our music directorJennifer ("Jenn") Berntson became FirsTU's Music Director on August 16, 2021, after a competitive search with talented applicants, input from our Music Search Team , Choir members, Revs. Pat and Eric.
Jenn is the Ottawa Children Choir's Chamber (for 11-15 year olds) conductor for the 2021-2022 season. She has also been the conductor for OCC's Prima choir (for 6-7 year olds) for the last four seasons. In addition, Jenn is the founding artistic director of Aella, an advanced treble ensemble based in Ottawa, known for its innovative and engaging programs and sings with the Capital Chamber Choir. Here is an example of Jenn's work (do note the full length is 16 minutes). |
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Jenn holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice from Mount Allison University and a Master of Arts in Music and Culture from Carleton University, where her research focused on collective music-making as a form of protest. We are excited for Jenn to bring her experience, talent, creativity, and passion for choral music to FirstU.
Summer Pick-Up Choir
Summer Choir will be running on July 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 9:45am.
This is a "drop-in" choir and everyone is welcome - every Sunday in July, show up at 9:45am
and learn an anthem to be sung in the service at 10:30am.
No singing experience necessary!
Summer Choir will be running on July 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 9:45am.
This is a "drop-in" choir and everyone is welcome - every Sunday in July, show up at 9:45am
and learn an anthem to be sung in the service at 10:30am.
No singing experience necessary!
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!
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Chalice Choir meets Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:30 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.
Chalice Choir is actively searching for more members - this is a great place to start if you are new to choir singing or new to FirstU.
Chalice Choir is actively searching for more members - this is a great place to start if you are new to choir singing or new to FirstU.
Three Rivers Singers meet on Wednesdays from 1:00-2:30pm. 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. This is an auditioned choir; ability to sight-read and/or learn music quickly is an asset.
Fusion rehearses on Monday afternoons from 1:00-2:30pm. 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. This is an auditioned choir. Ability to sight-read and/or learn music quickly is an asset.