Music

A Church of Music

Music is an integral part of our weekly worship. Each week a variety of music is offered in the virtual service and at the Outdoor in-person Sunday Service.  

Choir This Month

“FebFest” IS COMING!

     For several years, United Church has joined with
Albuquerque’s Coro Lux to offer a midwinter choral
festival over the January Martin Luther King weekend.
The two-day “JanFest” included workshops on choral
technique, lectures, and rehearsals, culminating in a
concert with a free-will, charitable offering. As JanFest
evolved, it took on the character of emphasizing the
music of African Americans and the intertwined topics
of racism and social justice.
     We plan to continue these offerings in 2022 but
have moved the festival to February and renamed it
“FebFest.” This year I’m delighted our special guest is
Rosephanye Powell, an internationally recognized
composer, conductor, vocal soloist, and educator. Her
works are sung by the top choruses in the country. As
a conductor she’s led festivals around the globe. As a
professional singer, she’s an expert in the Spiritual
tradition. And as an educator she’s Professor of Voice
at Auburn University. To learn more about Dr. Powell,
go to rosephanyepowell.com.
     FebFest takes place at United Church of Santa Fe,
Saturday and Sunday (Feb. 19 & 20, 2022). The event
is open to all on first-come/first-served basis. For
info, contact me or Pastor Talitha Arnold or go to
abqcorolux.org.

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                                        Bradley Ellingboe

                                       Director of Choirs

Music This Month

Music… will help dissolve your perplexities and purify
your character and sensibilities, and in time of care and
sorrow, will keep a fountain of joy alive in you.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, German Lutheran Pastor and Theologian

     I sit down to write this newsletter column, still enjoying the memory of today’s “Fiesta of Song,” organized by Director of Choirs (and bass) Bradley Ellingboe and Talitha Arnold, with Choral Scholars Jonathan Davidson and Rebecca Brunette; and Kathleen Wilson, subbing for Gabby Dietrich. Besides their wonderful 4-part singing, there were the voices of all of you, as we sang our way through this service!
     This was one of those Sundays, and there are
many, where I feel blessed by the music-making we
do at United. It’s one way I think we’ve made it
through the last 18 months, and will continue to be so
in the months to come.
     Although we said goodbye to Jonathan, whose fulltime
work commitments necessitate stepping back from
his United role, we welcome Steve Kerchoff, new bass,
and Curtis Storm, new tenor.
     Our combined outdoor Choir continues to sing (in
various configurations) for Sunday services through October. Come and join in the music!

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                               Dr. Jacquelyn Helin

                             Music Director/Pianist

As People of faith, we’re called to “make a joyful noise,” and we try our best to do just that at United. Reach out to our music staff, and join in!

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If you play an instrument, whatever your age, then please let Music Director Jacquelyn Helin know (unitedchurch.jacquelyn@gmail.com). Music at United is played not only on the Steinway Piano in the Sanctuary, but also on drums, violins, guitars, trumpets, and lots of other instruments, too.