The UU Music Committee
Our Jazz Vespers and UU Potluck Music Night will be held on Saturday, May 12th. Vespers will begin at 5:00 PM in the Sanctuary. Following at 6:00 PM, we will share a potluck dinner in the Rotunda along with a suggested $10 donation to pay for facilities. Mike, Mary and friends (members of our ever-evolving UU Dirt Band) will lead us as we raise our voices in harmony or unison. What will we sing? Whatever the group wants to sing! The goal is fun – no judgments made and no particular skill or talent required. Please bring your voice, your instrument, any music you might want to share, your friends and family and of course a dish to share! All singers will be accompanied by musicians including guitars , bass and fiddlers; other instrumentalists are welcome! No childcare will be available; kids should be willing to participate. For more info and to RSVP, contact Mary WanderPolo at (973) 704-7671 or wanderpolo@gmail.com.
The change of the seasons has also brought a major change to our Music ministry. As many of you know, Artis Wodehouse, our Music Director since 2001, resigned in March to pursue her growing music career. We would like to acknowledge Artis’ unique and wonderful work over the last 10 years. I know that I, for one, will continue to follow her musical career and I hope that you do too (you can visit www.artiswodehouse.com for info). We want to welcome Mr. John Conte as our Interim Music Director who will be with us through June. As former Music Director for Morristown Fellowship and many years experience as pianist, composer, producer and educator, we were lucky to get his help to carry us through our transition.
The search process for a new Music Director is expected to take several months, with the goal of having our new MD in place when the new UUCM year begins in September. Please contact me or any member of the Music Committee if you would like to share your own thoughts regarding the future of our Music program. Based on the feedback we received in our survey last year, we are hoping to find a new MD who can help us grow our Adult Choir, develop a Children's/Youth Choir, increase opportunities for congregational participation and continue the tradition of inspirational music at our services.
Many thanks to Amy Crafton who led our Family Choir on Easter Sunday - the children who sang the Rainbow song were awesome! And we also add our appreciation to Amy for guiding us through our first two Etude Club meetings.
Music Highlights & Opportunities:
If you love music, then we hope you’ll get involved with:
Etude Club – Aspiring musicians have the opportunity to perform a short piece in front of a caring audience. Our next meeting is on Wednesday, May 16th, at 6:30 PM.
UU Choir - All voice parts and levels of experience are welcomed! Feel free to call or write me if you want more information.
Our UU Jazz Band - If you are interested in jamming on occasion or performing with our jazz group, please contact Bob Benno.
The UU Folk/Bluegrass Band - If you're interested in playing, singing along, or performing with the group, contact Mary WanderPolo.
If you would like to participate or have any questions or suggestions about music at the UUCM , just let me know at judith.rinearson@bryancave.com or (973) 509-2359.
Judie Rinearson
Chair, UU Music Committee
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