Opportunities to make music at First Parish Church are abundant and varied. From bagpipes to African drums to solo singers, we strive to make full use of the wealth of musical talent within the FPC congregation. Making music is a unique and rewarding experience, and a generous gesture that is deeply appreciated by the community.
Services are enhanced by the contributions of our choral and instrumental ensembles. Soloists and instrumentalists are also warmly encouraged to contribute their talents to worship services. Less formal music-making opportunities are offered throughout the year, such as Christmas caroling, Family Music Night, winter jam sessions, and a campfire sing-along on the annual retreat.
All are welcome—no experience necessary!
FPC Choir
Rehearsals:
Thursday, 7:15–9:15 pm, Fellowship Hall
Sunday, 9:00–9:45 am, Sanctuary
Chris Hossfeld, Music Director
The FPC Choir performs music of all genres from Renaissance motets to spirituals and folk songs, representing a variety of languages and cultures. The choir sings at Sunday morning services from September through June and welcomes new members throughout the year. Weekly rehearsals are a fun and uplifting time to sing together.
You can give the choir a try for one of our services, including a holdiay vespers, Christmas Eve, a music Sunday in the spring, or one of our monthly Open Choir Sundays. No previous experience is necessary! Youth are welcome in the FPC Choir and children of all ages are invited to sing at special services throughout the year. If you have any questions about singing at FPC, please be in touch with our music director, Chris Hossfeld.
Instrumentalists
Singers and instrumentalists are invited to perform at Sunday morning and special services. We have opportunities for all levels, musical genres, and playing styles! Contact Chris Hossfeld for more information.
Parish Jazz Band
2nd and 4th Mondays, 7:30 pm, Sanctuary
Michael Paladini, Musical Director
Each year the Parish Jazz Band plays during several Church services as well as at events in the greater community. The group concentrates on jazz classics, bebop, and modal jazz. Currently, the band includes nine regular members, but the ensemble welcomes guest musicians and vocalists from First Parish, including and especially our youth. Bi-weekly monthly rehearsals are occasionally supplemented by additional practice sessions, scheduled by the Musical Director. Any parishioner interested in sitting in with the band should contact Michael Paladini, Musical Director, at 508-633-3673.
Monthly Ukulele Meetup
3rd Wednesdays, 7:00 pm, Community Room
Pat Sorn and Sue Stewart, Coordinators
FPC hosts monthly ukulele gatherings for Ukulele players wanting to practice with other players. Uke lovers of all levels (including beginners!) are welcome to come and play, sing, and share music with the group. We have extra ukes for anyone who'd like to try them out, or just come and sing along! Contact Pat or Sue for more information and/or check the calendar for the next session.
DrUUm & Dance Circle
On hiatus until fall 2025
Jim Flavin and Nan Rogers, Faciliitators
All are welcome at the drUUm-&-dance circle, a joint project of the FPC with the Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson (UCMH). Bring your joy and your open heart us for an evening of hand drumming and dancing. Experienced drummers/dancers Jim Flavin and Nan Rogers will facillitate experimentation with various types of instruments and sustained rhythm sessions. Gathering in sacred and healing community can lower stress levels, plug into the energy, and raise some good vibes! Drummers and dancers of all abilities are welcome; please bring your own drums, and there will be a few drums and other percussion instruments available to borrow. The drUUm-&-dance circle is currently on hiatus and will resume in the fall at UCMH.
