Music Ministry at the UU Fellowship of Briarcliff, Croton, and Ossining
There are many aspects to “Music Ministry” in Unitarian Universalism. We use music to heighten our spiritual experiences as a congregation and to intensify our messages of love, compassion and respect for all, an honest search for truth, and justice. Music is usually an essential part of the Sunday worship service. It can help us feel and retain the messages of the sermon. Music affords us the opportunity to feel and be moved beyond where words alone can take us. Poetically speaking, music is often the most direct path to the heart. It nurtures our spiritual nature both as participants and listeners. Listening to music and singing together as a congregation helps us feel connected to one another as a human family. It deepens our faith and inspires us to live our values.
Our goals for the Music Program at the UU Fellowship of Briarcliff, Croton and Ossining are:
• To provide music that will set and sustain a mood for worship in the services, lending a spiritual and emotional backdrop to the spoken word;
• To engender a sense of community and spirituality among participants and listeners, in worship services, as well as in a wide range of other activities where music is requested;
• To use music to help foster our children’s lifelong connection to the UU faith; and
• To use music as a form of community outreach by providing opportunities for people of all ages to participate in, or enjoy musical performances that attract and sustain new church members and friends.
Music Director
Keith Harris
Music Director
keith@keithharris.net
917-692-3575
Keith Harris holds a Master’s of Music in Vocal Performance from University of Washington in Seattle, WA and a Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance and Choral Education from Lawrence University in Appleton WI. He has served as assistant conductor at Trinity Episcopal Church in Southport CT and at Plymouth United Church of Christ in Seattle, WA, and as music director at the First United Methodist Church in Appleton WI. Keith has considerable teaching experience and is also an active performer in the opera world, with performances throughout the United States, including Carnegie Hall in New York City. In addition to his work with the Fellowship, Keith currently serves as musical director for the Westchester Chordsmen.
Fellowship Choir
Open to all singers, the Fellowship Choir sings at select Sunday services and rehearses from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays, September through June. Any one who enjoys singing is welcome to join. No experience or musical ability is required. If interested, contact Keith Harris at keith@keithharris.net or 917-692-3575 or just come to a rehearsal.
Spirits in Harmony
A women’s choral group, currently six voices, is open by audition. Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. If interested, contact Roberta Kosse at 914-271-9770 or rkosse@optimum.net.
Sharing Musical Gifts
Musicians of all kinds share their gifts at Sunday services — vocalists, instrumentalists, solos, duets, trios, young and old. If interested, contact Keith Harris at keith@keithharris.net or 917-692-3575.
Music Committee
The Music Committee supports the music program of the congregation and the work of the Music Director. It generally meets once a month. One need NOT have musical skills to be of help on this committee. To participate, contact Kathy Williams at dulciew2@verizon.net or 914-941-7683 or just come to a meeting.
Fellowship Choir Schedule Winter/Spring 2011
Sunday morning rehearsals for both choirs start 30 minutes before the service.
The Fellowship Choir meets every Thursday evening from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and is open to musicians of all levels from Jr. high through adult.
Spirits is a female chorus. Membership is by audition only.
February 20: 9:00 a.m.-Fellowship Choir; 11: a.m.-Keith Harris
March 6: 9:00 a.m.-Tina Mayer; 11:00 a.m.-Turner Vocal Ensemble
March 13: 9:00 a.m.-Kathy Williams; 11:00 a.m.-Spirits in Harmony
March 20: 9:00 a.m.-Iris Dayer; 11:00 a.m.-Fellowship Choir
April 3: 11:00 p.m.-Spirits in Harmony
April 17: 9:00 a.m.-Fellowship Choir-Be Still
April 24: 9:00 a.m.-Spirits in Harmony; 11:00 a.m.- Fellowship Choir
May 1: 11:00 a.m.-Spirits in Harmony
May 22: 11:00 a.m.-Fellowship Choir
June 5: one service: Spirits in Harmony
June 13: 9:00 a.m.-Spirits in Harmony; 11:00 a.m.-Fellowship Choir