our music directorJennifer ("Jenn") Berntson became FirstU's Music Director on August 16, 2021.
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. |
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choirs at firstuJoin 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!
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] |
Fusion Choir in rehearsal with Jenn
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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. 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. |
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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. |
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FirstU House Band
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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. |
