While our music programs typically take a break during the summer, this summer has been different.
There have been a lot of amazing music-related things happening both visibly, and in the background that we’d love to catch you up on…
BENJAMIN HANSON PREPARES FOR HIS FUTURE
Earlier this year, we shared that our Music Director, Benjamin Hanson, decided to take some personal leave to reflect and evaluate his priorities. After his time away, Benjamin confirmed that he is not interested in a full-time music director position, and so will not be returning in any permanent capacity with us. Instead, he wants to pursue other opportunities, including additional higher education, that better fit his skills and passions.
We are excited to announce, however, that Benjamin will join us to provide music leadership during much of September while we finish up our search for his replacement. This will allow us to have a few extra weeks to process the transition and prepare for what’s next. Benjamin will be leading music on most Sundays in September, starting September 8th and through September 29th!
On September 29th, we will have a celebration after the service for those who wish to recognize his contributions and wish him well. More details to come.
Benjamin will also be leading choir rehearsals on most of the Wednesdays during September, ensuring that the choir will be able to stay consistent through the fall.
MUSIC THROUGH THE TRANSITION
We have been so lucky to have had Sophia Miller, our Summer Musician-in-Residence to anchor our music ministries since her arrival in late June. Through her creative leadership on Sundays, energizing open calls for singing on Wednesday evenings, and her generous collaboration with staff and lay leaders, Sophia has brought amazing energy to our music programs since she arrived at the end of June. We are grateful that she will remain in this role through September 5th, including a gathering with the choir on Wednesday the 4th.
Sophia came to our congregation after working with Adam Podd, a talented musician, composer, arranger, and pianist who serves as the Director of Music for First Unitarian Society of Brooklyn. We are delighted to share that Adam, who also arranged our commissioned musical piece (Spirit of Truth) for the Ribbon Cutting, will be joining Sophia in song leadership and to offer singing workshops and musical opportunities in the first half of August.
Please be sure to join Adam and Sophia on August 17th for singing and community building, and on both Sunday, August 11th (at 10 am) and Sunday, August 18th when we return to our two service schedule, now at 9 and 11 am.
MUSIC DIRECTOR POSITION POSTING & HIRING
In late June, we advertised our position of Music Director on several UUA and music-specific forums, and have received many qualified applications. We have put together a small team of members and staff who will be helping to make our selection: Juley Sobson, Katie Stieber, Cheryl Hazlitt, Neil DiMont, Hsin Hsuan Lin, Rev. Sean, and myself.
We hope to have 1-2 candidates who will join us for a Sunday in September, and who will meet with the choir and other parts of our congregation to get a chance to provide feedback as well. We hope to have an offer to our selected candidate by the end of September, and a new staff person in place no later than mid-October.
Not only do you get to sing in a community with amazing choir directors and accompanists, but you will also have a chance to meet directly with our potential future music director candidate(s). We’ll meet on August 7th to prepare for Water Communion, and all Wednesdays in September – all are welcome, more info and sign up HERE!