Music

Music Program Overview

Under the directorship of Susan Rogers DeSelms, our music ministry features 4 choral groups, a handbell choir, and a tower bell lay ministry group. Over thirty percent of the congregation participates in one or more of the musical groups of the United Parish. Each of our denominations brings its own musical heritage, while the building itself, with its 1930's era E.M. Skinner Organ, provides the added allure of having been the parish home of celebrated organist E. Power Biggs from 1935-1956.

The Carol Choir

The Carol Choir includes children in first and second grades, ages 3-7. The choir rehearses on Sunday mornings from 9 to 9:45 a.m. The children sing in worship about every 6 weeks

The Choristers

A choir group for children in grades 2-6, the Choristers rehearse on Sunday mornings from 9 to 9:45 a.m. in the Choir Room. They sing in our Sunday liturgy about every 6 weeks. The group also goes on a winter skiing and singing retreat one weekend in January. 

Youth Treble Chorus

The Youth Treble Chorus is open to all singers in grades 7-12. Rehearsals are held on Sunday mornings from 9 to 9:45 a.m. in the Parlor. The group sings in worship about every five weeks. For more information, contact Susan DeSelms

Our Pipe Organ

Organ ConsoleOrgan ConsoleBuilt in the wake of a devastating church fire, United Parish's E.M. Skinner organ would turn out to be the last large instrument personally designed, voiced, built, and installed under Skinner's sole supervision. At the time, Mr. Skinner was already famous for his skill in building symphonic organs with beautiful tonality and sound. Mr.

Performances

A Sample of Performances at the United Parish

The United Parish of Brookline is pleased to offer samples of our musical performances. The compact disc recordings, when available have excellent quality and may be obtained at the United Parish through our music director, Susan DeSelms. Please contact her at sdeselms@verizon.net. For more music offerings go to our performances page.


It look's like you don't have Adobe Flash Player installed. Get it now.

Kyrie, from Durufle's Requiem Opus 9 Concert UP in Brookline and First Congregational Church in Cambridge

It look's like you don't have Adobe Flash Player installed. Get it now.

Operator, from Sing 'til the Power of the Lord Come Down, United Parish Youth Girls Ensemble

It look's like you don't have Adobe Flash Player installed. Get it now.

Promised Land, from A Concert Dedicated to Healthcare for the Homeless, UP Chancel Choir and Guest Artists

It look's like you don't have Adobe Flash Player installed. Get it now.

Confutatis, from Mozart Requiem, James Deselms tenor solo, Laura Bossert concert master

It look's like you don't have Adobe Flash Player installed. Get it now.

Quem Vidistis, from Cantate Domino by Robert Bradshaw a premier perfomance, UP Chancel Choir and the Bala Brass

It look's like you don't have Adobe Flash Player installed. Get it now.

Praise His Holy Name, from Sing 'til the Power of the Lord Come Down, United Parish Youth Girls Ensemble

more

Chancel Choir

The Chancel Choir is a non-audition choir directed by Susan DeSelms. There is one professional singer in each section who is there to offer leadership and vocal instruction when needed. Our Tenor Section Leader is James Barbato. Our Bass Section Leader is Adam Cannedy. Our Soprano Section Leader is Elissa Alverez. Our Alto Section Leader is Amy Oraftik. Any teen or adult who wants to sing praise to God is welcome!

Youth & Adults Bell Choir

The Youth and Adults Bell Choir is open to youths in grades 7-12 and adults of all ages. The group rehearses on Sunday morning from 9 to 9:45 a.m. on the Willett Hall stage and plays in the Sunday worship service once every six weeks. For more information, contact Bob Phenix.

Tower Bell Ringers

The United Parish is blessed with a functioning bell tower. Each week, our volunteer Tower Bell Ringers play hymns on these bells before and after our Sunday worship service. Volunteers are always welcome and no prior experience is necessary.

Lux Aeterna CD's Available

LUX AETERNA CDs are HERE!-The recording that was made of the joint performances of Morten Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna at United Parish in Brookline and First Church in Cambridge is currently available for purchase for $8 a copy in the Marion Street Lobby.