Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church - Unitarian Universalist

As the holidays approach, I encourage all TJMC members to consider contributing to our Christmas music. On Sunday, December 11, the choir is performing in a service dedicated to the special role that music plays in our holiday lives. The TJMC Choir, I remind you, is not an auditioned group. While we do insist on excellence and demand a good deal of time and energy for rehearsals and performance, we are open to singers at all levels.

We admire and appreciate those who come in with choral experience, but do not expect that from everybody. Please give us a try: come to rehearsals on Thursday evenings at 7:15 PM in the Sanctuary, or contact me at deveaux@virginia.edu.

Scott DeVeaux

Acting Music Director

Acting Director of Music, a Part-Time Position

August 2011 thru May 2012

For the

Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church, Unitarian Universalist (TJMC-UU)

Charlottesville, Virginia

http://www.uucharlottesville.org

The TJMC-UU is looking for an Acting Director of Music for the period from August 2011 through May 2012. This position will be part-time (20 hours per week). Duties include overseeing the Music Program in consultation and coordination with the Minister, Worship Committee and the Music Committee, regular choral rehearsals for two Sundays (early and late services) per month, and occasional special music programs.

Qualifications include choral directing experience, organ or piano experience, excellent skills working with diverse groups of people and the ability to present a variety of traditional and non-traditional music. Salary will be based on professional standards and applicants’ qualifications ranging from $18,500 to $20,100 with benefits.

Application Closing Date: July 15, 2011

Contact: Ms. Bev Thierwechter at bevandjim5@comcast.net or

Ph. 434.205.4087

Wow! What a month it has been! The excitement of Rev. Erik Wikstrom and his acceptance has exploded with jubilation!

Last month I wrote an article which asked you many questions about your vision for the music ministry program at TJMC, UU. We had a wonderful discussion at the Worship Council meeting about the importance of music and worship and we also cleared up some misconceptions. I feel honored that people were honest with their thoughts and feelings. I also heard many voices and many unique responses regarding likes and dislikes of the music program. I only wish I could have a conversation with each of you! I try my best by providing a variety of music to have some music at some time that will touch someone. Some people like when I lead the congregational singing. Do you? People spoke openly about hymns and their like or dislike of choices. It has not always been the case that I have control or even input into this. But I would like you to know that I am not in favor of hymns that are chosen purely for their lyrics but which are difficult to sing. To me, it is better to simply read the text than to ask congregants to stumble over the music while trying to understand the meaning of the text. It is an uncomfortable situation for all and achieves nothing. This is not to say that I am against learning new hymns, but there are hymns in both the gray and teal books that are close to impossible to sing. Try numbers 13, 24, 31 and 250 in STLT, and numbers 1019 and 1054 in STJ. The music is wonderful and the lyrics are moving, but I doubt there are many congregations that can sing these songs comfortably.

Hopefully during the two Sundays in April when there was special music for three services, the music assisted you in entering into worship more deeply. Special thanks to Sophie Maus and members of the Virginia Women’s Chorus for their gifts on Sunday, April 10. If you missed this, you may experience clips of this music on the TJMCUUMUSIC YouTube Channel. (I have been advised to let you know that this was volunteer work on my part because I wanted special music for our first service with Erik.) I am especially grateful to the musicians who gave so generously of their musical gifts on Sunday, April 17, during our second Sunday with Erik. Special thanks to Bob Gross, Karl Durland, Mike Dunn, Andrew Gabbert, Paul Fritz, Elizabeth Brightbill, Kelly Farley, Scott DeVeaux and members of the Adult Choir and some students from the Virginia Women’s Chorus. Please support these artists by visiting their websites and/or purchasing their CDs. They give so freely…literally… and we are blessed.

· Bob Gross at www.piedmontchamberplayers.com

· Mike Dunn at www.MuseDunn.com

· Elizabeth Brightbill & Andrew Gabbert at www.TerraVoce.com

· Virginia Women’s Chorus (http://pages.shanti.virginia.edu/vwchorus/ & www.virginiawomenschorus.com)

We are fortunate to have a congregation with many talents and gifts, and I would like to lift up Bill Gardner for the work he has done to create beautiful videos of musical offerings for those who may have missed church that Sunday. He, Rob Craighurst, our primary “Mr. Soundman” and Frank Dukes, who maintains our instruments, are unsung heroes who work quietly and diligently behind the scenes. We appreciate you!

And thank you for bringing in your ink cartridges – it is helpful in so many ways.

KaeRenae Mitchell

Director of Music

I was inspired by Rev. Bates sermon to stir things up a bit and this month I would like to ask you what you would like to have in your music ministry at TJMC.

What do you think of adding some humorous music every so often? We are hoping to surprise you Sunday,      March 27, and then we may know.

Would you like more call and response songs? Would you like participation from our children and youth? Would you like our adult choir (and you) to participate in some community outreach programs?

How would you respond if our adult choir sang about Jesus? I am not implying this would be on a regular basis, but perhaps once in a while. There is some great music written about this remarkable person.

If we had enough resources, would you like to have a “Circle of Friends” Concert Series? Each concert could feature different kinds of music: folk/rock; gospel; classical; children from our church and beyond; chamber music; country; etc. Our first concert with Louisa Wimberger, Wendy Repass, and friends was a great success and we raised almost $600 for the church. I am especially thankful to those two fine musicians and to the ‘Three dUUdes’: Bill Gardner, Mike Ludwick, and Michael Manto; to Mike Dunn and Janet Muse; to Mike Cventanovich and Penny Bowles, and to Liz Lindau – you all made it happen! Much appreciation goes to Bill, who worked the sound for all of us. Thank you, Mr. Soundman. We are glad so many of you could come on such short notice. You were a great audience and we thank you for your support.

Would you like to have a scheduled conversation so we can share visions of the music ministry in our church? Or would you prefer to send me an email or call me? I have many ideas, but they require more resources, including more of my time.

The anticipation of the arrival of our new minister is growing and the adult choir is working on a very special piece of music that we will share Sunday, April 17. We are so excited that we have no words to explain it! You will see and hear for yourself on that Sunday.

I am eagerly waiting to hear from you about your visions for the music ministry at TJMC. What do you see in your crystal ball?

All the best,

KaeRenae Mitchell

Director of Music

Watch a video of the performance of Lyle Lovett’s ”Church” by the TJMC Adult Choir.

Soloists: Bill Gardner, Wendy Repass, Jennifer Peart, & Mike Ludwick.
Accompanist: Scott DeVeaux.
Recorded on 3/27/11 at TJMC UU Memorial Church in Charlottesville, VA.
Audio and Video by Bill Gardner and Michael Cvetanovich.