by UPB Editor, August 30, 2023
Music at United Parish 2023-2024 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 music@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 music@upbrookline.org for more information, or to confirm their child’s interest in participating.
- Handbell Choir (aka the “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 at 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 at music@upbrookline.org.
There’s a lot going on in music at United Parish this fall! If you are interested in participating, please reach out to Minister of Music Susan DeSelms at susan@upbrookline.org.
