Music at First Unitarian
November 14, 2015
choir First Unitarian Worcester UUA
Music, because of its deeply spiritual power to inspire our emotions or illustrate a text, often better than the spoken word, plays an integral role in worship. Music is a universal language, and, with people around the world each week, we celebrate and express our faith through the singing of hymns, anthems, and solos, all accompanied by pipe organ, piano, harpsichord, and a variety of other fine instruments.
 
People come to church hungry: hungry for glimpses of harmony and peace, hungry for moments of joy and comfort. Beautiful music, presented in a sacred space, can answer that hunger. For over 30 years at the First Unitarian Church of Worcester, in my work as the choirmaster at First Unitarian Church, I have tried to provide a feast of choral and instrumental music. We have one of the best choirs of any Unitarian Universalist church in the country. Our choir has performed at local concert halls, conferences, and interfaith gatherings.
 
But it is in the context of worship, where the architectural elegance and simplicity of the sanctuary provide the perfect setting for sacred music. On Sunday mornings the wonderful and varied musical programs of First Unitarian are regularly experienced and appreciated. Visitors come to hear our wonderful choir (based on its fine reputation in the community), and then they return to explore spirituality and theology. The universal language of music transcends all theological and regional categories. Atheists and agnostics speak of their love for Bach's Cantatasor Mozart's Requiem Mass. Native Yankees are enthusiastic supporters of Gospel Sundays, and shed tears listening to a solo of "Precious Lord, Lead Me Home." In the choral introit when 35 choir members stand in the midst of the congregation in the center aisle and sing an African chant of welcome, we are powerfully communicating the congregation's commitment to becoming a multi-cultural community. Because of the excellence of the music program, many professional musicians have joined the congregation and regularly volunteer to perform solos and accompany the choir. When the superb pipe organ, timpani, and trumpets accompany a congregational hymn, everyone's spirits are lifted.
 
Music and the arts are one of the important ways that First Unitarian welcomes the larger community into our church. Hopefully, it is also one way that the church sends people back out into the world restored, refreshed, and with more vision and energy to do the work we are called to do. I am honored to have had the chance to lead our musical journeys for the last three decades. My initial charge was to put "First Unitarian on the Worcester (musical) map." My audition/interview included fixing several problems in the pipe chambers so that I could rally all the organ's forces to convey my enthusiasm for, and love of, music. I hope I have shared my vibrant and positive spirit for music and for life.
 
ENCORE FUND
 
Several years ago, 1st U established a heritage fund for the music program called the Encore Fund.  Donations have been generous over the years and have supported various instrument projects as well as funding musicians for services and concerts.
Last spring, we raised monies to fund two projects:  musicians for the recent 30th anniversary celebration concert, and the refurbishing of our two Steinway Model B concert grand pianos, which has resulted in their playing better than when they were new. The fund's balance continues across budget-year boundaries so that we can plan larger projects for future years, and accumulate contributions that people offer as bequests or memorial donations. We are grateful for the flexibility that this fund allows for us to expand the scope of the music program for the church and community.
 
 
Will Sherwood, Director of Music

First Unitarian Church | 508.757.2708 | 508.753.9332
[email protected]  |  www.firstunitarian.com

STAY CONNECTED: