Music

Music is a key part of our spiritual exploration at UUSS.

Our Unitarian Universalist faith recognizes the wisdom inherent in many of the world’s religious traditions and cultures, so worship elements such as music help to convey and celebrate the diversity of being human as we seek meaning and purpose in community. We listen, sing, chant, drum, and harmonize. Music helps awaken and sustain our spiritual selves as we experience the world with our hearts and souls and minds.

Music really matters to us here at UUSS. We have been blessed by the vocal and instrumental gifts of many members of the congregation, of the choirs, and of guest musicians from the NY area and beyond. We yearn for even more musical diversity so that the power of music in its many incarnations can deepen our spiritual experiences and explorations.

Our Great Hall, also known as the Whisperdome, has very interesting acoustics, and is the site of concerts put on by outside groups. Gathering for Sunday worship in a circle of descending concentric rows is a wonderful adventure when we make music together!

Society Choir

If you like to sing, the Society Choir is ready to welcome you. The choir sings in worship services often, and (due to the pandemic) is currently rehearsing and making recordings from home. When we can be singing together again in person, the choir rehearses on Sunday mornings. This group brings together people of all ages (high school through elders) with the common goal of sharing music that moves and uplifts all who gather — and of having great fun doing it!

In alternating years, the Society Choir has also participated in our medieval solstice celebration called Yuletide Revels and in our fabulously fun Cupid’s Cabaret (as shown above).

Junior Choir

(Photo: Junior Choir sings at Cupid’s Cabaret – 2018)

For young people in grades three and up, the Junior Choir is an opportunity to learn musical skills in a friendly, relaxed environment. The Junior Choir participates in services several times a year and has also participated in our Yuletide Revels and in Cupid’s Cabaret.

Our Music Director

Our Music Director works with the Music Team, Worship Team and the Co-Ministers, lay worship leaders, and guest worship leaders to plan thematically appropriate music for worship. The Music Director also directs the choirs and supervises the choir accompanist when we have one.