[Choir] Music at UCM -next steps

[Kellie Hart]

Hi All: Thanks to so many of you for participating in the conversation
during choir last Thursday with Joan.  And it was good to see some new
faces (new to me, anyway!).

I just wanted to follow up with a few things.  One, is that the Music
History project is moving forward with Beth Damon and Paula Gills helping
me.  This is going to be a fun and exciting project, culminating with a
video presentation at a "virtual Zoom reception" after our all-music
service on May 23rd.  We would love it if you all would start looking for
old recordings, pictures, and music programs you might have tucked away,
that you could share with us.

Two, my contract as Interim Music Director goes through the end of June and
I hope to be able to travel to Vermont for the first two weeks in June to
lead some fun, out-door singing activities for you all and the broader
church community.  At least, that is the tentative plan if things continue
in a positive direction with the pandemic.

Three, the Executive Team is working on a process to hire an Acting Music
Director for this next church year.  This Acting Music Director would be
eligible to apply for the permanent Music Director position for the
following church year, if he or she is interested in doing so.  Although
the Exec Team is still working out the details and timing of a hiring
process, there will be opportunities for choir members to weigh in with
their ideas and input. It was certainly good to hear various opinions
expressed at last week's choir rehearsal, but do keep in mind that the
active phase of a hiring process hasn't even begun yet.

Four, there is still good "interim work" to be done!  One of the reasons I
was hired was because of my specialized training in interim work for UU
professionals, which involves skills in change and transition, and even
grief work.  I also have broad experience with UU congregations across the
country and know that as churches grow and music programs evolve, often
there is confusion and even anxiety around how decisions are made, and what
good process entails.  It is a positive sign that people have strong
opinions about choir and music programs, as music is such an important part
of congregational life and particularly worship.  Opinions mean passion and
that people care, and that is so important!  And I don't believe we need to
be overly worried when we disagree.  If we remind ourselves that change and
transition also mean opportunities to learn, grow, and to celebrate the
rich musical heritage of UCM, that is a wonderful thing!  The choir as well
as the congregation will have opportunities to continue to express their
thoughts and concerns, and as the process evolves, we'll let you know what
next steps are.

Lastly, Lani Seifert has put together a great survey that will ask some
good questions about what you all might like to be doing for choir
activities this summer, and how your experience has been with "virtual
choir."  I hope you will take time to fill it out, as it will help inform
what kind of activities and musical leadership at UCM might be needed for
this summer and beyond.

Thanks again for your involvement in choir and music at UCM.  I look
forward to our work together in the next few months and setting the stage
for the wonderful music many of you will continue to help provide at UCM in
the years ahead!  Please feel free to contact me or  Executive Team members
if you have any questions or concerns as this process unfolds.

Warmly, Kellie
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