The music ministry of Unity Church seeks to integrate music into the life of the church by providing the highest standard of music representing a wide variety of different cultures, eras, genres and styles; by providing opportunities for members of the congregation to participate in formal and informal musical ensembles; and by creating opportunities for interaction between worshipers and musicians both from within the congregation and from the wider Twin Cities musical community.
We have worked to think creatively and both evaluate and improve our music program offerings for children and youth in these last several years. Our hope is that they will be more coordinated with the R.E. program and designed to meet the needs of our children and youth with greatest effectiveness.
Children’s Choir (Grades 1–5) Kathleen Radspinner, director
Sunday mornings 10:15 to 11:00 a.m. – Chapel
Children’s Musical (Grades 5 & 6) Sandy Waterman, Michael Lee, Joyce Paxton, directors A parents’ meeting takes place in November and auditions take place in early January. Concentrated rehearsals span a six week period culminating in a performance weekend. All children who audition are given opportunity to share in the performances.
Youth Music Ensemble (Grades 6–8) Ruth MacKenzie, director.
Sunday mornings during the 11:00 a.m. service in the Ames Chapel — offered as a module of choice in the R.E. program offerings. This will be divided into various modules of musical experience including singing, instrumental, various cultural music, collective composition resulting in a performable song and many other special interest opportunities as well.
Unity Singers: an auditioned 17-voice ensemble — Tuesdays, 7:30 to 9:15 p.m.
Unity Singers small ensembles: Quartet, Octet, etc. — developed from and during Unity Singers rehearsal times
Unity Choir: non-auditioned ensemble of 60 to 75 voices — Thursdays, 7:30 to 9:15 p.m.
Unity Choir Ensemble: Smaller divisions of Unity Choir — often occurring on Sundays when the choir splits between services, memorial services, various occasions, etc.
Carmina Singers is a short-term, high-geared ‘special project’ ensemble open to all choir members and congregation members only able to commit to limited rehearsal times – three successive Mondays (TBA), 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Concerts with a Cause: These one-hour concerts will be offered periodically throughout the year followed by a reception and social time. All proceeds from these concerts are given to a named cause. All musicians donate their time and performance to the benefit of this cause. Watch for additional information in newsletters this fall.
Unity Church Volunteer Musicians: As always we will be looking forward to hearing from our own Unity musicians in varous venues. Of particular interest is the Wellspring Wednesday worship service. We encourage solos, small ensembles and family musical teams to participate.
Guest Musicians: We always look forward to inviting outstanding musicians to participate in our services and are enriched by the presence of their expertise.
Questions about Unity Church's music programs should be directed to Ruth Palmer, Director of Music Ministries, at the Church Office.
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