you're wondering when we'll get to sing together again. Believe me, I wish we could! I am in a holding pattern, waiting to hear from AUUMM, and watching the Delta variant carefully. Singing is one of the worst ways to spread the virus, since there's so much air interchanged and since we are sitting in a room together for over an hour. BUT I will be hosting an OUTDOOR sing-along on Saturday, August 14 at 7 pm in our courtyard. We will all sing WITH masks on, but we will be able to sing and hear each other and it will be a wonderful thing. If you have any song requests, send them over. And feel free to bring your own instrument if you'd like to play along.
Orange Coast Choir will resume rehearsals on Thursday August 19, 6:30-7:30 pm in the courtyard. At this time, I anticipate we will continue to rehearse outdoors and masked, like before, and we will keep making virtual choir videos for a while, probably.
I'm very excited to hear our communal voices together again soon. I hope you take advantage of the Saturday Singalong on August 14 and/or the choir rehearsals resuming. In the meanwhile, I hope you are singing in the shower, in your car, and throughout the day. It's good for the soul.
Musically Yours,
Beth Syverson
Director of Music Ministries
Beth Syverson was Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church's Director of Music Ministries for 22 years.