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Music at First UUCongregational SingingWhile our congregation is blessed with a dazzling assortment of talented musicians who grace our services with their craft, we believe that congregational singing is the musical heart and soul of worship at First UU. Each Sunday service begins with Morning Songs – ten minutes of congregational singing. From traditional hymns to chants and rounds, or even a hip gospel tune or spiritual, Morning Songs remind us that what we sing is who we are. First UU's mission and vision statement make it clear that we celebrate diversity in all its forms, and our common song is no exception to this commitment. So sing with all your heart, and make a joyful noise!
ChoirsFirst UU has a commitment to excellence in the choral arts. The choirs sing from a broad repertoire of classics and contemporary pieces, everything from Thomas Tallis to Shape-Note songs, from Bach to Blues, from jazz standards to the avant garde. We are very supportive of music by contemporary Unitarian Universalist composers – folks like Tom Benjamin, Jim Scott, Elizabeth Alexander, Clif Hardin, Nick Page and Ysaye Barnwell. Our 45-voice Adult Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:30. The choir sings twice a month, and always sings for both Sunday services. This group also sings for two annual Music Sundays and a variety of special projects in the community. New singers age 16 and older are welcome to join the choir throughout the year. The Children’s Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 6:45-7:30. This choir sings roughly once a month, and is open to all singers in 1st-12th grades. The group focuses on learning common Unitarian Universalist songs as well as anthems for worship. Recent repertoire has run the gamut from South African freedom songs to the work of Leonard Bernstein. The Chamber Choir rehearses on the last Tuesday of each month, and sings the first Sunday of each month. This is an auditioned, a cappella ensemble of 16-20 singers, and carries a high expectation of individual preparation prior to each month’s rehearsal. In addition to monthly services, the Chamber Choir sings an annual Spring concert. If you are interested in participating in any of our choirs, please Contact Jason Shelton (music@firstuunashville.org), director of music. Music Staff
The Rev. Jason Shelton has been director of music at First UU since 1998. He is a published composer, an active local performer, and an advocate for music in our churches and the larger community. Formerly a Franciscan brother, Jason received an MDiv at Vanderbilt Divinity School in 2003 and was ordained to the Unitarian Universalist ministry in 2004. He has served on the board of directors of the Unitarian Universalist Musicians Network and the UUA commission that published Singing the Journey. His first major work, Sources: A Unitarian Universalist Cantata (for chorus, piano, strings and percussion), premiered in June of 2006. Jason and his wife Mary were married at First UU in 1998, and their daughter, Amanda, was born in 2005. For more information about Jason's music and other work, visit his website: www.jasonsheltonmusic.com Susan Snyder has been our church pianist since 1999. Susan grew up in Cannon, CT, and majored in piano performance at Indiana University. She has worked as pianist, organist and music director in several churches in Arizona and Tennessee, and has also worked as an accompanist for numerous ballet companies as well as the vocal studio at Belmont University. At present Susan devotes her non-church time to teaching private piano lessons, and currently has 30 students of all ages. If you'd like to talk with Susan about becoming a piano student, or to arrange for her services for an upcoming wedding or private party, feel free to contact her through the church office. Music Director Advisory CommitteeThe Music Director's Advisory Committee (MDAC) serves as a committee on ministry for our director of music, Jason Shelton. As an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister in preliminary fellowship, the Rev. Shelton is required by the UUA to have a committee which encourages, supports, challenges and evaluates his ministry both in the church and the larger community. The MDAC meets monthly to reflect on the Rev. Shelton 's ministry, including the full scope of the music program, his preaching, pastoral care, composing and work in the denomination. The committee encourages the whole congregation to be involved in this process by bringing feedback, both positive and formative, either directly to Jason or to any member of the committee. To contact the MDAC, send an email to musicadvcom@firstuunashville.org IGOR (InterGenerational Orchestra of Rock)Our church rock band – and they really do rock! Made up of musicians of all ages, the band is led by Peter Noble (pjnoble@bellsouth.net). Interested singers are always welcome to suggest songs they’d like to sing – the band will play just about anything. From R&B to soul, rock to funk, and even the occasional (very occasional!) country song, IGOR is a hip, happening groove machine you don’t want to miss. Watch the newsletter for upcoming gigs! Nashville in HarmonyNIH is a community-wide GLBT+friends chorus which began in 2003 as an outreach endeavor of our music program. Now over 70 voices strong, NIH has become fully independent of the church, though they still rehearse on our sanctuary on Sunday afternoons. For more information, please see www.nashvilleinharmony.org. Second ThoughtsOur church folk trio. Check out their website (www.secondthoughtsmusic.com) for song samples and to purchase a CD. All proceeds benefit the church! Links
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