Children's Choir
The Children's Choir is open to first through fifth/sixth graders. The Children's Choir is learning to lead worship and they are really working at developing their musical skills. They are learning how to read music on the printed page, how to sing in parts, and how to play counter rhythms with each other on the drums. They serve as leaders of worship and prayer by singing anthems, leading processionals, teaching new songs to the congregation, and sharing their songs with the community outside the church.
Rehearsals are Sunday mornings from 9:00 - 9:45am in the Choir Room. The Children's Choir sings about seven to eight times a year during the 11:00am worship service.
Latest Children's Choir News
Music is one of the United Parish's core values. We believe that everyone has musical ability, and that music is one of God's greatest gifts to us as human beings. Live music making (singing in a choir, singing in the congregation, playing handbells, drumming...) has been shown to actually heal the body and the mind, and we know that music can move and inspire us when words fail. Music binds us with our fellow humans like nothing else, and can even be an act of justice. In the words of St. Augustine "She who sings prays twice." There are many ways to participate in music here at the United Parish - including just coming to worship and singing with your fellow congregants - but if you are interested in doing more, please read on!
Adult Choir (aka the "Chancel Choir") rehearses on Thursdays from 7-8:45pm starting Thursday, September 7, and welcomes both teens and adults. They sing choral music in a variety of styles, from Baroque to gospel, and provide music for worship 2-3 times a month from September to June. With the help of professional section leaders, adult choir members have the opportunity to develop better vocal technique and musicianship while serving the church community. Introductory training is offered for new singers starting at 6:15pm every Thursday in September. New singers should reach out to susan@upbrookline.org for more information.
Children's Choir (grades 1-6) begins rehearsing this year on Sunday, September 24 at 9am in the Choir Room. Directed by Susan DeSelms, the children receive musical and vocal training, and sing in worship 5-6 times a year. They are a vibrant, welcoming, and delightfully musical group of children who are always ready to sing! Parents should reach out to susan@upbrookline.org for more information, or to confirm their child's interest in participating.
Handbell Choir (aka, UP Ringers) directed by Tricia Kopko, meets on Mondays from 7:30-9pm starting in September, going until May 19. Teens and adults, from the very experienced to the novice, are welcome to join. They are hosting an "Open Ring" on Monday, September 18, from 7:30-8:45pm for anyone interested in trying out the handbells. Regular rehearsals will resume on September 25. For more information, contact Tricia Kopko bellchoir@upbrookline.org.
Teens and young adults are invited to join an acoustic band that will help lead the music in our new cross-generational worship services on October 29, November 26, and December 24. These worship services will feature storytelling, joyful music making, art, and movement, and are designed to be engaging for all ages. Several rehearsals will be scheduled in collaboration with interested singers and instrumentalists in the weeks leading up to each cross-generational worship service. For more information, please contact Susan DeSelms, susan@upbrookline.org.
There's a lot going on in music at the United Parish this fall! If you are interested in participating, please reach out to Minister of Music Susan DeSelms, susan@upbrookline.org.
This year, a Wish Tree will be added to our Marion Street lobby decorations. This is a tree of wishes for the various choirs we have at United Parish. What better time of year than now to put forth wishes for our choirs! There are color coded ornaments on the tree – Red for the Children and Youth Choirs wishes, Gold for the Bell Choir wishes, and Purple for the Adult choir wishes. Descriptions of what is wished for are on the back of the ornaments. Please feel free to look them over, and take any ornament with the wish item you would like to donate. Donations can be dropped off at the Church Office or Choir Room. Thank you for your support – it is greatly appreciated! Contact the Church Office at office@upbrookline.org.
Back to school season means it’s time to register for church school and music programs for children and youth. You can learn more about the different educational for children and youth and musical offerings here. All are welcome!
Registration packets have been mailed. If you didn’t get one or need extra forms, you can pick up a packet before or after worship, or download the forms below. Contact Associate Pastor, Amy Norton (amy@upbrookline.org) or Minister of Music, Susan DeSelms (susan@upbrookline.org) or Assistant Music Director, Josaphat Contreras (josaphat@upbrookline.org).
Letter from Associate Pastor, Amy Norton
Letter from Minister of Music, Susan DeSelms and Assistant Music Director, Josaphat Contreras
2019-2020 Music and Church School Calendar
Registration Form (please fill out one per child)
When to Keep Your Child Home from Church
