Music and Choir
The First U Choir sings Ēriks Ešenvalds’ “Only in Sleep”
Music at First Unitarian
Music at First Unitarian Church is built on the diversity of our community and the belief that music is a deeply spiritual, and deeply human practice. We celebrate the beauty of our unique experiences and our shared ones. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, an avid student of any age, or an appreciative listener, you are welcome here.
Contact Director of Music Adam O’Dell at music@firstuchicago.org for more information about any of our programs!
First Unitarian Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir is a non-auditioned mixed voice choir. This 25-plus member ensemble sings for service twice a month, and for various special services.
We sing a variety of genres, from classical to spirituals, jazz to pop, and everywhere in between! The Chancel Choir serves not only as an opportunity for spiritual growth, but also as an educational opportunity for our participating members. We learn fundamentals of choral singing, deep breathing, kinesthetics, and choral music history. We also have four professional section leaders who bolster each section of the choir, so you can focus on learning in a low stress environment. If you’ve always wanted to sing, but haven’t had the opportunity to learn, this is the perfect place to get started!
Rehearsals are held in Hull Chapel every Thursday night from 7:00-9:00 p.m. New members are always welcome!
The First U Band
First U Band – “Message in a Bottle” by The Police
The First U Band is a flexible roster of singers and instrumentalists who perform for worship once a month. We perform a variety of music from UU hymnody to R&B, jazz, rock, and pop. If you sing or play an instrument (or both!) and would like to join, come to one of our open jams on Tuesdays from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Music Room.
The Music at First U Concert Series
We host a variety of musical performers for a Friday night concert series 6-8 times per year. Recent performers include the Afro jazz trio The Book of Timothy, Georgian choir and folk dancing group Zedashe, classical mezzo-soprano Megan Ihnen, and Soul/Folk artist Lea Morris. For information on our upcoming concerts, check out our Eventbrite page.
Chamber Choir
In addition to their participation in the Chancel Choir, our professional section leaders also form the Chamber Choir. This small group of professional singers enriches the musical offerings during Sunday services where the Chancel Choir does not sing, focusing on more virtuosic repertoire, and further enriching the range of genres offered in the musical elements of our worship.
Music as Spiritual Practice
Adam O’Dell – “I Don’t Sing” and Other Myths
Making music and experiencing music are aesthetic and spiritual practices. Singing together unites us, comforts, strengthens, renews, and transforms. For us, it’s not a decoration, or a break, or even a performance—it’s an integral part of the Sunday service. Whether singing or soaking it in, the experience of music changes how we are in the world. We gather not just to make a beautiful sound, but to experience music as a channel for our shared growth as people. Music is community: individuals joining together to make something bigger than any one person could on their own.