Children and Youth Music
Children’s Choir rehearsals have begun!
30 Members so far and growing strong!
All children 1st through 5th grade are invited to join First Universalist’s Children Choir, directed by Mary Bohman. No experience necessary! We sing music that reflects our Unitarian Universalist values, build music skills, and have loads of fun! Singing in the choir is a great way build community and allows the children a chance to contribute to the worship life of the church. Rehearsals are Sundays from 10:30-11:10 in the Cummins Room. October 16 is the first time the choir sings in the Sunday services. Contact: mary@firstuniv.org.
See below for other singing opportunities at the church, including the annual Caroling outing (December), Intergenerational Choir (spring), and more.
Our Children's Music Coordinator, Mary Bohman
Mary Bohman has worked for over 20 years as a voice teacher, choir director, music therapist, and performer. She worked for 6 years in the religious education program here at First Universalist Church and this is her 7th year as the Children’s Music Coordinator. Mary is a candidate for the Unitarian Universalist ministry and attends United Theological Seminary and anticipates graduating in May 2012. Contact Mary at mary@firstuniv.org
Intergenerational Choir
Do you love to sing but can’t commit to the adult choir? Do you long to interact with people of all ages? Then join the Intergenerational Choir! Adults, Children’s Choir alumni and youth are invited to join with the Children's Choir and perform at Flower Communion on June 3rd. Rehearsals begin on Sunday, April 22, at 10:30 a.m. in the Cummins Room. You do not need to read music to participate!
Boy's Choir
After an exciting debut last spring the Boy’s Choir is back! All boys, 3rd grade and up are invited to participate in this special boys singing group. Led by First Universalist member Andrew Tralle, the Boy's Choir will meet for six Sundays between services, 10:30- 11:10 a.m. starting February 5, and culminate with a performance in the March 18 Sunday services. The group will sing music backed up by a band! Director Andrew Tralle teaches elementary school music at Fraser Academy in Minneapolis. He graduated in 2008 from the University of Minnesota, Morris with a degree in Instrumental Music Education. He's directed bands, choirs, and musical theater. Contact: mary@firstuniv.org
Caroling Potluck
Every second Sunday of December we celebrate the holidays with food, fellowship, and song through an intergenerational Caroling Potluck. We sing with the residents at Walker Methodist Health Care Center and return to the church for a potluck supper. Weather permitting we carol at some houses as we walk to and from the nursing home. All are welcome!
Chapel Music and Classroom Support
Our Children’s Music Coordinator provides music and leads singing during all our children’s worship experiences. This includes Children’s Chapels, Sharing Sundays and Intergenerational services in the Sanctuary. We focus on teaching our children accessible, meaningful and fun music that reflects our Unitarian Universalist values. Mary Bohman also occasionally visits the Religious Education classrooms on Sunday mornings and provides a live music experience that might involve playing percussion instruments or singing songs to support that day’s lesson. Music and singing is one of the ways our children learn what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist.
Children's Choir Schedule (Subject to change): · October 16: performance in the Sanctuary · November 27: performance in the Sanctuary (Note: Thanksgiving Weekend) · December 11: Caroling Pot Luck, 3:30 p.m. (Optional and open to entire congregation) · December 24 Intergenerational Service: 4 p.m. performance · February 12? (Exact date TBD): performance in Sanctuary · February/March/April: CD Recording, Children’s Chapel & Nursing Home Performances · Feb. 5-March 18: BOYS CHOIR/Boys Band REHEARSALS & performance in Sanctuary (FYI) · April 22: Intergenerational Choir rehearsals begin · June 3: Intergenerational Choir performs (Flower Communion) · June 3: Choir Party at 10:30 in Cummins Room *Children will sing at both 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. services unless otherwise noted.
Middle School Music
Once a year we provide a music opportunity for our middle school kids. In the past we staged Youth Musical performances and have had a Youth Choir and Percussion Circle. More information about this year’s opportunity soon!
Why Sing?
- Music provides cultural identity. It helps us know who we are.
- Music helps us harmonize the brain, body and spirit. It is a holistic activity.
- Singing creates community. We literally vibrate together!
- Singing makes the world a more beautiful place!
- Singing is an ancient spiritual practice.
- Singing gives the message to children that creativity is important.
- Singing gives us an outlet to express our feelings. It lowers stress.
- The ability to sing improves by singing!