Music at First Unitarian Church
The music at First Unitarian has our affirming hymns performed with gusto; lively contemporary music and an outstanding choir called the Sanctuary Singers. This is the foundation of our musical strength, complimented with guest musicians with visits from Omaha symphony members, Celtic singers, and mariachi bands. We are proud of our diverse and fun music!
Click here to see our staff page which includes our professional musicians.
The Sanctuary Singers
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The First Unitarian Sanctuary Singers is an all-volunteer SATB ensemble. Our mission is to provide each singer an opportunity to grow musically and spiritually and to have fun doing it. Guest instrumentalists often accompany the group on designated pieces. Under the direction of William Miller and accompanied by J Gawf, the Sanctuary Singers serve the First Unitarian Church community with a diversity of music to lift the spirits and enhance the worship experience. Contact our Choir Director William Miller at choirdirector@firstuuomaha.org
Join Us!
We welcome new singers and invite you to try us out. If you choose to join, the commitment is modest:
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The choir rehearses 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays from late August through early June.
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We sing two, occasionally three, services each month with a larger concert in May.
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Sanctuary Singers members are invited to lead the congregation in traditional carols during our Christmas Eve candlelight services.
We are a very sociable group. While many members have sung in the choir for 10, 15 or 20 plus years, we always offer a warm welcome and a helping hand to new singers.
Repertoire
Our growing repertoire embraces the full diversity of the human experience:
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Contemporary choral arrangements, including those by local and national Unitarian-Universalist composers
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Sacred choral classics from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods, including anthems, chorales, masses, motets and opera choruses
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Gospel favorites, both classic and contemporary arrangements
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Folk music, including popular tunes and sacred hymns
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World music from Africa, Asia and Latin America embracing a variety of religious and cultural traditions
Our singers’ artistic versatility allows us to perform everything from ancient church chant to Fauré to spirituals to South African, jazz, and gospel songs.
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The Off Beats
The group meets for practice on Tuesday nights in the Sanctuary and offers musical gifts in a variety of styles once a month in worship. Singers, drummers, guitarists, horn players and more participate in The Off Beats. Judi Unger is the director of this group, and she can be reached at music@firstuuomaha.org