Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
of Falmouth
840 Sandwich Road
East Falmouth, MA 02536
508-457-0449
Music Program At UUFF
Music is provided at Sunday Services on a weekly basis. The UUFF employs two professional musicians: Pianist/Accompanist Judy Levin and Choir Director Fred Johnson. Our volunteer choir of ten to 20 singers performs at services twice a month for 7 months during the church year. On alternate Sundays, the pianist and occasional guest musicians provide music for the service. Special music is presented at Christmas, Easter, and on Music Sunday in the Spring. A children’s choir has been added occasionally as a special activity. There is an active Music Committee that is responsible for future planning for the music program at UUFF. This committee actively promotes such issues as lengthening the choir season, adding a permanent children’s choir, recruiting for the adult choir, seeking funding for the program, monitoring all aspects of music at the UUFF, and planning for the expansion of the music program in the future.
The church welcomes all singers of all faiths from the greater Falmouth community to sing in the Choir. Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7 to 9:00 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship's meetinghouse on Sandwich Road. The Choir generally sings twice a month at the 9:30 AM Sunday service from October through April, and also during holiday services and special events. All voices are most welcome in the Choir. You need not be an experienced singer or have the ability to sight-read music. Church membership is not required.
The Choir enjoys periodic get-togethers, such as an end of season Choir Celebration luncheon, and a “little Christmas” potluck supper and party in early January. Choir membership provides a strong sense of belonging and fellowship within the congregation at large, and our members have great concern and support for their fellow singers, as well as a true feeling of camaraderie.
IF YOU LOVE TO SING, PLEASE JOIN US!!!
| Back to Music submenu |
Frederick Johnson assumed his position as UUFF choir director in the fall of 2005. He has been a music teacher in the Falmouth Public Schools for 20 years. He is the director of the Falmouth High School Choir and is an award recipient for outstanding choral conducting and leadership of the ensemble during its participation in National Heritage Music Festivals between 1994 and 2005. He also directs the high school's Repertory Singers. Since 1990, Mr. Johnson was the conductor of the Falmouth Chorale (formerly the Falmouth Interfaith Choir) for 17 years. During this same period, he also served as president of the Cape Cod Music Educators Association, as adjudicator for both the All Cape and Islands and Massachusetts South District music festivals, and as choir director at the Church of the Messiah.
"Music is very important for our congregation," notes Reverend Robert Murphy, the Unitarian Universalist minister in Falmouth. "Our choir includes people from several faith traditions, and music is the spiritual experience that brings everyone together in harmony. We're grateful to have Fred Johnson with us as our Choir Director."
Judy Levin has served the UUFF as Pianist since 1992, and as accompanist to the Choir since it’s inception in 2000. While a student at Boston University she majored in piano performance, piano accompaniment for choral & professional artists, as well as the traditional liberal arts curriculum. In addition, she studied organ and choral conducting, and sang in the BU chorus. She graduated from Boston University cum laude. She has subsequently given piano concerts throughout New England, and lectured in Musicology under the auspices of Brandeis University. She has served as Pianist for the Falmouth Jewish Congregation for the past 21 years, and for a portion of that period she formed and conducted their choir. Judy states, “I started playing for the Falmouth Unitarian Universalist Fellowship on November 15th, 1992, which has led to a long and happy relationship!”
| Back to Music submenu |
Our choir music not only expresses the seasons of the year, but also the various holidays. We work closely with the minister’s sermon topics in order to further hone the importance of his message to the congregation. We also try to expand our knowledge of the UU hymns. We seek to enjoy the music that we sing and to stimulate the interest of our congregation in a wide range of selections drawn from many religious and cultural traditions.
| Back to Music submenu |
Music is more than a supplement to the ministry of our congregation. Rather, music is itself an aspect of our ministry. For some of our members, music is the primary route to spirituality. For others, membership in the choir is a major part of their connection to the congregation.
The major goals of our music program are to:
1) enhance the spiritual experience for the congregation
2) support the Minister, the RE program, and all aspects of the Fellowship
3) broaden musical interest and knowledge within the Fellowship
4) expand the identity of the UUFF in the community
Our plans for the future include the following:
1) extending the choir calendar from the current 7 months to 9-10 months per year
2) increasing participation in music by UUFF children and families
3) funding professional musicians for special services and events
4) inviting young local musicians to perform at our services and events
5) hiring a half-time Music Director to carry out an expanded music program
| Back to Music submenu |
| Home | Special Notices | Calendar |
Sermon Summaries | Minister's Messages |
| Religious Education | Music | Welcoming Congregation | Social Action | Environmental Justice |
Photos | History of Congregation | Bylaws | Long Range Plan | Associations |
|