FIRST UNITARIAN CONGREGATION OF OTTAWA

music

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our music director

Jennifer ("Jenn") Berntson became FirstU's Music Director on August 16, 2021.
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She is also the Artistic Director of Aella Choir, and conducted the Ottawa Children’s Choir for seven years. She believes in the transformative power of singing to build community, inspire personal and spiritual growth, and create social change. Here is an example of Jenn's work (do note the full length is 16 minutes). She holds a BMus in Voice from Mount Allison University and an MA in Music and Culture from Carleton University, where she researched collective music-making as an expression of protest.

choirs at firstu

Join a FirstU Choir - Come Sing With Us!

Our choirs are always looking for new voices and there is a place for everyone to sing at FirstU!
  • Fusion Choir rehearses on Monday afternoons, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
  • Three Rivers Singers meets on Wednesday afternoons, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
  • Chalice Choir meets on Thursday nights, 7:00pm - 8:30​pm​

Each choir sings music that explores and uplifts our UU values, and performs at church services 1-2 times a month from September to May. The choirs also perform a full-length concert twice a year. Read on for information on each of the three choirs, and if you are interested in learning more about music here at FirstU, you can email Jenn at 
[email protected]
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Fusion Choir in rehearsal with Jenn
Chalice Choir is a mixed-voice choir open to anyone interested in choral music and able to commit to attending weekly rehearsals! We value social connection, dedication to musical development, laughter and learning.

Chalice Choir’s repertoire is as wide-ranging and diverse as our UU sources, including sacred music from different faith backgrounds, traditional/folk music from around the world, and arrangements of popular music. Choir members come from a variety of backgrounds and levels of singing experience, but share a love of making music and being in community with each other.
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Chalice Choir is a great place to begin your singing journey. Anyone is welcome to join a rehearsal at 7:00 on Thursdays nights - enter through the basement parking lot door and come up to Worship Hall to say hello!
​Three Rivers Singers is a small, upper voice ensemble of sopranos and altos who believe music can inspire us to action, and move us towards a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world.

​Our repertoire reflects the rich diversity of human experiences and perspectives, with an emphasis on music written by women and texts that center women’s voices and stories. We primarily perform acapella music, without the support of a piano or other instruments.

We are an auditioned group open to women and gender diverse people; some musical experience and the ability to learn music (by ear or by reading notes) is necessary, as well as a commitment to attend weekly rehearsals.
​Fusion is a mixed-voice chamber choir for experienced choral singers; we like to sing music that challenges and excites us from any genre, but with a special interest in jazz!

We spend time in rehearsal working on the finer details of choral blend, diction, tuning, and other nuances. We are an auditioned group; prospective members should have significant choral experience, be able to learn music quickly, and be confident holding their own part in music with a lot of vocal divisi.

FirstU House Band

The FirstU House Band welcomes instrumentalists and vocalists to participate in Sunday services and other FirstU events, with a focus on contemporary folk, rock, country music. ​All levels of ability and experience are welcome.
Please contact [email protected] for more information.

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​30 Cleary Ave   K2A 4A1   
613-725-1066
  
[email protected]

"We acknowledge that our campus is located on traditional, unsurrendered
and unceded Algonquin Anishinaabeg Territory; and that the work
of reconciliation is a responsibility of our congregation, and of all Canadians. 
"Our goal is to educate ourselves and all who have ears to hear,
to be of service to those who are at risk, and to advocate for justice.

Our Charitable Number: ​107387953 RR 0001

Find full contact information, maps and directions HERE
Find our Sitemap HERE
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  • What's Happening
    • Cleary Detour
    • calendar
    • Jobs
    • FirstU News
    • Affordable Housing
  • About Us
    • Our Ministry Team
    • About Unitarian Universalism
    • Member Information >
      • Members' Page >
        • Our Covenant
        • Governance
        • Campus Planning Member Page
      • Death Notices and Memorial Details for Members
  • Worship
    • Past Services
    • Religious Exploration for Children and Youth
  • Make Friends
    • Adult Learning and Growth
    • Embracing Diversity >
      • UU Pride
    • Social Justice >
      • AJASHKI Garden Project
      • FirstU Food Sharing Centre
      • Climate Action
    • Music
    • Volunteer with us >
      • volunteer task submission form
      • Volunteer/Leader Resources
    • Getting Connected Guide
  • eUU Weekly Newsletter
    • Parkway Spire Quarterly Magazine
    • Archives
  • Make a Donation
    • Legacy Giving
    • Ajashki Donations
  • Contact Us
    • Staff Directory
    • Ceremonies and Rentals >
      • Weddings, Memorials, Child Dedications and other Rites of Passage
      • Facility Rentals