For current and upcoming repertoire, rehearsal schedules, Choir Registration Form, and important information for our church musicians, please click here.

Music Ministry Overview

Our Music Ministry offers opportunities for involvement at any age and in varying amounts of time commitment. All groups are under the direction of Susan Bonito, unless otherwise indicated.

Senior Choir: Our Senior Choir is one of the longest continuously active small group ministries at the United Parish of Upton and is directed by Susan Bonito. This talented and dedicated core group of singers leads the congregational singing and offers anthems and service music in a variety of musical styles every Sunday from September to June. The group is open to high school students (with permission from the Music Director) and adults. Rehearsals are held on Sunday mornings at 8:00 a.m. and the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. New singers are welcomed throughout the program year.

Solid Rock: Under the direction of lay-leader Sharon Bliss, this Choir is for youth and teens in 6th – 12th grades. They sing a variety of music in multiple parts and often include instruments. They present anthems and praise responses throughout the program year and occasionally collaborate with the other choirs of the church, especially for special occasions. Solid Rock rehearses on Thursdays at 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. in the Vestry. New singers are welcomed throughout the program year.

Radiance: This choir welcomes children in 2nd through 5th grades. Younger children are accepted if parents accompany them in rehearsals to assist with reading and tracking music and words. Rehearsals incorporate musical games and vocal warm-ups to teach important musical and vocal principals. Singing a wide variety of music in unison and two parts, this group sings for Worship about every 6 weeks and for special occasions. They also present musicals once every year or so to the congregation. Under the direction of Susan Bonito, Radiance rehearses on Thursdays at 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall. New singers are welcomed throughout the program year.

Festival Choir: The Festival Choir is our expanded choir and participates in Worship on holidays and special occasions. Historically, this group has gathered for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Jazz Sunday (Sunday before Lent) and Easter. Singers may select which occasion(s) they wish to sing for and will rehearse for 4 weeks prior to the occasion(s) on Sunday mornings at 8:45 – 9:30 a.m. in Memorial Hall. There may also be an additional dress rehearsal for Christmas and Easter. Participation in the Festival Choir is an especially joyous way to participate in the music ministry of our church on a short-term basis. Instrumentalists are also invited to participate depending on the repertoire selected. instrumentalists are urged to contact Susan Bonito several months in advance of holidays to indicate their interest and availability.

A Cafellas: Our Men’s Ensemble performs several times per program year. Singing both a cappella and accompanied music, they generally sing in close harmony. This group provides male singers with changed voices an opportunity to participate in music ministry with a limited time commitment. This group is currently organized by Brian LeSeur and rehearses on Sunday evenings in the Sanctuary.

Women's Ensemble: This group also performs a couple of times per program year. Historically, the Women’s Ensemble has performed for the Longest Night Service in December. Like the Men’s Ensemble, the women present music with lush harmonies and sing both a cappella and accompanied works. The group is under the direction of Susan Bonito. Additional instruments are occasionally included.

Summer Soloists: Throughout each summer, soloists, and small ensembles offer special music for worship in our intimate “Summer Chapel” located in the Vestry. Singers and instrumentalists are encouraged to sign up in May and June for one or more services during the summer. Rehearsals with our accompanist, Chi-Chi Chin are arranged at mutually convenient times.

Joyful Noise: This Intergenerational choir is for entire families and individuals of any age to come together in fellowship and service through music. This is not an “I can read music and have a great voice and sing perfectly in tune” kind of choir. It is more of an “I love music and think it would be fun to sing with family and friends and would like to add some depth to my worship experience while serving my church” kind of choir.

Music Contact: Susan Bonito, Music Director: msbonito@mac.com

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