Music

Dr. Deirdre McClure, Music Director

Music is the playground of the spiritual soul. At First Parish we recognize that for many, music provides a deeply spiritual experience that cannot be reached by words. We place a high value on music for worship and our services are filled with a rich variety drawn from our many musical traditions.

Throughout First Parish's long history, music has been held in high regard. Our choir is the hallmark of the First Parish music program, while numerous parishioners perform in small groups and solos during our Sunday services. Many invited soloists embellish our worship services during the year.

If you are considering participating in music at First parish, you might consider the following options:

First Parish Choir — Conducted by Dr. Deirdre McClure, this ensemble sings twice monthly in worship services and the Annual Christmas Pageant. Singing can bring you closer to knowing your spiritual self than you thought possible. But besides that – music is fun, a secret that members of the First Parish Choir already know. Have you thought of joining the choir? We would love to add your voice to ours! Rehearsals are held Thursdays 7-9 PM.

Pre-Choir - Geared toward educating singers, this class explores the fundamentals of music, focusing on the the building blocks of harmony and form. Open to all, this group meets on Thursdays before the weekly choir rehearsal.

Children's Choir - This choir explores music from the various UU musical traditions and performs in worship services a number of times every year.

Music Lounge – Unitarian Universalists like to be together, and we are a talented bunch. Every few months, we spend an evening in each other's company singing, playing music, and enjoying the musical offerings we have to present.

We have many opportunities for musicians of all stripes. Please contact Deirdre McClure to discuss how you could become involved in music at First Parish!

Learn more about Deirdre McClure, our Music Director

First Parish also hosts weekly Noonday Concerts put on by the Portland Conservatory of Music.  These are free of charge, and take place on Thursdays at 12:15pm October through Mid-April.  Please see the Portland Conservatory of Music's website for the schedule of performers.  All noonday concerts take place at 425 Congress Street in Portland.