Music at UUCR

Excellent music is a cherished tradition at UUCR that is fully integrated into worship and special programs, offering many music styles and opportunities for UUCR members.

Welcome to our new pianist

On Sunday, September 9, we officially welcomed Sara Shumway to the staff of UUCR as our pianist. Sara is a conservatory-trained musician with experience in a variety of musical styles (including classical, popular, jazz, sacred, and world) and roles. In recent years she has concurrently taught music on several levels (theory, appreciation and private instruction), while also performing and serving as the Director of Music at the Fourth Universalist Society in New York City.

She also brings experience in vocal performance and coaching, and arts administration, including work on behalf of the Brooklyn Philharmonic and the Tanglewood Music Center. She earned her bachelor’s degree in piano (primary) and voice (secondary) at the Eastman School of Music. Sara and her husband, Philip, have just moved to the DC area and we are very excited to have her on board!

Ongoing Programs

Adult Choir: The 35-member adult choir has grown in musical ability and scope of repertoire, and has taken on such challenging pieces as the Fauré Requiem and the Vivaldi Gloria. It also provides a community where the members make friends, deepen their connection to the church and have fun! Our Director of Music is Jennifer Rodgers Beach.

• Rehearses Thursday evenings in fall, winter, and spring
• Sings in the 10:00 a.m. Sunday worship service two or three times per month
• Skilled piano accompanist
• Contact Jennifer Rodgers Beach, Director of Music, for more information.

Childrens Choir: Our primary focus is on music education, with several performance opportunities throughout the year. Children do not have to be able to read or read music to join. Come sing with us!

• Open to children from preschool through 4th grade.
• Contact the coordinator, Barbara Weis for more information.

Youth Ensemble: We want to HAVE FUN singing together, while working on reading music, harmony and technique. We are exploring music from many cultures and styles and encourage all members to bring music to share with the group. We share our music with the congregation every other month. Youth do not need to be able to read music in order to join, but it is helpful.

• Open to young people in 5th through 12th grades
• Contact the coordinator for more information: Sara Shumway

Sonaria: Small womens singing group, open to teen and adult women

• Focuses on the new Singing the Journey UU songbook
• Sings in worship services several times per year
• Contact Karen Malley at for more information

Getting Ready for the Holidays Band: Dust off your instruments and join us playing traditional holiday music in a multi-generational holiday band.

• Instrumentalists perform holiday music each year at the Getting Ready for the Holidays gathering at UUCR.
• Contact coordinator Mike Holmes for more information.

Windenhammer Trio: An established ensemble that features dulcimer, harpsichord and flute.

Talented Pianists, Vocalists and Instrumentalists: Play often in worship services and other events. If you are interested in participating, please contact Jennifer Rodgers Beach.

Music Facilities: Our sanctuary is stunning!

• New sanctuary seats 350; great acoustics for singing; floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides
• Excellent new Kawai 7-foot grand piano maintained in top condition
• Additional smaller worship hall suitable for high-quality recording