Progress in the Music Department…

I have been working on a few “long term” things for music during September. The first one is to carefully put together a couple of small groups that feel safe singing together. I’d like a women’s trio and a mixed group working up some pieces to perform for you this fall to help fill the gap that our absent choir leaves. These groups would rehearse on Thursdays in the same time slot that is reserved for the choir now.

I have been researching pieces for these groups online. I’d like to do this for at least three hours at a time to get a good sense of comparison between all the pieces. We don’t fit well into the usual categories that music publishers and distributors use to break down their inventory. As you might imagine, the usual “church music” section does not usually have what we need. The other place I look is the “school music” section, but that, too, only fits occasionally. But I do find things eventually—some of them quite good. It just takes time.

The other big project on my plate is looking for a permanent pianist. I have spent ample time taking a hard look at what we need a pianist to do and the skill sets required to get that work done. Spokane has several universities with music departments and there is a music school just down the street. I also have a couple of people in mind that have high level skills and might be available for the job. Rest assured that whoever is hired will be required to be vaccinated and masked while we are still in the pandemic. 

A note for those of you who enjoyed Susan Jane Hall’s performance on Sunday, September 19: I have available a beautiful, soothing CD that Susan made a couple of years ago and the price is very reasonable—$10.00!!  Please email, call or see me on Sunday if you’d like a copy.

Deb Jacquemin

UUCS Music Director