MUSIC at First Unitarian Society of Schenectady

Ask members of the Society about their favorite things here and a number of folks are bound to mention the music program. Music is a strength and passion here. It attracts newcomers and sustains long-time members. The church is proud to offer exceptionally high quality and varied music in its Sunday services.

The Society’s elegant Great Hall, with its Whisperdome, boasts exceptional acoustics. Every Sunday guest musicians, Society choirs or congregation members share their talents in our services. A sampling of music includes choral music, a cellist, teenage violinist, Celtic harpist, jazz pianist, or a marimbist!

This extraordinary space is also home to “A Place for Jazz,” an annual series of Friday evening jazz concerts by local and regional performers.

A Music Committee supports the Music Director and the music program by assisting with budget and proposal preparation, researching possible guest musicians and developing ways in which the program can continue to grow. Please view the attractive Music Program brochure, available online, for more details.

For almost two decades, the Music program has been developed and guided by Music Director Gary Griffiths. In addition to being active as a piano accompanist and organist throughout the Capital Region, she has managed two orchestras and served as a university concert manager. Gary is also one of the founders of our Yuletide Revels.

Gary works closely with all the musicians, often helping to select music that enhances the theme and elements of each Sunday service. Through her dedication and creativity, the Society’s music program enjoys an excellent reputation among musicians, the congregation, as well as the wider community.

Music Director Gareth Griffiths conducts the Junior Choir

Society and Junior Choirs sing during A Yuletide Revel 2002

Society Choir:

The Choir is a friendly, music-loving group which welcomes those who like to sing and can carry a tune (reading music is helpful but not required). The Choir sings several times during the year (Fall, Christmas, Easter, etc.) and rehearses for about six Sunday mornings (9:15-10:15) before a performance The time commitment is a very manageable one - even for busy people! Contact Music Director Gary Griffiths (GGriffiths@nycap.rr.com) if you are interested or would like more information.

Junior Choir:

The Junior Choir is for children in grades 3 and up; this group sings for services three or four times a year, often with the Society Choir. Rehearsals are after Sunday services for about 45 minutes. The commitment is in short modules - rehearsals are several weeks preceding a performance. The Junior Choir also sings in A Yultide Revel. (Contact Music Director Gary Griffiths).

Junior Choir performing for the 2002 Thanksgiving service

We Need Your Musical Talents!

We especially welcome members who sing or play an instrument and would like to present solos in a service or participate in the music program in other ways.

There are also group opportunities such as:

• Society Choir:

If you like to sing, the Society Choir is ready to welcome you. The choir sings in services throughout the year, rehearsing Sunday mornings before services (9am – 10:00am). This group brings together people of all ages (high school through seniors) with the common goal of making joyful music for the congregation and having great fun doing it! The Society Choir plays a major role in our Yuletide Revels.

• Junior Choir:

For young people in grades three and up, this is an opportunity to learn musical skills in a friendly, relaxed environment. The Junior Choir performs in services several times a year and also participates in our Yuletide Revels. Rehearsals are Sunday mornings after services (12pm-1pm).

• Yuletide Revels:

The most popular event in the church year is this medieval celebration of the Winter Solstice. Revels is a special family event and includes a Mummer’s play, magician, brass quartet, Morris dancers, and our Society choirs. Over 100 congregational members participate – by acting, singing, sewing, ushering, or baking cookies. Members of the greater community also look forward to this rollicking holiday program! Yuletide Revels is written, directed, and produced by members of the congregation.

Brass ensemble at A Yuletide Revel 2002

Society and Junior Choirs sing during A Yuletide Revel 2000

“The diversity of the music program was an important factor in my joining the church.”
- a member of the congregation

“Gary is an amazing teacher. She was the one who taught me how to sing, and how to read music, and fostered my love of music.”
a former member of the Junior Choir