Welcome to Our Music Programs!
Music at WSUU
Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation is committed to a vibrant music program that creates as many opportunities as possible for members, and non members, to develop and share their music skills. If you are a novice or an advanced musician there is a place for you.
Bert Gulhaugen, our music director, is assisted by a host of highly capable volunteers. To get involved, contact Bert and he’ll be happy to talk to you.
FOR SINGERS
The Chorale is our primary Sunday Services ensemble and is open to adults and high school students who have a love of music, the ability to match pitches, sing in tune, willingness to explore a variety of styles of music, and a desire to learn to improve or enhance vocal and musical skills. The Chorale sings for services on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, September through the middle of June, and for special services such as Christmas Eve. Rehearsals are Monday evenings, 7:15 – 9:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.
The Chalice Singers focuses on world and folk/popular music styles and chant. The Chalice Singers is open to adults and high school students with a love of music, the ability to match pitches (sing in tune) and a willingness to explore a variety of styles of music. The Chalice Singers sings for services on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays of the month, September through the middle of June. Rehearsals are Monday evenings, 9:00 – 9:45 in the sanctuary.
The Chamber Choir is an auditioned choir of up to 24 members who prepare a challenging choral literature. The Chamber Choir gives a concert each year and occasionally sings for Sunday services and special services. Rehearsals are the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month, 12:15 – 1:45 year around.
Prelude is our newest ensemble and is for beginners, less experienced singers and those who need help with their vocal technique, singing and ensemble skills. Prelude will sing the prelude for Sunday services every 6 weeks or so but participation in those performances is strictly voluntary. Come when you can, sing as much as you like and learn to sing for your own pleasure or to develop the skill to sing in the Chorale. We’ll get together on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays of each month, 12:15 – 1:15.
INSTRUMENTALISTS
The Musicians Roster is a list of all WSUU musicians who want to participate in Sunday services and special services accompanying hymns or playing/singing preludes and musical offerings. It’s easy to get on the list, just call Bert and talk to him about your ability and experience.
WSUU Drum Circle is open to anyone with a strong interest in traditional West African hand drumming. Members work on a variety of rhythms from many traditions and play for the occasional Sunday service. Rehearsals TBA.
Polkamotive is a polka band. If you play an instrument and love playing lively music, Polkamotive’s director Linda Anderson, will get you in the loop. Polkamotive performs for occasional Sunday services and special events. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings twice a month TBA.
Nzira is a marimba band that performs in the larger community and for the occasional Sunday service. A certain level of skill with music is required and the director, John Britt, is happy to help introduce marimba technique to newcomers. Nzira is not currently accepting new members but if you are interested, watch for the next membership notice. Rehearsals are 1:00 – 2:30 on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month.
Bridgid’s Web is a Celtic ensemble that performs for occasional Sunday services. Bert can direct you to Lisa Maynard or Linda Anderson for more information.
In the works: There is talk of starting, among other ideas, a recorder ensemble. WSUU has enough talented musicians that the possibilities for forming ensembles are nearly endless. Let Bert know your musical interests and he’ll send you in the right direction.
CHALICE PALACE
Sunday Services isn’t the only performance opportunity WSUU musicians. Every 3 months we sponsor an evening of music, poetry, storytelling and fun called Chalice Palace. Chalice Palace is an opportunity for WSUU members to get on stage and share the gift of their talents every three months on the last Friday of the month. Looking forward, other performance opportunities will include formal recitals and informal “musicales” (an opportunity for anyone to practice performing in front of an audience. Everyone who attends is required to perform regardless of their skill level).
FOR YOUTH
We are in the process of building a youth music program so please contact Bert to let him know your level of interest in this valuable opportunity. Possibilities include a children’s choir, a youth ensemble and rock/pop bands.
LEARN TO SING
In the summer Bert will be offering Hymn Singing for Dummies as well as intermediate level and above singing workshops.
Music opportunities abound at WSUU so contact Bert any time to get involved.