Music Program
  Matt Johnsen
Director, Music Program 		 
     
  Mission of the Music Program  
 
   
  The music program at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester strives to present music of a variety of styles which is both inspiring and well-performed. Recognizing that excellent music comes in different packages, in our services, we explore a range of music from classical to contemporary, from contemplative to celebratory, sacred and secular, including music from different cultures and religious traditions. We work closely with service leaders to integrate the music into the overall theme of each service.

During the year, there are also special musical opportunities for musicians and non-musicians. These include evenings to explore the UU hymnbooks, to hear concerts, to participate in vocal workshops and other workshops to develop new skills. If you are a musician, and would like to offer of your talents or participate, please contact Matt Johnsen at 508-494-2522 or musicdirector@uucworcester.org.
   
  Choir  
     
 
  Our choir is a source of joy and inspiration. We sing twice a month, and for special services, such as Thanksgiving, Vespers and Easter. In addition to learning and performing a range of music, once or twice a year, we present special musical services which feature selections which are longer are more challenging during the service.

You don't have to audition to join the choir, and all members and friends are welcome. We welcome people of all ages and at a range of skill levels.

Choir rehearsals: We rehearse before church (at 9:15 a.m.) during the weeks that we participate in the service, and after (at 12:00 p.m.) on days that we have not performed. In addition, this year, we will rehearse one weekday evening rehearsal once a month, generally Monday nights at 7 p.m. Rehearsal and performance schedules are available at the beginning of the year to let members plan their schedules.
   
  How can I become a member?  
 
 
If you are a singer or play an instrument, we would love to talk with you about lending us your talents. For singers, joining the choir, or performing solos or in smaller groups can certainly be accommodated in our services. Even if you can't join us singing regularly, we would love to include you for special music Sundays. For instrumentalists, let us know whether you'd be open to either performing solos, or playing in a small group. During one or two special Sundays, we hope to our choir will be accompanied by a small orchestra. Contact Matt Johnsen (508-494-2522) or musicdirector@uucworcester.org.
   
  Meet the Music Director  
 
 
Matthew Johnsen, Ph.D. has directed the music program at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester since 2005. Matt also directs a 16-member Worcester-based choral ensemble known as Master Singers To Go, which completed its first New England Tour in August 2006. He received undergraduate training in music at Dartmouth College and Vienna, Austria and graduate training in music at Peabody Conservatory and Brandeis University. He has over three decades of experience as a church musician in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Maryland. He has almost two decades of choral experience, singing with the Raleigh Oratorio Society (currently known as North Carolina Masterworks Chorale), Columbia Pro Cantare in Columbia MD, and locally with Master Singers of Worcester, the Wesley Festival Singers and Central Mass Onstage.

He is also an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at University of Massachusetts Medical School and an Adjunct Professor of Psychology and Sociology at Nichols College.

Link to my musical resume and the Master Singer To Go.
   
  Get To Know Us  
 
   
  The best way is to come, see, think, and explore with us.  A warm welcome awaits you.
 
 
Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester, 90 Holden St., Worcester, MA  01606 * Office: 508-853-1942 * Email Church Office * Privacy