First Universalist Choir
NEWS: The First Universalist Choir is actively seeking new singers to join in on a special Mother's Day service, May 13, with John Rutter's Gloria. This exciting, rhythmic piece will be played with orchestra. The choir hopes to feature 75 singers that day. Listen to the piece here. Wednesday rehearsals began March 14, 8-9pm. Beginning April 17, rehearsals will be from 7-9pm.
CHORAL DIRECTOR Randal Buikema joined us in September 2011.
Randy holds a doctorate in choral conducting from the University of Iowa, an MA in Vocal and Instrumental Music education from Western Illinois University, and a BA in Music Education from Augustana College. He comes with tremendous recommendations from his recent church job at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, IA where he served as Minister of Music for 16 years. He also founded and directed the Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus from 2001-2005.
In 2009, Randy went to Thailand on a one-year contract with Mahidol University (the largest university in Thailand) to direct choirs and instruct MA level choral methods and conducting courses. He was a guest conductor for the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, and conducted performances for the Prime Minister, the ASEAN Summit of prime ministers from countries in SE Asia, and for the King's birthday.
After he returned from Thailand, he chose to live in Minneapolis to be near family and friends. He works in the Minneapolis Public Schools as a fine arts specialist.
Contact: randy@firstuniv.org