Our Music Director
Deirdre Kellerman (B.M. Vocal Performance, Acadia; M.M. Choral Conducting, New England Conservatory) is an innovative choral conductor based in Ottawa, ON. She is currently the Director of Music at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa and has recently been appointed the Assistant Director of the Ottawa Choral Society. Previous conducting engagements have included assistant conductor of the Newton Choral Society; graduate conductor of the New England Conservatory Ensembles, including the Preparatory School; and conducting intern with the 2012 Ontario Youth Choir. Deirdre has studied conducting with Erica Washburn and Christina Murray, as well as masterclasses and apprenticeships with Dr. Julia Davids, Michael Zaugg, Elise Bradley and Lydia Adams. Originally from Nova Scotia, Deirdre grew up singing in the renowned Sing Summer program, as well as with the Nova Scotia Youth Choir, Xara Choral Theatre and the National Youth Choir of Canada. In high demand as a vocal coach, Deirdre is passionate about music education and life-long learning and maintains a busy teaching studio.
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Xara Choral Theatre in Fatty Legs:
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Our Choirs
The choirs are always looking for new voices and there is a place for everyone to sing at First Unitarian! If you are interested in being a part of our musical community, please contact Deirdre Kellerman, Music Director at music@firstunitarianottawa.ca
Chalice Choir meets Thursday evenings from 7:00-9:00 and is our largest group. Our repertoire covers it all, from pop arrangements to hymns; folk tunes to choral standards. We value community building, dedication to musical development, laughter and learning. We sing in services approximately twice a month. This is a non-auditioned choir and everyone is welcome. Previous musical experience is helpful but not necessary.
Fusion (formerly called Jazz Choir) rehearses on Friday afternoons from 1:00-3:00pm. We like to sing music that has lush harmonies and funky rhythms and we work on blend and ensemble development. Fusion sings in services on a monthly basis and is designed for experienced singers. Ability to sight-read and/or learn music quickly is an asset.
Three Rivers Singers meet on Wednesdays from 1:00-3:00pm. We are a small women’s ensemble that sings in a variety of styles, aiming to highlight female composers and themes of welcome, community and empowerment. Three Rivers sings in services on a monthly basis and regularly sings for Unitarian GoGo events.
Song Circles
Come join us at a song circle! Lyric booklets are provided and change each time. You can expect a little bit of everything, from Pete Seeger to jazz standards, The Beatles to Disney tunes. Song Circles are a monthly activity at our Tuesday Congregational Nights. Find schedule here. This is an informal and fun musical activity for all ages and abilities... come one, come all and SING!
Jazz Vespers
Based on a model used by both Unitarians and other denominations, Jazz Vespers is a 45 minute long service that blends the arts of writing, music, visual art and spoken word. Fusion will share vocal jazz music, along with other artists. This is a laid-back and interactive service, intended to be uplifting and relaxing. Please join us!
Oct 10 at 6:30 pm, as part of Congregational Night.
See calendar for dates.
Chalice Choir meets Thursday evenings from 7:00-9:00 and is our largest group. Our repertoire covers it all, from pop arrangements to hymns; folk tunes to choral standards. We value community building, dedication to musical development, laughter and learning. We sing in services approximately twice a month. This is a non-auditioned choir and everyone is welcome. Previous musical experience is helpful but not necessary.
Fusion (formerly called Jazz Choir) rehearses on Friday afternoons from 1:00-3:00pm. We like to sing music that has lush harmonies and funky rhythms and we work on blend and ensemble development. Fusion sings in services on a monthly basis and is designed for experienced singers. Ability to sight-read and/or learn music quickly is an asset.
Three Rivers Singers meet on Wednesdays from 1:00-3:00pm. We are a small women’s ensemble that sings in a variety of styles, aiming to highlight female composers and themes of welcome, community and empowerment. Three Rivers sings in services on a monthly basis and regularly sings for Unitarian GoGo events.
Song Circles
Come join us at a song circle! Lyric booklets are provided and change each time. You can expect a little bit of everything, from Pete Seeger to jazz standards, The Beatles to Disney tunes. Song Circles are a monthly activity at our Tuesday Congregational Nights. Find schedule here. This is an informal and fun musical activity for all ages and abilities... come one, come all and SING!
Jazz Vespers
Based on a model used by both Unitarians and other denominations, Jazz Vespers is a 45 minute long service that blends the arts of writing, music, visual art and spoken word. Fusion will share vocal jazz music, along with other artists. This is a laid-back and interactive service, intended to be uplifting and relaxing. Please join us!
Oct 10 at 6:30 pm, as part of Congregational Night.
See calendar for dates.
