“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent” ? Victor Hugo
Music is an integral part of the UUCK’s worship program and music is a vibrant ministry within our congregation, manifested in a variety of formats to convey emotion, provide inspiration, and express creativity. No matter the style or genre, music in its many forms offers a source of deep spiritual reflection for performers and congregants alike.
Music for Sunday Services
Several groups meet regularly to rehearse from October through May, and perform once or twice a month for Sunday services and community events. If you are interested in joining one (or more) of these groups, please contact Emily.
Peace Chorus
| Ages | Rehearsal | Music Level |
| Open to middle/high school students and and adults who love to sing. | Tuesdays 6:00 – 7:30 pm | No auditions, only the desire to sing in an ensemble and connect through music and camaraderie |
The Peace Chorus sings music from a variety of styles: musicals, choral classics, folk songs, hymns, and pieces by UU and local composers.
Tone Chimes
| Ages | Rehearsal | Music Level |
| All ages | Wednesdays 6:00 – 7:00 pm | Ability to read music is helpful |
The Tone Chimes Ensemble is a unique musical experience for all ages that requires great teamwork. Each player holds one or two “Tone chimes” (like hand bells) and strikes the chimes as written on the page to create a glorious sound together.
Worship Band
The Worship Band plays occasionally during Sunday service to accompany hymns and songs in musical theatre and folk/rock styles. The group rehearses as needed. Current instrumentation includes guitar, bass, percussion, and piano. If you are interested in part of this ensemble, contact Emily. |
BCGB Youth Band
The Youth Band is a new ensemble; stay tuned for more updates. |
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More Music Ministry
Community Sing
The Community Sing is an opportunity for singing and making music together in community. We meet at 7:30pm in Fessenden Hall on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month (with slight changes for the holidays). We generally sing using the “Rise Up Singing” and “Rise Again” songbooks and have extra copies on hand. You are welcome to bring your guitar, ukulele, etc. to play along.
Concerts at Kent UU
Concert events at Kent UU bring top quality professional performers from the folk and/or world music scene to the greater Kent area for a very affordable price. Stay tuned for details on upcoming performances.
Sacred Song Circle (on hiatus)
The Sacred Song Circle is a spiritual practice which uses a capella group singing to create sacred space and foster community. The group is open to all, drop ins are welcome.
Folk Orchestra (on hiatus)
The Fallow Time Folk Orchestra is a chamber ensemble for instrumentalists of all kinds, including strings, horns, winds, brass, guitar family, rhythm or more uncommon instruments such as accordion or harp.
…AND MORE!
In addition to the groups above, there are other musical groups who have formed inside the church and share their music in our community! These include the Celtic Clan and the Tarnished Brass brass quintet.
The Celtic Clan plays traditional and contemporary Celtic music at our church and more widely at the Haymaker farmers market and other venues in town, connecting the greater Kent community to the musical gifts in our congregation. They generously donate the money they raise through their performances back to the church!
The Tarnished Brass quintet is a self organizing group at the church who share their music to uplift special worship services and bring their joyful, beautiful, and musical touch several times a year. Their fine musicianship and dedication to their craft has left many of us feeling that their “tarnish” has been all but polished away!
If you have any musical interests not yet represented, the UUCK is the place to launch your idea! For more details or contact information, contact Emily Hall.
“Music takes us out of the actual and whispers to us dim secrets that startles out wonder as to who we are, and for what, whence, and whereto.”?Ralph Waldo Emerson
Emily Hall, Director of Music Ministries
Emily is a Board Certified Music Therapist and brings years of experience working in music ministry, music therapy, music education, and performance to our Kent UU community. Emily sings and plays music in diverse styles and regularly musicks with her family, her band Heartsong, and with the local bluegrass community.
Contact Emily here.
Whether it’s the Peace Chorus, youth performances, the Tarnished Brass, Celtic Clan, members of our congregation leading music, or guest musicians– visitors, members, and friends of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent will find their hearts and souls moved and enriched through experiencing the church’s many musical offerings.
More about music in Unitarian Universalism:
- “UU Congregations Home to Diverse Musical Groups” from UU World
- “Choirs Bring a ‘Heart Connection’” from UU World
- “Music Programs Key to Congregational Life” from UU World
- Unitarian Universalist Musicians Network