Join us!
First UU supports four vocal ensembles; the Chalice Choir, our Women's Choir, the JUUL Tones, and South Bay Singers. Please get in touch with any questions or for information about joining one or more of our groups. Some of our community members participate in three or four different ensembles!
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 Tomas Acosta at [email protected]. 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 at [email protected].
JUUL Tones
JUUL Tones is a small a cappella vocal ensemble (that is, music sung without instrumental accompaniment) that emerged out of a highly successful 2004 Looking Glass Theatre production of “A Christmas Carol.” The JUUL Tones sing in a variety of styles including hymns, pop, doo-wop, barbershop, gospel, ballads, folk, and contemporary music. The JUUL Tones rehearse weekly on Sundays at our Hillcrest campus, and sing regularly at Sunday worship services, special church events, and other community functions. Members have a wide range of musical backgrounds, but they must be able to sing in four- to eight-part harmony and demonstrate commitment to attending rehearsals, practicing individually, and improving their musicianship in the ensemble. For more information or questions about joining the ensemble, contact JUUL Tones founding director Andrea Spiero at [email protected].
South Bay Singers
The South Bay Singers is a multicultural and multigenerational ensemble of highly spirited and enthusiastic singers, often accompanied by talented local musicians on guitar, ukulele, keyboard, bass, drums, and more. Our repertoire is eccentric and inspiring, ranging from traditional to contemporary songs from all over the world, including Latin American folk music, American blues and folk music, Native American chants, African American Spirituals, and more. The South Bay Singers rehearse weekly on Sunday mornings at 11:15am at our South Bay campus, and sing occasionally at our South Bay worship services. For more info about the South Bay Singers, please reach out to First UU Choir director Tomas Acosta at [email protected].
