Music Ministry
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At First UU San Diego, we know music to be a transmitter of culture and tradition, a way of knowing, a way of expressing, and a way of connecting both with others and with the deeper realities of our own lives. Music teaches us, inspires us, challenges us, and transforms our realities. The music ministry team at FUUSD strives to explore, collaborate, uplift, transform, and be transformed through and by the music we make individually, in groups large and small, and with the whole community. We strive to create opportunities for all to explore and participate to the breadth of their abilities and comfort. We invite members and friends of First UU San Diego, as well as musicians from the wider community, to contribute their talents to expand the scope and depth of our music making, community life, and worship experience.
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First UU Music Groups
Chalice Choir
The Chalice Choir is First UU's mixed-voice community choir, open to Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, and Basses of all gender identities and expressions. If you like to sing and are looking for a choir, Chalice Choir could be the place for you. Chalice Choir rehearses weekly on Wednesday evenings, from 7-8:30pm in Bard Hall, and performs regularly (about every third week) at Sunday worship services. If you're interested in joining the Chalice Choir or would like more information, please email First UU Choir director Tomás Acosta. While Chalice Choir is a non-auditioned group, choir members are expected to be able to match pitch, to hold their part (with other members of their section) within the context of four- or more-part choral music, and to demonstrate their commitment to attending weekly rehearsals.
The Chalice Choir is First UU's mixed-voice community choir, open to Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, and Basses of all gender identities and expressions. If you like to sing and are looking for a choir, Chalice Choir could be the place for you. Chalice Choir rehearses weekly on Wednesday evenings, from 7-8:30pm in Bard Hall, and performs regularly (about every third week) at Sunday worship services. If you're interested in joining the Chalice Choir or would like more information, please email First UU Choir director Tomás Acosta. While Chalice Choir is a non-auditioned group, choir members are expected to be able to match pitch, to hold their part (with other members of their section) within the context of four- or more-part choral music, and to demonstrate their commitment to attending weekly rehearsals.
Women's Choir
Formed in the 2000s as a safe space for women to gather and share songs and stories, our Women's Choir is a beloved group within our larger church community. The Women's Choir rehearses weekly on Monday evenings, from 7-8:30pm in Bard Hall, and performs occasionally at Sunday worship services and other community events. The Women's Choir also performs at fundraisers and has generated donations for Women's Empowerment International and other nonprofit organizations. This ensemble is open to women of all voice types, and sopranos and altos (treble voices) of all gender identities and expressions. It includes a wide range of skill levels from absolute beginner to women who have been singing for decades. For more information, contact First UU Choir director Tomas Acosta.
Formed in the 2000s as a safe space for women to gather and share songs and stories, our Women's Choir is a beloved group within our larger church community. The Women's Choir rehearses weekly on Monday evenings, from 7-8:30pm in Bard Hall, and performs occasionally at Sunday worship services and other community events. The Women's Choir also performs at fundraisers and has generated donations for Women's Empowerment International and other nonprofit organizations. This ensemble is open to women of all voice types, and sopranos and altos (treble voices) of all gender identities and expressions. It includes a wide range of skill levels from absolute beginner to women who have been singing for decades. For more information, contact First UU Choir director Tomas Acosta.
Las Campanas Handbell Ensemble
Ringing traditional compositions and innovative new works
Spanish for "The Bells,” First UU’s founding handbell ensemble, Las Campanas, was formed in 2005 by then Music Director Ken Herman. Currently under the direction of Tony Bianca, Las Campanas focuses on musicianship and the high-quality performance of original handbell literature. Growing together as musicians and contributing their collective voice to the Church’s music program are important to the members of this ensemble. Our handbells ring at Sunday services, church programs and community events using 4 octaves of Malmark handbells and 3 octaves of Malmark choirchimes. Rehearsals take place weekly on Mondays from 5:30-7pm in the Meeting House from September through June, with occasional opportunities for small ensemble and solo work throughout the year.
Participation in the handbell ensemble is open to all members and friends of the congregation who are interested and are able to commit to rehearsals and performances. The ability to read music is helpful, but not mandatory. Coaching is available to those new to handbells and/or reading music, and we strive to meet to each individual's skill and ability.
Ringing traditional compositions and innovative new works
Spanish for "The Bells,” First UU’s founding handbell ensemble, Las Campanas, was formed in 2005 by then Music Director Ken Herman. Currently under the direction of Tony Bianca, Las Campanas focuses on musicianship and the high-quality performance of original handbell literature. Growing together as musicians and contributing their collective voice to the Church’s music program are important to the members of this ensemble. Our handbells ring at Sunday services, church programs and community events using 4 octaves of Malmark handbells and 3 octaves of Malmark choirchimes. Rehearsals take place weekly on Mondays from 5:30-7pm in the Meeting House from September through June, with occasional opportunities for small ensemble and solo work throughout the year.
Participation in the handbell ensemble is open to all members and friends of the congregation who are interested and are able to commit to rehearsals and performances. The ability to read music is helpful, but not mandatory. Coaching is available to those new to handbells and/or reading music, and we strive to meet to each individual's skill and ability.
You are invited to join us!
Do you have musical gifts to share with our congregation? Our ensembles offer many ways for you to develop your musical skills, learn to work “in harmony” with others, and create a little more beauty in the world. We have programs for just about every age and skill level. You are also invited to share your talents as a soloist, or with a group you make music with outside of First UU. For general inquiries about our music ministry and programs, or to discuss how you might become involved in making music at our congregation, please be in touch with First UU Choir director, Tomás Acosta or Handbell director, Tony Bianca.
