News – March 18, 2022

Dear Members and friends, 

It is such an honor to serve the First UU congregation and community.  What a wonderful beginning of 2022. The vision for the music program is already coming to fruition with the sharing of a diversity in music genres, inclusion of multiple members of our music community, and the choir joining us in service once again.  In April, we will resume congregational singing. Until then, we have been finding ways to involve congregants actively through responsorial speaking. 

 

The church staff and music team are in full swing planning “I am in Need of Music” which is the title for the concert celebrating the music of First UU scheduled for April 30th at 5:30 pm. The choir, String Band, Traveler, Chelsea de Souza and I will share our gift of music.  We will honor the past and share the vision for the musical future. Please save the date and invite guests to join us. The performance will be open to the public in the sanctuary and live streamed. Donations are being accepted.

We will also be introducing a new quarterly series of Arts Forums at First Church. Beginning Sunday, March 27, 2022 and scheduled between services (10:45-11:15 am), myself and Chelsea de Souza will present an informative performance of one of my original works. “Singing HERstory” pays homage to the life and achievements of inspiring women from the banner exhibit, Sing the Truth: Voices from The Amistad Center for Art & Culture located in Hartford, Connecticut. I hope you join us in the Sanctuary!

 

If you want to help with the music program in any way, there are opportunities for you to contribute your time, talent, and/or treasure. In addition to the music performing groups mentioned above, we are also building a music team to support plans for the music department.

 

Several music department participants are actively engaged as professional performing artists. Don’t be surprised if you see our names in the media. We always appreciate your support. Thank you all for your gracious welcome, suggestions, and constructive feedback as we work together to continue on a strong music journey.



Dr. Jolie Rocke

Acting Director of Music
jolie@firstuu.org