There are many opportunities for meaningful personal enrichment in service to UUCW. Music is an excellent way for you to have fun, meet new people, and feed your spirit!

Music at UUCW is all-inclusive. Everyone is welcome to participate as he or she sees fit. The halls of UUCW are ringing with music!

Our musical groups have Sunday performances as a goal, but there is no pressure to perform until you are ready to do so.

Whether you are a member, a friend, or a visitor, we encourage you to give music at UUCW a try.

Contact: Ruben Piirainen, Director of Music for more information, or to join one of our groups!

Music Program Offerings

• Adult Choir
  If you are interested in singing on a regular basis, then consider joining the adult choir. The adult choir performs glorious choral music in four-part harmony. Their repertoire encompasses a wide variety of styles from classical to gospel and folk to jazz. Singers of all abilities are welcome. The ability to read music is not a prerequisite to choir membership. Performances are three times a month. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings, 7:00pm to 9:00pm.
  Click here for Adult Choir schedule
   
• Intergenerational Choir
  This group of singers includes people ages 5 to 105.  Let's get together for some all-ages musical fun!  Children 6th grade and younger require parent/guardian attendance.  No music-reading ability is necessary. This offering is new for the 2007-2008 church year.  There is one performance scheduled for Sunday, November 18.  There will be four weeks of rehearsals leading up to the performance.
  Click here for Intergenerational Choir schedule
   
• Solstice Singers
  The Solstice Singers are a core group of singers/chanters who perform and help lead songs at our four earth-based ritual services: Samhain, Winter Solstice, Beltane, and Summer Solstice.  All songs and chants will be taught by rote.  Prior to each holiday, there will be three rehearsals.
  Click here for Solstice Singers schedule
   
• Christmas Choir
  The Christmas Choir provides music for the Christmas Eve Candlelight service.  The focus is on four-part a cappella Christmas carols, old and new.  The Christmas Choir plays a substantial role in the Christmas Eve Candlelight service.  It is recommended that you have an understanding of music-reading, but fluency is not required.  There are four weeks of rehearsals prior to the service.
  Click here for Christmas Choir schedule
   
• Children's Music Experience
  The Children's Music Experience aims to instill a love of music in children through 7th grade by giving them a unique, immersive experience.  Last year the kids wowed the congregation with their full-length musical theatre production of "Update: Earth."  In Spring 2008 the kids will present a program featuring Boomwhackers - a Blue Man Group-style offering.  Among the musical and personal skills the kids will explore are: tone production, rhythm, coordination, teamwork, accountability, and attentive listening.  You've never heard UU music like this before!
  Click here for Children's Music Experience schedule
   
• One-Hour Choir
  This is the ultimate opportunity for those of you who are curious to try singing in a choir but have not done so for any number of reasons.  Imagine a choir where there is no time commitment, where being able to read music is a hindrance, and where you don't even need to make a special trip.  Welcome to One-Hour Choir!  Join us early on February 3, 2008 at 8:00am and find out just how much fun singing in a group can be!
  Click here for One-Hour Choir schedule

Special Music Opportunities

Our worship services are very frequently enhanced by musicians who seek a performance/service opportunity not affiliated with one of our other established musical groups. If you have any musical gifts to share, or are interested in connecting with other musicians, please let us know so your voice can be heard!

Music Program Sponsored Activities

• Wisconsin Cream City Chorus
  The Wisconsin Cream City Chorus (WCCC) provides music for UUCW on the first Sunday of each month at the 11:00 a.m. service from September through June.  The WCCC is a community choir whose goals include bringing a message of diversity to the community by fostering awareness of AIDS-related, faith-based, and lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender issues.
  
  You can also hear the WCCC in concert at UUCW on the following dates:
  • Saturday, October 13: Fundraiser for Camp Heartland, featuring an encore performance of Song of Wisdom from Old Turtle by Joseph Martin, the Wisconsin premiere of which was given by the WCCC in February 2007.
  • Saturday, December 1: In the Spirit of Peace, in cooperation with Interweave West, a UUCW organization hosting a display of the AIDS quilt.
  • Saturday, April 12: Signs of Compassion, featuring ASL interpreters.

  For more information, visit the Wisconsin Cream City Chorus website.  

• Kirtan with Ragani
  On the first Friday of each month, UUCW hosts the popular chanting group "Kirtan with Ragani" in a co-sponsorship with the International Kirtan Foundation.  Click here for more information on Kirtan with Ragani.

Music Committee

The Music Committee is a vital component in the success of UUCW's Music Program. The committee assists with important events like the annual Choralfest, and with specialized tasks like recording and piano maintenance. The committee also helps with writing grant proposals, budget planning, special events, and community outreach. The Music Committee can help you find any level of volunteer opportunities. Meetings: fourth Tuesday of the month, 7:00pm.