Music at PUUC

Music at UU Peterborough

UU Peterborough is in the heart of the Monadnock Region, an area rich in musical talent. It is therefore not surprising that music is an integral part of life here, on Sundays and during the rest of the week. In addition to the Director of Music Ministry and the choir’s offerings, we have gifted congregants who join in the song, offering special music. Across the church year you may hear a volunteer handbell choir, singer/songwriters, and varied instrumentalists. Some weeks, you’ll delight in a trio or duet in lieu of, or in addition to our full choir. 

Music is woven throughout the Sunday service, as we celebrate the spirit of life, join in congregational singing, and drink in musical offerings which provide spiritual renewal and inspiration, lifting up love, stewardship, and social justice as core principles. 

The Church also provides a venue for other community based musical groups. It has served as the rehearsal and performance home of the Grand Monadnock Youth Choirs, directed by Esther Rhoades and founded by former long-time Music Director, Maria Belva. 

We are host to the annual Messiah Sing each December, as well as Project Shakespeare’s performance of A Christmas Carol.  Village Harmony, a VT - based touring singing camp, has returned to inspire us with their rousing and popular concerts in the summer months. 

Muusic 4UU is an independent, volunteer-led concert series occurring on the third Saturday of each month. This is a dedicated team of musicians and music-lovers, who bring both regional and local talent to fill our sanctuary. 

How Can You Be Involved? 

The Choir 

Thursdays, 6:30 - 8:00 PM, Parish Hall (September - June)

& Sundays, 9:00 - 9:45 AM, Parish Hall (September - June) 

The choir, alive and expanding, sings at two services each month and at special services as well. It has a varied repertoire, carefully selected to fit both the service themes and the vocal capabilities of the group. Our choir is always open to new singers; no previous choral experience is necessary. 

Come ready and willing to sing, stretch, have fun meeting other singers, and exploring our UU beliefs embodied through song. We rehearse weekly, and sing in church two Sundays per month. 

Winter Solstice Singing Ritual

This annual service celebrates the longest night and the return of the light in song and spoken word. This beautiful ritual service is written by Julie Forest Middleton and Stasa Morgan-Appell, and directed by Marybeth Hallinan, Director of Music Ministry. Each year, a volunteer church and community-wide choir join hearts and voices to bring it to life. Rehearsals are held during the month of December. If you’d like to participate, marybeth.hallinan [at] uupeterborough.org (reach out to Marybeth). 

Vespers Sound Circle

2nd Wednesdays, 6:30 PM Parish Hall 

 
This mid-week reset occurs monthly, in the Parish Hall. Offering 30 - 40 minutes of peaceful, centering and grounding. Part guided meditation, part toning/chanting coupled with a reflective reading or poem.

Chairs are provided. Some prefer to bring a blanket or cushion to sit on.

• Gather in community for resilience, connection, and healing.
• Settle into your breath and reset the nervous system
• Experience techniques of mindful and intentional relaxation you can practice on your own.                          

Music Soirée

4th Fridays, 600 PM 

The Music Soiree group has resumed meeting on the fourth Friday in the Parish Hall. Mary Seaver, longtime area clarinetist, created this opportunity for the many musicians of our church and community  to play chamber music, socialize, and get to know each other. It is free and open to all area musicians who can read music. It’s a fun opportunity to make music and expand musical experience.

Guest Musicians and Special Music

Guest musicians fill in when our Director of Music Ministry is away from the bench, or are hired to augment our music program. 

Special Music offerings are volunteers who join us to share their gifts on select Sundays. IF you’d like to join us as a guest musician or to offer special music, reach out to themarybeth.hallinan [at] uupeterborough.org ( Director of Music Ministry).