“Where words fail,” said Hans Christian Andersen, “music speaks.” This is especially true in a liberal church, where professions of concept are held up to question. A few years ago, ORUUC hosted a consultant who helped us name the aspiration of music on Sundays that was “excellent and eclectic.” Sure enough, that is just what it is. We resist categories like “traditional” or “contemporary.” Instead, drawing from a wide range of styles and instrumentation, we just make sure it is good.
Perhaps it’s in music that our questions fall silent, that we open to awe. At ORUUC, those who issue the invitation to awe include several musical groups made up of church-members:
The Mighty Choir
We lead worship two Sundays a month by singing a variety of choral music, and also encouraging congregational participation in song. We learn about music and worship and share ours joys and concerns. We also promote UU values in the community by performing at interfaith events, with other area UU congregations, and at local cultural events.
Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 7PM.
The Mighty House Band
We lead worship by playing and singing music with a more contemporary flavor, and encouraging congregational participation in song. Our repertoire includes everything from contemporary arrangements of classic hymns to the latest indie-pop. We promote UU values by performing at interfaith events, at cluster events with other area UU congregations, and at local events such as the Taste of Anderson County and the Lavendar Festival.
Rehearsals take place Wednesday evenings.
Youth Choir
On occasion, church youth of all ages gather to learn a song and share it during a worship service.
Ukulele Group
A group for all ages and abilities, we get together every other Saturday and play ukuleles. We enjoy learning to play, especially as the ukulele is gaining renewed prominence in the musical world.
We are always looking for folks to become a part of our music ministry. If you like to play and/or sing, there are many opportunities for you at ORUUC, from providing special music during worship to performing at one of our coffee house talent shows. If you are interested in participating in one of our musical groups, please contact our Interim Director of Music, Michael Raymond, at MusicDir@oruuc.org. Come check us out; we look forward to hearing from you.