Music Notes
Easter this year seemed like a real resurrection for those of us in the music programs. “Love Is Come Again” sung by our section leaders began the service. Sara Lieberman, choir member, offered to resurrect her skills in playing trumpet for the choir piece! (Who knew she even had that skill?) And she did a great job punctuating the John Rutter piece, “Christ the Lord Is Risen Again”, conducted by Aimee Backus. For Communion, Aimee Backus and I played flute and piano duo Gaubert’s “Madrigal”. Congregation hymns accompanied by organ and flute led the traditional Easter hymns! The United Ringers handbell choir, directed by Austin Shadduck, uniquely ended the service with “Festive Celebration”. It felt very “normal” but new, and many people, including children, participated, all wearing masks and respecting our health guidelines... but it all felt joyful! AND what has become the new norm, masking and social distancing was respected and observed.
As we adjust to this rhythm of caution, we still feel the beauty of making music. That is the constant. We are all more flexible, more forgiving, more creative and inventive to adjust to fluctuating numbers, masks, and respecting science in our choirs and worship. It is a gift to be together and we hope you all will join in person or on YouTube. Better yet, if you have the desire and time, join a choir! Play an instrument? Volunteers, Margaret Davis (violin) and Lana Ogden (recorder) often enhance our hymns or choir anthems. Speak to one of us in the music program. We will find a place to include you! Or just come and sing the hymns! We are changed, but we still make music!
Peace,
Rebecca Mebert, Music Coordinator, Accompanist
PS: Farewell to Aaron Whitney, who very generously gave of his time in both bell and voice choirs. Your move to Florida leaves us missing you!! Literally! Stay Well!
On April 22, the Binghamton chapter of the American Guild of Organists, in collaboration with UPC, hosted organist Mark Laubach in A Bicentennial Celebration — César Franck. The concert, played on our 1996 IV/50 Guilbault-Thérien organ, included two of the three Chorals, and two selections each from the Trois Pièces and Six Pièces of Franck, and two pieces by Franck’s contemporaries. Laubach, represented by Concert Artist Cooperative, is the Organist and Choirmaster at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, the Pro-Cathedral of the Diocese of Bethlehem, in Wilkes-Barre, PA. In commemoration of Franck’s bicentennial year, Laubach will perform the complete organ works of Franck in a series of three concerts (November 4, 7:30pm; November 13, 4:00pm; November 20, 4:00pm) at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
In-person Choir Rehearsals
Our choirs have resumed with in-person rehearsals. All participants must be masked and must present their COVID vaccination cards, which will be scanned and kept on file.
UPC vocal choir, Wednesdays, 6:30–7:30pm in the Library Lounge
Newcomers (fully vaccinated) are welcome as always!
United Ringers handbell choir, Sundays, 11:30am–12:30pm in the Sanctuary
If you’re interested in learning how to play handbells, please inquire. If you can count to 4, you can learn to play!
