Summer Music News

Changes and transitions in my life are often difficult for me. I was raised in an academic environment but also, over the years, much of my adult employment has been subject to the school-year calendar. What always affects me the most is the uncertainty that looms with the transition into the summer and back into the fall. Finding a way to fit myself back into the old and the new routines, after the stimulus of the new experiences and travels of the summertime, fills me with a sense of anxiety. What will my life look like now? Will I like the new people that are appearing in my life? Will they like me? Or perhaps, even more importantly, will I like my self?


This summer I had the opportunity to explore a part of my self that makes me happy and makes me feel fulfilled. With the gracious encouragement and support of Rev. Schade, Will Sherwood, the Prudential Committee and the church community, I attended the U.U. Musician’s Network Conference held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (UUCA) for a week.

Over 300 Unitarian-Universalist music leaders gathered. We shared our experiences and expertise as well as talked about our visions of the future. We welcomed newcomers and to reconnected with friends and colleagues. We sang together for hours at a time: reading through new songs, hymns and music for choirs, and new compositions by Unitarian composers. We even read through a wonderful ‘Mass’ composed to express our own Unitarian beliefs, written in Latin, no less.

I was one of fourteen music leaders that arrived two days early, for a specific purpose. We were enrolled in the UUA Music Leadership Credentialing Program. Our course of study consisted of two workshops: Tools and Techniques for Leading A Successful Choral, Ethics and Care, and a lecture entitled “Lyric Theism”. In his talk, the Rev. Robert Hardies outlined his views of the important role that preachers, poets and, yes, musicians must play in shaping a compelling Unitarian Universalist theology. The week in Virginia was inspiring and I look forward to next summer for round two.

Speaking of rounds, on the third Monday of each month, as part of the MNAC programs, we will have multi-generational sing-alongs. The first one, September 19th, will be an evening of singing UU rounds. Subsequent third Mondays will feature other song repertoires such as spirituals, “Sing Out!” folk songs and seasonal caroling. “Come, come whoever you are!” And bring your vocal chords.

We also should recognize the wonderful group of singers and musicians that brought their energy, talent, and enthusiasm to lift up the summer worship services. The following participated in the Court Hill Singers reaching out with spirit, song and love: Cindy Bizzaro, Dave Blodgett, Brenna Ewing, Kris Johnson, Donna Lamura, Marcia Leonard, Kim McCoy, Phil Nigro, Ellen ONeall, Rosel Patton, Susan Peckitt, Deb Veraneau, Linda Wyatt, David Spanagel. Deepest thanks to all of you!

…Jerry Bellows
Music Director for Summer Services