First Parish offers a number of opportunities to participate in our music program, which is a core part of worship and community at First Parish. Contact Interim Music Director, Daniel Parsley at musicdirector@firstparish.info with questions.
Adult Choir (grades 8-adult)
Our SATB Choir (grades 8-adult) is our most active music ensemble, performing on most Sundays September – June during the regular church year. We perform anywhere from unison to 4 part music and rehearse on selected Thursdays 7:00-8:15pm and a Sunday warm up 9:00-9:25 am. There are two dedicated Music Sundays a year in November and March, featuring larger and more challenging selections with instrumentalists.
We perform a variety of sacred and secular music by classical and contemporary composers, as well as folk tunes, spirituals, and music from underconsulted, diverse cultures. First Parish will also offer occasional opportunities to sing as an intergenerational choir requiring a smaller amount of rehearsal time.
If interested, please contact Daniel Parsley at musicdirector@firstparish.info.
Handbell Choir (all ages)
This lay led group performs for occasional services throughout the church year using First Parish’s three octave hand chime set. Rehearsals are weekly. The handbell choir is open to all who are capable of sustained attention to rehearsal for an hour. Ability to read music is not required, but is helpful. Contact ringers@firstparish.info for more information.
C Winds (high school – adult)
C Winds is a flute ensemble for intermediate to advanced level flutists with good music reading skills, intonation and tone. They play on services 2-3 times a year, occasionally accompanied by piano, cello or bass. This is a lay-led ensemble; rehearsals are held by consensus prior to a scheduled service. Contact music@firstparish.info for more information.
Instrumental opportunities
New instrumentalists are welcome throughout the year to perform both solos and/or chamber music during worship services. Please contact our Music Director if you are interested in volunteering a service with instrumental music.
If you currently play a symphonic instrument that we should be aware of for future reference, please connect with us by email.
Email our Music Director at musicdirector@firstparish.info.
Summer Service Musicians
Would you like to share your musical talents this summer? Each summer, volunteers at First Parish community lead summer services in spoken words, prayer and music. Summer services are Father’s Day to Labor Day and you’re welcome to create worship at First Parish with your fellow lay-leaders. Responsibilities include musical interludes, hymns and selections that compliment the theme of the day. Music can take form in either piano, guitar, small instrumental ensembles and vocal groups. Please contact music@firstparish.info if you’d like to volunteer and share your craft with the congregation.
Grace Notes (inactive as of 2024)
Grace Notes singers offer their gift of song to First Parish UU of Arlington parishioners within the framework of First Parish Lay Ministry. Grace Notes singers need to be able to read music with good fluency and to be comfortable with singing alone on a part with accuracy. It also helps to be familiar with a variety of musical styles and eras since Grace Notes tries to honor special requests for particular favorite hymns or songs when possible. Rehearsals are held once a month on the 4th Wednesday from 7:30-8:30pm. Contact gracenotes@firstparish.info.